The best product styles for void lighting
Lighting a void can feel like a big decision, and it should. These are often the most prominent spaces in a home, calling for a solution that sets the right tone and is worthy of catching your eye every day.
Pictured left to right: Oberon pendants for Kingsbridge Homes, Folie pendant, Nami pendants.
To help get it right, Amphis’s product manager Rebecca Barker shares her insights on picking out a solution, what works, what doesn’t and how to approach lighting a void with confidence.
Getting started
Voids can vary dramatically. Some are tall and narrow, like stairwells. Others are wide and open, spanning double-height living or dining areas. Begin by understanding your space.;
“Scale is the most important factor,” Rebecca explains. "You’ll need a solution that proportionally fills the space about two-thirds."
Let the proportions of your void guide your choice - will a single feature light feel large enough, or would cluster work better?
“A single pendant can be incredibly striking, but it’s harder to get right” Rebecca notes. Everything depends on that one piece: it needs to fill the volume, feel proportionate, deliver enough light and physically work within the space. When it does work, the result is powerful, but it requires careful consideration. Unless you’re opting for a huge chandelier, single pieces usually work best in narrower spaces.
When one pendant isn't enough, think in multiples. Clusters create movement, build visual interest and offer flexibility in larger voids. Pictured left to right: Iver pendants for Boutique Homes, Lurelin pendants, Pilar pendants for Metricon Homes.
When in doubt – multiply!
Clusters offer more flexibility, especially in wider voids. Repeat a form or work with varying sizes to build scale more gradually and create a sense of movement within the void. “You can create a really interesting visual when you cluster matching products in different sizes or shapes,” Rebecca adds. While clusters require more planning, particularly around installation and ceiling finishes, the visual payoff is often more dynamic and forgiving.
Which styles work best
When it comes to product types, Rebecca shares a few clear directions that consistently perform well.
Sculptural
A void is a rare opportunity to prioritise form over function. “It doesn’t have to be functional,” Rebecca notes. Instead, the focus shifts to how the piece looks during the day and the atmosphere it creates at night. Fittings with organic shapes or interesting materiality add depth and presence to an otherwise empty volume. Pieces like the Kara range lean into this, filtering light in soft, layered ways while acting as a true design feature.
A void is the perfect place to let sculptural lighting shine. Pictured left to right: Mediterrania S105.2 pendants, Kara pendants, Nami pendant.
Round
In spaces dominated by straight lines and right angles (like most homes), round lights introduce softness and balance.
The minute you inject circular shapes into a space, you create a warmth and a really lovely sense of balance,” Rebecca explains.
The Kido pendant is a perfect example - simple, versatile and highly effective. It can be used on its own or clustered in varying sizes to create rhythm and flow. The Oberon pendant offers a similarly soft, ambient outcome, ideal for those wanting something understated.
Mini, multiplied
One of the most overlooked approaches is going smaller, but in greater numbers.
“People tend to think of voids and think it’s got to be a show-stopping piece,” shreas Rebecca. “Clusters of smaller pendants can create just as much impact, if not more”.
The Joni pendant is a strong example - subtle on its own, but dynamic when repeated. Used in larger quantities, they bring detail to a space in a way that feels elegant and considered.
Pictured left to right: Kido pendants for Metricon Homes, Oberon pendant, Joni pendants for Webb and Brown-Neaves.
Which styles to avoid
Not every product type translates well to a void. Linear lighting, in particular, tends to work against the space. As Rebecca warns, “a linear light would shrink a void quite quickly… you’re drawing attention to the width when the whole purpose of lighting a void is to celebrate its height”. Save linear fittings for areas like kitchen islands or dining tables, where length is the focus.
Ultimately, choosing the right product comes down to intent.
“What do you want the void light to do?” Rebecca asks. "If the goal is to create a focal point, sculptural forms or bold clusters are the way to go. If you’re looking to soften the space, a simple, well-scaled pendant can provide a gentle, ambient glow."
If you need help selecting a light for a void in your home or project, reach out to the team today on 1300 LIGHTS (1300 544 487).