Nelson Pendant Light
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Milk Glass
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Metal, Brass
Recent Sales
Vintage 1960s American Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Nickel
Vintage 1960s British Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Nickel
Late 20th Century British Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Nickel
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Nickel, Steel
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Vintage 1960s American Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Nickel
Vintage 1960s American Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Nickel
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Metal
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Steel
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Metal
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Steel
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Milk Glass
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Metal
Vintage 1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Plastic
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Rubber
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Rubber
Vintage 1950s American Chandeliers and Pendants
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass, Iron
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Metal
Nelson Pendant Light For Sale on 1stDibs
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Finding the Right Chandeliers-pendant-lights for You
Chandeliers — simple in form, inspired by candelabras and originally made of wood or iron — first made an appearance in early churches. For those wealthy enough to afford them for their homes in the medieval period, a chandelier's suspended lights likely exuded imminent danger, as lit candles served as the light source for fixtures of the era. Things have thankfully changed since then, and antique chandeliers and pendant lights are popular in many interiors today.
While gas lighting during the late 18th century represented an upgrade for chandeliers — and gas lamps would long inspire Danish architect and pioneering modernist lighting designer Poul Henningsen — it would eventually be replaced with the familiar electric lighting of today.
The key difference between a pendant light and a chandelier is that a pendant incorporates only a single bulb into its design. Don’t mistake this for simplicity, however. An Art Deco–styled homage to Sputnik from Murano glass artisans Giovanni Dalla Fina, with handcrafted decorative elements supported by a chrome frame, is just one stunning example of the elaborate engineering that can be incorporated into every component of a chandelier. (Note: there is more than one lighting fixture that shares its name with the iconic mid-century-era satellite — see Gino Sarfatti’s design too.)
Chandeliers have evolved over time, but their classic elegance has remained unchanged.
Not only will the right chandelier prove impressive in a given room, but it can also offer a certain sense of practicality. These fixtures can easily illuminate an entire space, while their elevated position prevents them from creating glare or straining one’s eyes.
Certain materials, like glass, can complement naturally lit settings without stealing the show. Brass, on the other hand, can introduce an alluring, warm glow. While LEDs have earned a bad reputation for their perceived harsh bluish lights and a loss of brightness over their life span, the right design choices can help harness their lighting potential and create the perfect mood. A careful approach to lighting can transform your room into a peaceful and cozy nook, ideal for napping, reading or working.
For midsize spaces, a wall light or sconce can pull the room together and get the lighting job done. Perforated steel rings underneath five bands of handspun aluminum support a rich diffusion of light within Alvar Aalto's Beehive pendant light, but if you’re looking to brighten a more modest room, perhaps a minimalist solution is what you’re after. The mid-century modern furniture designer Charlotte Perriand devised her CP-1 wall lamps in the 1960s, in which a repositioning of sheet-metal plates can redirect light as needed.
The versatility and variability of these lighting staples mean that, when it comes to finding something like the perfect chandelier, you’ll never be left hanging. From the natural world-inspired designs of the Art Nouveau era to the classic beauty of Paul Ferrante's fixtures, there is a style for every room.
With designs for pendant lights and chandeliers across eras, colors and materials, you’ll never run out of options to explore on 1stDibs — shop a collection today that includes antique Art Deco chandeliers, Stilnovo chandeliers, Baccarat chandeliers and more.
- What Is a swag pendant light?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021A swag pendant light is a fixture that hangs from the ceiling and provides an often inexpensive light source while taking up very little space. Swag pendant lights take up little space — the fixture is typically a bare or shaded socket that is suspended from the ceiling by way of a robust metal chain or cord. A swag pendant also offers a variety of installation options and can enhance the overall look of the room. Shop a range of antique and vintage swag pendant lighting on 1stDibs.
- What is a mini pendant light?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021Mini pendant lights are scaled-down versions of pendant lights that dangle from an overhead support. Unique mini-pendant lights are a wonderful way to set the ambiance for an entire space because they dangle in mid-air. On 1stDibs, shop vintage and antique pendant lights.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 30, 2024Here are what the parts of a pendant light are called: The part that attaches to the ceiling is the mounting strap, and the canopy is the part that covers it. A chain usually connects the canopy to the rest of the light at a point called the hanging loop. At the end of the chain is the socket that holds the pendant light's bulb. On many pendants, a shade surrounds the bulb and diffuses light to soften the illumination produced by the fixtures. Shop a range of pendant lights on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021The difference between pendant lights and chandeliers is not complicated. In terms of both style and function, chandeliers are not that different from pendant lights. The difference between a chandelier and pendant light is not how they look but rather the way in which they hang. Chandeliers are suspended with multiple branches that hold many bulbs while pendants typically dangle from one central cord or chain. Chandeliers tend to be more intricate and fancier, so if you're looking for something luxurious, then this might work best. With pendants, you’re likely to find a variety of examples in minimalistic modern styles; these would make great additions to any office space because of their versatility like being able to turn them on/off with ease. On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique and vintage pendant lights and chandeliers.
- 1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023Yes, you can put a pendant light above a kitchen sink. However, if you don’t already have a light receptacle in place, you may need to hire a professional electrician to run wiring to the area. Also, ensure that there is at least 30 to 36 inches of clearance below the light, so you can stand at the sink. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of pendant lights.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 17, 2023Yes, glass pendant lights get dusty. However, all lighting fixtures will eventually gather dust. Regularly wiping your pendant lights can reduce the presence of dust. Shop a variety of glass pendant lights on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023Where you hang a pendant light over a kitchen sink is largely a matter of personal preference. If you're installing a new light fixture, consider where you most need task lighting. You may find it better to hang the lamp off to one side to illuminate a food prep area. Generally, there should be 35 to 40 inches of space between the bottom of the pendant and the countertop to allow for adequate clearance. On 1stDibs, find a collection of pendant lights.
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