Light Quest

I have been thinking it is time to seriously consider changing out the "chandelier" in our dining room.

When we purchased the house we inherited -what I am assuming-  is the original, builders chandelier from 1984.

To make it more bearable, I use some spray to tone down the 80's brass and changed out the shades, but I have always known I would need to get something new.

The reality is, I don't completely hate the look, but I need to add a longer chain, and I am having a dickens of a time finding frosted bulbs that are not bent, which is what I really need to finish this off.

Any how, I have been loving the look of the Anthropologie Coco bead Chandelier, which by the way is no longer available, so my secret hopes of it showing up over my table is moot.

Anthropologie

But in my heart, I know it is not the right look for what I want, which is why I have not been serious with replacing the current lighting.

So, I have been waiting for the inspiration to come, which is how I like to do things around our house.  If an idea isn't feeling right, I will just let it rattle around in my head and see what comes.  And finally, something sparked my interest, and got me inspired and motivated to take another look at our dining room lighting.

I absolutely have been swooning over these hand blown pendant lights.

source -Make it or Break it

Now, I know they are completely wrong for our dining room, but I can't get them out of my head.  They are from Cisco Brothers and run, from what I can tell, around $400 per pendant.  Yep, a bit rich for my budget, but the motivation and inspiration are free.

It was just the kick in the pants I needed to get serious about looking at lighting.  At least on-line dreaming.  Here are some things that I found.

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This particular chandelier keeps catching my eye.  I love it, but wonder if it too delicate.  I also wonder if I would be able to handle the bare bulbs.  I mean, after all, that is what is driving me a little nuts about our current light.

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I do like the idea of a simple pendant lamp.  I think this one could be strong enough on its own.  Also, it would work well with the pendant light over the sink, and it's a move away from a traditional chandelier.

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This is probably my least favorite, but it makes the cut.  I really like the detail over the shade and the over all simplicity could be the counterpoint the rooms busy art wall.

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 I adore this fixture.  But I am sure I will never get it.  I would love for someone to use it though.  If any one has, please let me know.

-Laurie