If you live in a house that was renovated in the past decade, look up at your ceiling. There’s a good chance that your gaze will fall upon rows of glowing disks — highly functional, but unremarkable downlighters.
If you’re like me, you have longingly gazed at beautiful lampshades and suspension lights in the shops, cursing the inflexibility of your inbuilt lighting system. Now, the era of inset lighting is finally dimming to make way for the glow of pendant, drop, and suspension lighting. Here we present 10 shining stars, including a few newcomers, some modern takes on traditional chandeliers, and classic modernist pendant lights.
Louis Poulsen PH 50 pendant light (pictured above)
The PH 50 is a special-edition light designed to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the original, and now iconic, PH 5 fixture by Poul Henningsen. The design has been tweaked: the shade now has a white interior so it works better with low-energy light sources, and the aluminium disk at the base has been replaced by frosted glass. It comes in a range of primary colours.
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€560, Cloudberryliving.co.u
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Norm 69 lampshade for Normann Copenhagen
Now a lighting design classic, the Norm 69 was designed by Simon Karkov in 1969 for Normann Copenhagen, the Danish design house. Its multi-faceted form spreads light evenly without dazzling, and also casts angular shadows across a room. Tip: invest in a mini duster while you’re at it.
From €89.95, Ubode.ie
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Bingoing suspension light
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Another take on the bare bulb, the Bingoing by Admir Jukanovic is an orange rubber-tube lamp with a touch dimmer switch. It plays on our wariness of electricity, using exposed wires as a design feature. It is designed to be hooked from the wall or ceiling, and its naked industrial appeal will work best in modern homes.
€413, Williedugganlighting.com
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Muuto E27 light
A handful of new lighting designs are based upon the simple premise that the bare bulb is beautiful in its own right. The E27, designed by Mattias Stahlbom for Muuto, is a simple, strong and witty design, with a silicone cable available in white, dark grey, yellow, green, red, purple, blue and black, with a 4m cord.
€79, Inreda.ie
Much Ado chandelier
The Much Ado chandelier has a dramatic, slightly Alice in Wonderland feel, formed from a cluster of several lamp shapes, styles and sizes — ideal for those who can’t settle on just one. It’s available in two sizes.
From €460, Alexanderandpearl.co.uk
Labware pendant light
A relatively new entry to the lighting scene, the award-winning Labware range is inspired by the classic forms of chemistry flasks, and is the work of Benjamin Hubert, a London-based designer. Each one is made of mouth-blown opal white glass in a high-gloss finish, with a hand-turned Portuguese cork “stopper”. Sphere, conical and cylinder types are available.
€320 each, Lifestylebazaar.com
Disegnoluce Magica S suspension light
Disegnoluce is an Italian design studio that produces some of the world’s most striking contemporary suspension lights. The Magica S, designed by Andrea Bastianello, is a bold half globe with S shapes cut into the metal to disperse light. It’s available in black, chrome and white.From
€640, Williedugganlighting.com
Cluster Light by Kathleen Hills
Clustered pendants are the hipster’s chandelier and Kathleen Hills’ Cluster Light is one of the originals. Pendants hang together in stringed clusters, bunches, or trail on hooks.
From €346, Bodieandfou.com
Fisherman’s pendant light
As we revert to country chic, the functional but charming fisherman’s light is making a comeback. This cream enamelled version is ideal for kitchens but can also be used outdoors. It comes with a braided cable.
€70, Tch.net
Giant Anglepoise 1227 pendant light
Modelled on the original curvy Anglepoise lamp, but at three times the scale, the giant 1227 pendant light is a witty, fun addition to the dining table, and also suitable for working spaces. It comes in a range of colours and with a variety of cable lengths.
€295, Ubode.ie