How to Light a Void with Statement Lighting

Void lighting is where form and scale truly shine. A void is a double-height space often found in stairwells, entryways or living areas, where an open area connects two floors. These spaces naturally draw attention, offering a dramatic sense of volume and openness.

Iver in Black cluster for Glenvill homes

Why use statement lighting in a void

Voids are dramatic by nature, but without the right lighting, they can feel cold or incomplete. That’s where statement lighting makes all the difference. The right lighting doesn’t just fill space - it helps ground the room, adds warmth and visually links both levels.

Whether it’s a cluster of pendants, a sculptural chandelier or one oversized piece, statement lighting highlights the height of the space and brings it to life. It draws the eye upward, adds personality and helps everything feel more connected.

How to choose a void light

  • Go big where possible. When choosing a light for a void, prioritise height and visual impact. Pendants with a long drop, tiered designs or large-scale clusters tend to work best in these double-height spaces. 

  • The rule of two-thirds. A helpful guideline is the rule of two-thirds: aim for the width of your fitting to be around two-thirds the width of the surface or furniture below it. This helps achieve balance and proportion in the room. 

  • Consider all of the angles. Don’t forget to consider how the light will look from both upstairs and downstairs. Think about how it interacts with natural light, casts shadows, and holds visual weight from different angles. If the top of the fitting is visible from a mezzanine or upper level, maintenance matters. Flat or open surfaces can collect dust like a shelf, while rounded or narrow silhouettes stay cleaner and require less upkeep over time. 

  • Consider a cluster. Groups of lights are a natural fit for voids. They offer more flexibility in layout, scale and style, making it easier to customise a design to suit your space. They're also generally lighter than a single oversized pendant, reducing the need for extra ceiling support. You can stagger drops, play with scale, or line up fittings vertically to follow the lines of a stairwell. Want more tips on how to use clusters? Take a look at our full guide to designing a lighting cluster. 

From left to right: Florentino for Metricon, Oberon cluster for Kingsbridge Homes

Avoid these common mistakes with void lighting

Lighting a void is all about scale, confidence and planning. Steer clear of these common pitfalls: 

  • Placing the fitting too high. If the pendant is floating near the ceiling, it loses impact and leaves the space feeling empty. 

  • Not double-checking suspension length before installation, especially in voids and stairwells. You want drama, not danger from low-hanging lights. 

  • Going too small. A void can easily overpower a small fixture. Embrace the drama – voids are meant for it! 

  • Forgetting the view from above. Consider how the light looks from upstairs, not just from below. 

  • Neglecting wiring and support. Big lights need thoughtful planning: speak to your electrician or lighting designer early in the build to ensure your dream solution is designed in. 

Best products for voids

Looking for the perfect hero piece? Here are some of our top picks:

  • Tengu: Tengu’s curved arms can rotate to indulge your whims; align the three arms to form a contemporary arc or spread them out to create a sense of movement and fullness within a void.

  • Kido: This versatile sphere boasts generous proportions made of frosted glass, allowing a soft and comfortable light to penetrate. Use in clusters of three, five or seven to create a lighting experience that fits your void perfectly.

  • Azaria: This pendant offers a simple, classic shape with superb woven detailing. Its generous proportions work well to fill voids.


From left to right: Tengu for Dale Alcock Homes, Kido in White cluster for Metricon, Azaria cluster

Void lighting is your chance to make a serious design statement. Go big, embrace the vertical space, and choose a fixture that brings warmth and wow-factor into the heart of your home. 

Need help lighting your void? Explore our full pendant range or chat with our team for expert advice.

Explore the other articles in our statement lighting series to learn more and light with confidence. 

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