Banyan 5 Light E14 Pendant Light 45cm - Matt Black

Five arms curve up and outward from a central stem, each finishing in an open E14 lampholder with no shade above it, so the candle lamps you choose are on full view and do much of the decorating. Across the arms it spans 45cm, which is generous enough to read as a proper centrepiece without crowding a small room. The drop is set by a chain, and the fitting can sit tucked close to the ceiling or hang well down over a table.

We reach for this one where a room wants a little airiness overhead rather than a solid block of shade: above a dining table, over a kitchen island, or in a hallway with height to spare. It suits period rooms and plainer modern ones equally, since the shape is drawn from the classic multi-arm chandelier but stripped back to its bones. Fit dimmable lamps and a compatible dimmer, and you can take it from bright working light down to something much quieter for the evening.

The frame is finished in matt black from the ceiling cup to the last lampholder, a soft, low-sheen black that hides fingerprints and keeps the arms reading as fine lines against a pale ceiling. To clean it, turn the light off at the wall and let everything go properly cold, then run a dry duster along the arms and around each holder; nothing damp and no sprays near the lampholders. It carries a one year warranty. Being an open fitting for dry indoor rooms, it is happiest away from bathrooms and anywhere with steam. Clear candle lamps give the most sparkle here, while opal ones calm the whole thing down considerably, and swapping between the two is the easiest way to change its character. Lamps are not included.

We supply it with a 1.5m chain.

What lamps do I need for it?

It takes five E14 lamps rated up to 20W each. Candle shaped LED lamps (C35) suit it best, and lamps are not supplied with the pendant.

Can I put it on a dimmer?

Yes, provided the lamps you fit are dimmable ones. A dimmer switch is not included, so you will need one that is compatible with the lamps you choose.

How far does it hang down?

The drop runs from 340mm at its shortest to 1800mm at its longest, and the body itself is 220mm high.

What size table does it suit?

At 450mm in diameter it looks right over a round or square table of roughly 90cm to 120cm, hung so the lamps clear eye level when you are seated.

Is it suitable for a bathroom or a covered porch?

No. It is rated IP20, which means dry interior rooms only, so a bathroom, utility with heavy steam or any outdoor spot is out.

How should I clean the matt black finish?

A soft dry cloth is all it needs, with the power off and the lamps cool. Avoid polishes, solvents and damp cloths, as these can dull a matt surface.