SABLIER Pendant: Installation and Height Guide

By Bert Frank | Bert Frank - Modern & Mid Century Designer Lighting | Published: 2026-10-24

Category: How-to Guides

Learn how to install and set the perfect hanging height for the Bert Frank SABLIER Pendant. Avoid common mistakes and achieve optimal lighting.

Quick answer

Install your SABLIER Pendant at 30–36 inches above a table or 7 feet above the floor, and always verify the solid brass canopy supports the weight before wiring.

Understanding the SABLIER Pendant's unique weight

The SABLIER Pendant is crafted from solid brass using a sand cast and CNC machining process, making it heavier than many standard pendants. This means your ceiling junction box must be rated to support the fixture's weight, and you may need a support bracket for drywall ceilings.

The oversized frosted glass shades add visual heft but also diffuse light softly. Plan for the shades to be at least 6 inches away from any wall or obstruction to avoid shadowing.

Choosing the right hanging height

For dining tables and kitchen islands, the bottom of the shade should hang 30–36 inches above the surface. This ensures the light spreads evenly across the table without blocking sightlines. For general room lighting in a hallway or entryway, the bottom should be at least 7 feet from the floor.

If you have a low ceiling (under 8 feet), consider using a flush-mount adapter or shortening the stem. The SABLIER's geometric cut-out detailing is most visible when the pendant is viewed from below, so don't hang it too high.

Installation steps for the SABLIER Pendant

1. Turn off power and prepare the ceiling: Switch off the circuit breaker for the room. Remove the existing fixture and inspect the junction box. Ensure it is securely fastened to a ceiling joist or rated for at least 50 lbs. If not, install a support bracket. A common mistake is assuming any box works; always verify the box rating.
2. Assemble the pendant and adjust the stem: Thread the stem into the canopy and the pendant body. The SABLIER's stem can be shortened by a licensed electrician if needed. Slide the canopy up the stem and attach the frosted glass shade by tightening the set screws gently. Do not overtighten the set screws on the glass shade; they can crack the frosted glass.
3. Wire the pendant to the junction box: Connect the black (live) wire from the pendant to the black wire in the box, white (neutral) to white, and the ground wire to the box's ground screw or green wire. Use wire nuts and wrap with electrical tape. Double-check polarity: reversing live and neutral can cause the light to flicker or not work.
4. Secure the canopy and test the height: Lift the canopy against the ceiling and tighten the mounting screws. Before finalizing, hang a temporary weight at the planned height to check sightlines. Adjust the stem length if the pendant is too high or low. A common error is skipping the height test; the pendant may look fine on the ground but be too high when installed.
5. Install the bulb and test operation: Insert a compatible bulb (check the fixture's max wattage). Restore power and test the switch. If the light does not turn on, check the bulb and wiring connections. Use an LED bulb to reduce heat buildup inside the glass shade and prolong the fixture's life.

Product facts

SABLIER PENDANT: The SABLIER Pendant is crafted from solid brass using sand casting and CNC machining, creating a rich contrast between raw cast surface and crisp cut-out detailing. The solid brass construction makes the pendant heavier than typical fixtures, so you must use a ceiling junction box rated for its weight and consider a support bracket for drywall.
SABLIER PENDANT