Cawdor E27 Pendant Light 18cm Opal - Black Chrome

A kite of glass hangs from a slim black chrome fitting here, the metal dark and quietly warm rather than bright. The glass is clear with opal at its centre, so the shape of the lamp shows through without the full glare of it. At 18cm across this is a small light, and the suspension can be set anywhere between 40cm and 1.77m, which means it can sit low over a worktop or hang well down into a stairwell opening.

Pendants this size do their best work in a run or in a tight spot. We reach for it above a kitchen island, over a small dining table, or beside a bed where a lamp would take up the whole of the table top. Hallways and landings suit it as well, particularly where a wider shade would feel heavy. It takes an E27 lamp, and an LED GLS, squirrel cage or slim tubular all look right behind clear glass. With a dimmable lamp and a compatible dimmer, the level can be brought down for the evening.

Glass and plated metal are all there is to it, so upkeep stays light: a dry cloth over the glass when it dulls, and the same across the black chrome, keeping polishes and anything abrasive away from the plating. It carries a two year warranty. Lamps are not included. The wider Cawdor range runs to flush fittings in finishes from antique brass and antique copper through to satin nickel, pewter and matt white, with wine, globe and jar glass shapes among them, so a low hall ceiling and a kitchen pendant can be kept in the same family without matching exactly.

What are the dimensions and how far does it hang?

The glass measures 180mm in diameter. Drop is adjustable from a minimum of 400mm to a maximum of 1770mm, and the fitting weighs 0.89kg.

Which lamp should I use?

An E27 lamp up to 20W. LED versions of the GLS A60, ST64 and the tubular T185 and T45 shapes all suit the clear glass. Lamps are supplied separately.

Can it be dimmed?

Yes, provided you fit a dimmable lamp and pair it with a compatible dimmer switch. Neither the lamp nor the dimmer is included.

Is it suitable for a bathroom?

No. It is rated IP20, which means dry rooms only, so keep it away from bathroom zones and anywhere exposed to steam or splashing.

How do I keep the black chrome looking right?

Wipe it with a soft dry cloth. Avoid metal polish, cream cleaners and scouring pads, as these wear through plated finishes over time.

Does the rest of the range match?

The Cawdor range includes flush fittings in a number of finishes and glass shapes, so you can keep a scheme related across rooms with differing ceiling heights.