Alabaster is one of the few natural stones that lets light pass through it. When a lamp is switched on, the veining inside the stone appears, and the light that comes through is soft and warm rather than sharp. That is why alabaster pendants have been used in fine interiors for centuries, and why they suit homes where the lighting should feel calm rather than clinical.
This guide covers how to size, place and look after alabaster pendant lighting, so you can choose with confidence.
What makes alabaster different from glass
Glass shades are uniform. Every alabaster shade is cut from a single block, so the pattern of veins, clouds and colour is unique to that piece. Thinner sections glow brighter and denser areas stay darker, which gives a pendant depth even when it is off. Our pendants are hand-carved from Spanish white alabaster and finished with brass, antiqued brass or a custom finish.
Choosing the right size
- Over a dining table: a common rule is to keep the total width of the pendants to about half to two-thirds of the table width, leaving roughly 75–90 cm (30–36 in) between the table top and the bottom of the shade.
- Over a kitchen island: two or three pendants usually work best, spaced evenly, with about 75 cm (30 in) between each pendant's centre.
- In an entry or stairwell: a cluster or a single larger fixture fills vertical space; hang it so the bottom sits at least 2.1 m (7 ft) above the floor where people walk underneath.
Our Alabaster Stone Pendant Lights come in sets from one to twelve pendants, so a single fixture can be scaled from a reading nook to a long dining table.
Bulbs and colour temperature
Alabaster warms whatever light passes through it. A warm white LED (around 2700K) brings out the honey tones in the stone; a neutral 3000K bulb keeps it closer to white. A dimmer is worth adding, because alabaster looks its best at low and medium levels.
Where alabaster works, and where it does not
Alabaster is a soft stone and it does not like water. It is ideal for dining rooms, living rooms, bedrooms, hallways and covered indoor spaces. Avoid placing it outdoors, in showers, or directly above a stove where steam and grease collect.
Caring for alabaster lighting
- Dust with a soft, dry cloth or a soft brush.
- Do not use water, glass cleaner or household sprays on the stone.
- Switch the light off and let the bulb cool before cleaning.
Hand carved to order
Many of our fixtures can be adjusted in size, number of pendants and metal finish. Browse the alabaster lighting collection, see our BC jade lighting, or contact the gallery to talk through your space.