My Search For Entryway Lighting

My hallway is kind of a sore subject with me right now, so I’d like to think of happy things, like decorating my living room and entryway and finding the perfect lighting for my credenza (yes, it’s a dresser) in the entryway. Right now, the wall just to the left when you walk through my front door looks like this…

It’s a good start, but obviously it’s not finished. It needs some accessories, some lighting, perhaps a plant or two.

As far as lighting goes, I really have my heart set on pendant lights. I’ve wanted pendant lights on that wall for well over a year now, and I’m still really set on the idea. Here’s why:

  1. Table lamps would cover up too much of the artwork, and I don’t like buffet lamps (those tall-ish, skinny lamps that sit on a tabletop or buffet).
  2. Wall sconces would mess up my grasscloth.
  3. Wall sconces would attach to the same plane as the artwork, which creates no visual interest or depth in my opinion. It would just be a row of five things hung on the wall.
  4. I love (no, I need symmetry), which could also be created with floor lamps, but floor lamps are larger and two flanking the credenza would start to look busy and cluttered.
  5. I love pendant lights. I can place them wherever I want, solving problem #1. Problem #2 wouldn’t be an issue. Since they’re attached to the ceiling, they create depth and interest, solving problem #3. And they’re not as big as floor lamps, solving problem #4.

For those of you who say you like to hear my thought processes when making decisions, there you have it. 😀 I really do think through these things. Sometimes quite obsessively. (Okay, most of the time, if I’m honest.)

But after looking at hundreds of pendant lights online, I’ve learned that my taste in pendant lights is really quite narrow. And since I want two of them, I’m having a hard time finding something in that very narrow field that fits my taste and is priced just right so that I feel okay buying two of them.

I’ve realized that I don’t like any lights with crystal clear glass where you can see the light bulbs. I don’t want to see my light bulbs. I also don’t like any that are made of a material that’s so thick and dense that light can’t pass through. So there will be no ceramic, or concrete, or solid wood shades. Those are pretty, but I need at least some light to be able to shine through the shades.

So here are a few that I’ve found that I really like. The first one is a very pretty capiz flower pendant light from Pottery Barn Kids.

capiz flower pendant light from Pottery Barn Kidsvia Pottery Barn Kids

I did a really fast (and not very good) mock up to see what those might look like…

entryway - pendant lights from pottery barn kids

I’m quite certain I didn’t get the scale right. 😀 Those lights are 13″ diameter and 11.25″ high. They’re $199 each, and I’ll admit that I have a hard time with the idea of spending almost $400 on pendant lights. And as much as I love those lights, I’m not sure that’s the right spot for them. I think they’d look amazing as bedside lighting in a bedroom, though. I’ve had my eye on that pendant light for a couple of months now, and I’d love to find a use for it in my house.

But for this area, I kind of think something simpler in design, with a fabric shade, might be preferable. It doesn’t get any simpler than Pottery Barn’s classic linen shade pendant light.

classic linen shade pendant from Pottery Barnvia Pottery Barn

Here’s a mock up I did with those pendants…

entryway -classic linen shade pendant from Pottery Barn

Those come in two different sizes, and I haven’t measured to see which one would work better for my entryway. But the small is $109, and the large is $169.

As far as simple style pendants with white shades go, this one is my absolute favorite. It’s the first one I chose, and the one I compare all other simple white shade pendants to…

Jenkins pendant light from Wayfairvia Wayfair

That’s over $200, and 20 inches in diameter on the bottom. Too expensive, and way too big. But I love that simple shade and the gold inside the shade that peeks out just a bit. Here’s how something like that might look…

entryway - jenkins mini drum pendant light from Wayfair

And finally, I really like these simple tapered metal pendants from Pottery Barn, even though light can’t shine through the metal…

tapered metal pendant lights from Pottery Barnvia Pottery Barn

Those come in four colors (including brass, which isn’t shown above) and two sizes. The small is $99, and the large is $139. The brass in my entryway would look something like this…

entryway -classic metal pendant from Pottery Barn

I really love how those look. Light can’t shine through the shades, but I think I made an exception for these just because I love brushed brass finishes so much. But as much as I like these, I really do think a white fabric shade is the better choice. So if I can’t find exactly what I want in the right price range, I might have to just buy all of the parts and put my own pendant lights together using my favorite elements of all of the lights above.

 

 

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120 Comments

  1. This may be a dumb question but I’m wondering that if you mount the pendants close to the wall so that no one bumps their head on them, then you will only light up the credenza and not the entire entry.

      1. I have never understood the concept of having two table lamps that close together on any given surface, and now I’m leaning that way toward pendant lights too. If there’s an overhead light in this room, I would ditch the concept of any lamps here and go with accessories. Too me, it’s too much and takes away from the artwork.

  2. In my opinion, they may look okay if you had wallpapered the entire wall but with the frame around the wallpaper and the hanging fixture in your living room and the hanging fixture in the music room, it’s just too much. I’d choose some nice recessed lights and focus on the rest of the accents. It’s not a closed off entryway, it’s very much combined with the living room and music room.

    1. I agree. I understand not wanting to crowd your entry piece (notice how I didn’t say credenza or buffet :)) with 2 lamps . . . AND I understand your need for symmetry; maybe go for balance rather than symmetry? I would prefer (if it were mine 🙂 ) 1 floor lamp to the right of the entry piece (looking at the piece) and something else on the left to create balance. Then you still have your entry piece top to use for accessories to complete the space! JMO

    2. I’m on board with everyone in this comment thread.

      I really think the framed grasscloth precludes the use of the hanging pendants or sconces.

      I like the idea of a floor lamp in the space between the credenza and the music room and maybe a large tailored looking basket or oversized ceramic floor vase that you could put seasonal branches in on the other side for balance.

      I do love the capiz pendants though and think they would be spectacular on either side of a bed – although for bedside lamps I prefer something that can be moved to shed light on your book or away from a laptop or tablet. That said – it all really depends on whether you read in bed or not.

      1. I agree with the others in this thread that pendants would look too busy and compete with the bright artwork and fancy credenza. Although if I HAD to choose, I would go with the simple white pendants with the metallic gold/brass interior. PS: I love your new rug!

    1. I think the brass does bring out the handles on the credenza – but although I personally like that style of pendant I think it has an industrial feel to it that is not well suited to the other elements.

  3. Several of those are basically lamp shades hanging – I’m kind of surprised if you’re going that direction that you’re not making them yourself? Since you’ve made way more complicated light fixtures in the past, I bet you could have something custom that was perfect for your entryway!

    I don’t have any input other than that. The first one is the most interesting to me but I have a harder time visualizing how it would really look where need your lights.

    Mark

  4. Since you’ve chosen to go with pendant lighting, I would say the smallest and least ‘showy’ would be my choice. Personally, I think they interfere with your wall art (which I LOVE) but it’s what you LOVE that counts. You are fearless with your decorating and I’m sure it will be great. Add a plant and you’ll be in business!

  5. I think the pendants make it look too busy and cover your art work. A plant/tree on the left and a floor lamp on the right would frame everything beautifully.

    Also, with the pendants they typically shine light down, so unless you got a shade that was open at the top, you’d be showcasing your credenza, not the artwork.

    1. I so agree….in fact that might be the way to go. I don’t usually offer an opinion here but those lamps hide the paintings which are just great. So I agree with Janine on this one.

    2. I completely agree…. a tall plant or tree on the left side and the perfect floor lamp on the right. I really think that will also help mask the frame of the grasscloth somewhat, hence making it feel less choppy.

      However, having said that…. I know whatever you decide to do will be beautiful. And after all, it really only matters what you and Matt think.

        1. Yes I also agree. Some sort of gallery lighting above the artwork would look great and keep it cleaner since you still want to add accessories to the credenza. Then maybe a floor lamp and plant on each side.

          1. I agree with not having pendant lighting. Much to busy. The area is Spectacular now. Accessories is all it needs. MAybe floor lamp and tall planter would finish it off.

            1. My thought is and this is not to be negative is if you change your mind on what you have on that wall then you have two odd pendant lights hanging from the ceiling.

    3. Agree with above. canned lighting would be better in my opinion. If you plan on hanging it that low it’s not going to highlight your artwork. The first pendent lighting is beautiful but the others just look like a lamp any way you place it but it’s yours and you have to love it not us. 🙂

  6. Although you don’t like the idea, to me the space just cries out for wall sconces. That being said, track lighting above to illuminate the paintings is the best option, along with scones. Those pretty paintings are the definite focal point, and any type of pendant lighting takes away from that. If you can’t bring yourself to have sconces to highlight the grasscloth, recessed lighting along with the track lights. Definitely.

    1. Agree! Agree! Beautiful, smallish sconces would look spectacular! (I personally don’t care for the “busyness” of cords, chains, or rods hanging from the ceiling and blocking or “shadowing” on the wall.) While I understand that you don’t want to mess up your wallpaper, do you really want to put holes in your perfectly perfect new ceiling? That being said, I end up loving everything you do!

  7. Have you looked at Target? I feel like they’ve expanded their lighting selection in the last few years to include things that look higher end but have a much friendlier price tag.

    I remember at one point you posted a photo of some really beautiful pendant lamps you had from your time in Turkey. Any chance those would work here?

    1. I wish I could find a place for those lamps from Turkey! But they won’t work here. I have three of them, and they’re all different sizes and colors.

  8. The classic linen shades could likely have the band of metal added around the inside, just as in the ones that follow in your post. Just a thought.

  9. I’m just not seeing your vision. The pendant shades are distracting, however it could be due to the photoshopping. Would picture lights work? Or up lights positioned on the credenza behind whatever you are going to use there?

  10. My vote is the brass! It is more formal looking and adds to the brass pulls on the dresser! If not brass then a plain white shade.

  11. The lights compete with the artwork and the credenza – it makes for a really busy space. Recessed lights would be more elegant and not add to the “busy” effect.

  12. The capiz would be my first choice (so unique) and then the brass (2nd choice). I would not spend $400 on 2 pendant lights. These look like they can be diy(I have seen lots of capiz shells on Ebay and Etsy. Have you considered diy your favorite?

  13. Recessed eyeball lights on a dimmer switch. If you’re planing to add tabletop pieces to your tableau pendant lights are “too much” IMO.

  14. I actually like the brass ones the best (the linen in the same silhouette would be my second choice). It brings out the hardware from the cabinet. The first example is my least favorite- really takes away from the paintings I think.
    You love the pendants and you’ll be unhappy with the final outcome if you don’t do it so do it.

  15. I like the last ones, brass. I find those give a punch to the area without creating too much more stuff. The first ones, to me, are way too busy. 2nd are too plain. The 3rd adds more white and there is already a lot of white. So 4th are the ones I’d go for.

    Also, I’ve always thought this wall needs to be entirely grasscloth. It would open up the space and make more of a statement. And reduce the crowded look – which is what I see going on right now.

    1. I have to agree with your statement on the grasscloth. It would visually expand the area and define and unify the three areas, living, entry, & music room.

      1. I get it, but sometimes those of us who have to live on a budget are forced to make sacrifices. What I did with the panel took one roll of wallpaper. That I could afford. Doing the whole wall would have taken three rolls, which would have cost almost $800. That wasn’t in my budget. I did the best I could with the money I had.

        1. But the point wasn’t to call you out on not papering the entire wall, the point was how to now deal with the additional frame around the grasscloth which pulls your eye in and makes the space appear smaller. Trying to put too much into the now reduced area is the point. And the fact that it is not a stand alone area but very much inclusive of the living room and music room.

  16. And I’ll go in an entirely different direction, lol. I’d put up 3 of the brass art lamp things. You know those things that look like old time brass desk lamps that hang above a picture and light up just that picture. I’d love those here.

    1. Great idea, Julie S! Those are classic, and beautifully simple. However, if, Kristi, you can’t find anything you absolutely love, PLEASE make something yourself and share the tutorial with us! That would be great for your readers, even if it is more work for you! But l also have a feeling that making it yourself could be less expensive as well; lighting prices are downright crazy these days!

    2. Oh yes, this! Brass art lights! I don’t think they can be hardwired, but here is so much technology that I’m sure you can get a remote or smart outlet or strip to plug them into.

  17. If we are going for hanging, I like the last ones – the brass. They match the hardware on the credenza. Personally, I like the recessed idea.

  18. Another option: a wall mounted light above each art panel – the kind to illuminate a painting.

    Trying hard to visualize pendants, but having a very difficult time of it.

  19. your mock ups show the pendants passed the sides of your credenza, lighting the sides and floor – which I understand as you don’t want to block your artwork, but it looks odd.
    As this is your entry, I think recessed spots in the ceiling angled at your artwork will create a ‘runway’ to welcome guests, which will naturally create a separate space from your living area.

  20. Hi Kristi. It is so fun to hear from you.
    I am in the brass camp…although, pendant lighting would not be my first choice(cords everywhere! And too floaty for me).
    There seems to be a lot going on…..I would vote for a brass floor lamp, or some small lights(not busy) to set on credenza.
    You do you though. You are amazing!!!

  21. If you go with pendant lights, I like the linen ones and the brass ones. On the mock ups, you show them kind of in front of the art, I think they would look more symmetrical if they were centered between the artwork and the edge of the grass cloth.

    All of that being said, I agree with the others that recommend recessed lighting. I think it would look much cleaner. I can’t see pendant lights hanging down over an open area, in my opinion.

  22. I agree with the ideas of just lighting for the artwork via ceiling lights or very simple art lights on the wall. The mock ups felt overcrowded and I lost focus. But as I study them more, the image is so bright and sterile to me, so maybe that is my problem. I would need to place the items on the credenza first and some warmth/life to the area with a plant or textured baskets to decide on pendants. Maybe that would help. Can’t wait to see how you bring it all together, as I’m sure you will!

      1. In the last group (google images) I like #5. It has the brass, but also clear, so it won’t block the art. But to add my two cents, I would opt for three mini recessed LED fixtures. If mounted in the right spots, they could “wash” the art, and spotlight the top of the credenza.

  23. Too much going on with all those distracting pendants. The triptych and the hallpiece are the main attractions, the pendants don’t add they subtract. Why not use museum lighting above your art work?

  24. I have a similar set up, though it’s an electric fireplace in the center with dotted shelves on each side with three paintings above it (almost a triptych, though the pastels were not intended to be). I put a recessed eyeball light in the ceiling over each painting. The three lights are on one dimmer switch, which allows me to light up the paintings, which are the focal point.

    That said, I’m in the process of renovating a 1938 house (my inlaw’s former house) in Napa, CA for a future “downsizing.” That house is tiny–about 1250 sq ft. It’s current dining room, which is also tiny, will be the entry hall when I’m done moving a few walls around. When my father-in-law passed away, we. Had an estate sale, but one of the things I kept was a pair of brushed brass pendant lights on the 1950s, similar, but smaller than, the fourth picture you posted. I liked them, but I wasn’t sure what I was going to do with them. Now I know! I have a long narrow table that I will put in to the entry hall across from the new front door. I bought a large long mirror framed with redwood reclaimed from the San Francisco Opera house that I will hange over the table (the windows in the front of the house are nine over one double hung windows with redwood frames). I think my pendants will look great on either side of the mirror!

    After knocking down a couple other walls (one is a bearing wall), the original bedroom will become the much larger dining room of the house. I’m using your breakfast room as an inspiration. I scored four antique mahogany harp-backed chairs for $10 each. They have grapes carved into the top of the harp, which I though was perfect for Napa. I’ve made new upholstered seats for them, and am about to paint the wood parts–my first time using a spray gun. Wish me luck, and thanks for the various inspirations!

  25. have you considered something like this, I know they would be sconces but used as an art spotlight.

    https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1NHXL_enUS691US691&biw=1445&bih=922&tbm=isch&sa=1&ei=iysLWqbrEeTEjwSI7b3wAg&q=sconce+spotlight+over+art&oq=sconce+spotlight+over+art&gs_l=psy-ab.3…26782.28967.0.29195.11.11.0.0.0.0.109.811.10j1.11.0….0…1.1.64.psy-ab..0.0.0….0.MdGBWJ98Brs#imgrc=xJJtkYkYDtkvwM:

    Are you looking for art lighting? or are you looking for another layer of design?

    1. I’m not looking for art lighting, but I am wanting extra lighting for my entryway that I can leave on at night if I’m going to be gone and coming back home after dark. But the purpose is to light my artwork, and I also don’t want something purely utilitarian, like more recessed lighting. I want something that will be both decorative and add more light.

  26. Love those capiz lamps, but I’m not a fan of pendants for your space. Unless they are completely over the credenza, a pendant with nothing blow it is kind of weird. But then, you block your artwork. I would go with either 2 lights over the picture (the downward facing kind) that would set off the artwork, or something in the ceiling – either recessed, or a fancy track lighting kind of thing to highlight your art wall.

  27. I agree with others who have said smallest and least showy of pendants – don’t compete with beautiful artwork. I’ve noticed when you have some consternation about making a selection, you are forcing it and your choices seems to appear when you walk away for a bit.

  28. As others have pointed out, your entry is a very busy area, between the grasscloth, wavy abstracts, and two-toned buffet with prominent hardware. The suggestions made for a combination of recessed and museum lights will give you a lot of lighting flexibility. There are likely other places best suited for the beautiful pendant options you shared here.

  29. So I went looking around and saw this pendant light that looks a lot like the pottery barn simple white shade one for a fraction of the cost $44.01 ( PB is way out of my price point and I’m cheap like that 🙂 ) it comes in antique bronze or brushed nickel. Not sure exactly what size your looking for but I would think not too huge. These are both just 1 bulb lights.

    https://images.homedepot-static.com/productImages/567361cf-2880-4774-9605-e6ba76f0e368/svn/brushed-nickel-progress-lighting-pendant-lights-p5065-09-e1_1000.jpg

    https://images.homedepot-static.com/productImages/4016fa60-0775-4e0a-a209-65f701c4300a/svn/brushed-nickel-bel-air-lighting-pendant-lights-pnd-801-tp-64_1000.jpg

    I’m sure whichever one you decide on is going to be just perfect and can’t wait to see it all completed. Keep up the great work!!!

  30. The capiz pendants add so much more than just light. They add movement and interest. However, if you end up making your own, please use gold foil to line them. I’ve notice that the golden glow given off of lamps with gold lining is the richest feeling you can experience. Even though I have not been commenting, I do not ever miss reading your posts. I love it.

  31. Not feeling a strong need, except for maybe adding light in the area to highlight the art and/or entryway. If I had to “vote” for a light, I’d go with a single simple modern white track light fixture to hide in the ceiling. You can adjust it as you play with the space to highlight specific objects at the entry. Maybe, in the future, create a fixture with multiple swagged pendants if something “spoke” out.

  32. I agree with those who are saying that the pendants are distracting. The focus is on the artwork, therefore, art lighting is, imho, the best way to go. Or recessed lighting in the ceiling, aimed to highlight the artwork.

  33. Ummm, I agree with many others here. Pendants are just too busy with everything else. I love the idea of either 1) museum 2) track lighting.
    I’m afraid when you add accessories to the top of your “credenza” with everything else, it’ll look gaudy. Just not feeling the balance with the other side of the room, since it’s open to living room. JMHO

  34. I love the brushed gold shade do they have it on a floor lamp? That would look good to the right between entrance & music room. I would use gold picture lighting over each art work. That would give you enough light & the gold would tie the handles on the buffet.

  35. Not light related, but I saw your rug in a store over the weekend and pictures just cannot do it justice! The colors were amazing! I saw it out of the corner of my eye and was totally drawn to it.

    I continue to love your tastes and all the projects you have completed. I’m redecorating vicariously through your blog! 🙂

    Light related…my favorite is the last one.

    1. Isn’t it gorgeous?! I agree that none of the pictures do it justice — not mine, not the ones on Overstock. It’s something that has to be seen in person to fully appreciate it. I’ve had it well over a week now, and I still stop and stare at it every time I pass through or by the living room. 😀

  36. Well you are having a bit of a time, so, maybe you really don’t need that other layer.

    To me it detracts from your already done wall! Just highlight it!

    IMHO you would be much better to have cam lights, or a small light bar with several directional lights to highlight your art and light the entry, unobstructed.

    Then everything you use on it, is staging! Just my 2 c/! I’ll love what ever you do, anyway!

  37. I’m not in any way a “trained” decorator, but I agree with all who feel the pendant lights are “too busy.” Yes, you may love them, but they might be a better choice for another area. Since you are mocking up the looks, I’d definitely add the other decorative elements you are considering and mull over the whole look before making a decision on the pendants. I love the grass cloth background and especially the painting, and I’d definitely make those the focus, letting everything else fade back and enhance those. Just my simple opinion, but bottom line, you are the one who has to love it and live with it, so ultimately you need to choose what makes you happy, whether anyone else agrees or not. I’m looking forward to the finished area. I always learn something whether your taste differs or is the same as mine!

  38. Wow, I’m surprised so many think the pendants make it too busy. I favor a simple, calm style myself and yet I think the pendants are just right and add a layer of dimension to a slightly boring (don’t hate me, I realize it’s incomplete!) vignette. I like the last two pendants a lot and I think the gold lining inside the white one would be such an easy DIY add on with metallic paper. I have certainly seen that done by other bloggers in the past.

  39. I bought large pendants from Pottery Barn to go over my island. Just a tip – they go on sale regularly and then you can still use a coupon. Mine had the option of coming in a set of two – regularly $398. I waited for them to go on sale at 30% off and then still applied a 15% off coupon. Really made a difference and certainly worth the wait.

  40. Not a fan of pendant lights here. The area is busy with your paintings and the dresser and adding more busy things makes it hard to focus on the dominant item which should be the paintings. The lighting should be the subordinate item which enhances the paintings. Pendant lights do not do that. Stick with recessed lighting and or artwork lighting and you will have a winner!

  41. Love the first set or the brass. You are the queen of make it vs buy it – Let’s see your version of the $200 pottery barn lights!!

  42. It could be the photoshop, but they do look a bit busy and big. I do love a pendant also, but are you thinking long term? Will you ALWAYS want a credenza in this spot? Maybe you will want a bench or maybe nothing at all but the art work. ? I love to re-arrange or change things up, so I wouldn’t commit to pendants. I think your following might be on the mark here- art lights or floor lamp. Nothing wrong with ” layering” a great lamp with other objects in front of the art, not every inch of it needs to be seen. ( and no, not a buffet lamp😜)

  43. Can I ask what the view from the front door would look like with the pendant lights? I feel like a lot more people are going to see that side view than the head-on view that one sees when standing in front of the fireplace. I’m not sure how everything lines up, but I feel like the pendant lights might be straight in someone’s face when walking in? And what about the side view from the music room? Just something to consider. Also, me personally, I prefer pendant lights when the ceiling is higher than 8′. That’s JMO.

  44. Oh boy! What a lot of opinions! Just goes to show that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I love that you explained your thought processes. I, too am a symmetry person and I have to remind myself to look at things another way. I, too, love to layer which I think you’re trying to do with the lights. Perhaps it’s the imperfect mock ups but it’s not striking my eye right. Either the lights need to be outside of the table area (like a sconce) or within the table area (like a buffet lamp). I can see your attraction to each of the three but the sparkle of the brass speaks most to me. Have you considered something asymmetrical like an arching standing lamp? You could go with a contemporary brass or with a drum shade. When all is said and done, however, I think many are saying that we LOVE your art and want it to have center stage. I simply could not find the right light for my entry and went with cans and am so happy I did. The focus simply goes elsewhere and it’s never missed.

  45. What if you move the two out board picture frames further out so it balances the empty blue grass cloth space on both sides and splits the difference with the credenza. Then you could hang two pendants on either side of the center picture frame. That centers your lights over your credenza too.

    I saw these lights the other day, I loved them but don’t have a place for them. When I saw your mock-up I thought…….hum, maybe……

    https://www.homedepot.com/p/Safavieh-Darby-3-Light-Brass-Small-Pendant-with-Off-White-Shade-LIT4215A/205650105

  46. I would do picture/art lamps on top of each of the paintings to give you the dimension off the wall. I do not think hanging pendants will work well, nor look good.

  47. I’m with Julie S, and we’re definitely in the minority, I like the pendants with the shade and gold lining, but a smaller shade. I believe you would be able to diy this with a linen shade with gold foil lining. Do you have some gold in your painting? My second choice would be the brass pendant. Are you planning to hardwire these from the attic?

  48. For what it’s worth, this is what I would do. I would replace the legs on the dresser with something simpler. Maybe a straight, streamlined leg or even a simple platform under the entire dresser. Then I would try hanging only two of your pictures horizontally. This might give you room on each side for two pendants, although I think recessed eyeball lights would work better if they could be positioned to spotlight the artwork.
    I know this sounds kinda ‘off the wall’, but I thought I’d just throw it out there.
    Love your work!

    1. Not specifically for pendants, but I do look there quite often for various things. Most everything I find there that I really like is out of my price range. 😀

  49. Am I the only one who thinks this artwork do not go well with this credenza. Although both are really beautiful pieces, I think the artworks look too modern for the credenza. So, all the pendants just make the picture more confusing for me.

  50. I agree with your last paragraph. I’d just DIY something. You could make a fabric shade with gold interior in about 10 minutes for probably $30 each. They’d be super easy, inexpensive, and you could do exactly what you like.

  51. I agree with a lot of the other comments, that IMHO, I too think the pendant lights (while gorgeous, but wow, very expensive) are crowding and distracting from your artwork, the grasscloth framing and your credenza as the focal point of your entryway. I would go with recessed lighting or gold color artwork lighting arms. I envision a couple of pendant lights in your studio though. Sorry to hear your hallway is a sore point………it was really coming together so nicely!

  52. I love your idea of pendant lights and I can see two in the drum shape of the top Pottery Barn choice, but in brushed brass. Love all that you do and eait with great anticipation for each amd every post. Pam

  53. I have to say in all the years I have been following your blog I have never seen so many opposed to any idea you had. I think it is a compliment to you that we all feel so comfortable voicing our opinions. Good luck with whatever choice you make and thank you for letting us into your home!!

  54. I was at Habitat Re-Store today and thought of your blog post that I had read this morning. Maybe you could take a shopping trip to your local Re-Store and see if they have hanging lights or a floor lamp you could remake as a fun art project for this space. Ikea products can be an inexpensive place to start for a creative DIY hack. I’m not sure what your entry way is like but perhaps a beautiful DIY art piece chandelier as overhead lighting and forgoing the two hanging buffet lights. You could put tall pottery on the painted furniture piece to draw the eye upward to the paintings. I love what you have so far.

  55. I really like the conical brass pendants! They compliment the other brass touches in the lighting in the adjacent rooms and are heavy enough to balance the starburst mirror over the fireplace (which, btw, I LOVE being oversized and testing the boundaries of that trim – sassy & confident). The pendants are simple and elegant enough to accent the handles on your entry piece (which gives it a grounding effect) without competing with it, and it adds depth to your artwork by bringing some of the golds forward. I thought I would like the white shades, but they seem to draw out opposing details from the artwork and trim on the cabinet, and almost make the white so prominent that the drawer fronts look very (don’t kill me here) frilly? The brass quiets that pattern just a bit and keeps it more geometric, complimenting the walls in the music room. The light from the pendants will shine down on the cabinet top and will look great, but maybe some recessed light on the artwork would then balance it, drawing your eye back up and highlighting those beautiful colors – keeping them as the focus while the surrounding elements add interest, depth and texture without fighting it 🙂

  56. Have you considered recessed lighting or even a recessed spotlight aimed at your artwork? In my opinion, the pendants look pretty busy with the triptych, the fretwork on the credenza, and the frame moulding. Lots going on and it seems like pendants would distract from your art.

  57. I don’t have a lot to add beyond what has already been said, but I’m having a hard time picturing the pendants in your small entryway, especially since the “entry” is not really a separate space, but more of an extension of the living room. Specifically, I’m wondering how it would look from the side, the view as you come in the front door. I love the artwork and “credenza” and personally like the idea of recessed or track lighting to highlight the artwork, but I’ll reserve judgment until I see the finished space.

  58. So, I don’t have much to say regarding this particular blog except that I like the $200 wayfair lights with the gold inside but there is NO WAY I would pay that for them. I’m sure you could DIY the same look far more frugally.

    Secondly, Hi! My name is Marti. I am off work due to a surgery I had last week and I have been binge reading your blog today. It started with the portico framing and went from there. I feel like I have learned so much from you as well as about you. Porticos are something I have been researching for my home’s exterior renovation. So, I’m just wondering, when will you be getting back to that portico??!!

    1. Hi Marti! So glad you found my blog, and I hope you’re mending well after your surgery. 🙂 You know, as I pulled out of my driveway just yesterday, I stopped and stared at that portico and thought, “Ugh…I really should finish that.” 😀 I stopped working on it because it was summer, and hot outside, and I just needed to get it to the point where the guys could install the siding. But now that the weather has cooled off, and it’s actually pleasant working outside, I really do need to get back to it. I need to get those wood corbels painted/sealed so that the raw wood doesn’t get harmed in the weather. Maybe as soon as I finish my hallway (sore subject), I can spend a day or two finishing the portico before turning my attention to the music room and living room/entryway. 🙂 So stay tuned!

  59. I also worry that the two pendant lights will be too busy but I understand your desire for them. I’m not sure how much room you have between your front door and the credenza, but could you fit one beautiful pendant centered on the ceiling in front of the door? It would look awesome from the outside looking in with your beautiful glass door and may serve both form and function.

    In looking at your mock ups I find myself wishing the credenza was longer…almost to the end of the trim/framing (easy for me to say, huh?!) Perhaps then, pendants hanging to either side of the art work would not look as busy. Your final choices typically amaze me…so have fun with this tough decision!

  60. I agree with a lot of the comments that pendant lighting makes for a busy room and seems to disrupt your beautiful artwork, and that an option worthy of consideration is track lighting (or some such) that would illuminate the artwork instead.

  61. If you want the picture to be the centerpiece of the image (and I really think it should be- it’s absolutely lovely!), you need to keep the rest of the accessories minimal so they don’t attract as much attention as the centerpiece. I know you said you were against wall sconces, but if use sconces with swing arms, and place them between or just above (and between) the 3 sectional pieces, you can swing the arms above the pictures to spotlight them without them being too intrusive. Thank you for sharing your lovely work!