Independent Pendants: Creative Pendant Light Ideas

Being passionate about design, let me share some interesting pendant lights I came across over the holidays.

Two that got it right

I recently discovered an upholstery and fabric boutique in Tel Aviv carrying a fabulous collection for curtains, blinds, pillows and more. Besides that discovery, I fell in love with an innovative hand-crafted, fan-like pendant light. It depicts the shop so well.

Then, on a shopping trip in Boro Park, I noticed the pendant light in Miri's clothes shop on 13th Avenue. I love how the zips are so effectively woven in an alternating design in the shade, and how the colours are themed to the shop's decor. Smartly done.

And one that didn't

My mother always says: from everyone you can learn something — from some, what to do; from others, what not to do. This is definitely the latter.

I had to laugh when I came across this. Anyone familiar with Tiveria's tayelet? For these public bathrooms you had to pay three shekels to a very house-proud — or perhaps bathroom-proud — man. He had put in anything to make it feel yukrati and worth your while: rugs, modern art, traditional art (albeit hung low), ornaments, and best of all, dining room crystal chandeliers. In a bathroom. Basically, mah hakesher.

Made from almost nothing

But there are artists who have made magnificent pieces out of the simplest things.

Look at this fixture made from simple can-opening rings. Impressive, right?

And can you tell what this lamp is made of? That's right: paper plates.

Lighting that says something about the space

There are smart ways of using fixtures to give over a message. An idea for upcycled eyeglasses would be a cool fixture in a glasses shop. Or a three-tiered chandelier made from beer bottles, used in the right setting, could be a real showstopper.

Are you a sheitel macher who'd want a light made of scissors? Do you have a home bakery and fancy a light made of paper cases? How about something for your kids' room?

The ideas are endless.