Modern Industrial Pendants

Y’all remember my friend Sarah, right? She bought her first place (a condo) in Houston last year and has been sending me updates as she works on making it her own. I think it’s fun to feature other peoples’ projects here on the blog now and again, just to mix it up and share different styles and techniques. And since Nick and I are totally intimidated by lighting upgrades after replacing the light above our stairs, here’s a chance for any of you who are in the market for new lighting to see the magic Sarah worked in her kitchen and dining area. Without further adieu, I give you Sarah:

Hi LWOTC readers! I just wanted to stop by and tell you about a recent lighting update I did in my condo. When I moved in there was a basic pendant in the kitchen that wasn’t really my style. And the light fixture over the kitchen table had been sealed with a light outlet cover. Here’s a picture of the kitchen pendant when I first moved in.

I started looking for a light fixture for over my dining table, keeping in mind that it would probably cause me to replace the other pendant. I found this beautiful mercury glass pendant at West Elm for $70. The one online is $99, but it includes the pendant assembly kit and my local store was out of them. I was able to find a pendant kit at a local lighting store for $20, but I later found out that IKEA has them for only $5.

A knowledgeable friend helped me hang it above my table. Isn’t it great?

Once that was installed, I knew the kitchen pendant needed to go. I started searching for something made of the same mercury glass, but couldn’t find anything I liked in my price range. Then I decided something with the same industrial feel would go nicely without feeling too matchy. After an extensive search, I found this simple glass cylinder at Home Depot.

After my prior lesson in hanging lights, I was able to install it myself with moderate supervision. The basic instructions that come with it are enough, and if you are a little nervous, I’m sure there are youtube videos out there that can help.

I like how they both have an industrial feel and are way more my style than the one that came with the place. Do you think they’re a good match?

Sarah

I love them. The glass cylinder would be way too modern for my place, but I love it over Sarah’s peninsula. And that mercury glass! Be still my beating heart! I am mildly obsessed with the stuff and am now racking my brain trying to think of a place for that pendant to live in my house. This isn’t the first time Sarah’s condo has made an appearance on my blog, so if you’d like to read more about her place be sure to check out this post from when she first bought the place, this one about framing out her bathroom mirror, and this one about some DIY art in her half bath. I hope y’all are having a fantastic Thursday. We are still sick over here. I brought Jack to the doctor Tuesday and it turns out he has a double ear infection! He’s amazingly cheerful for someone in his condition. I’m feeling a little stuffy and scratchy myself, but hopefully plenty of rest and cuddles (and antibiotics for him) will have both of us good as new in no time.