The globe pendant light is perhaps the most ubiquitous mid-century modern home fixture. Especially in Eichler built homes, stem-mounted globe lights, also called ball lights, were used as the primary source of interior lighting, and could be found in the entry, living and dining, kitchen and hallways. They work well as single pendants, but they’re especially head-turning when hung in pairs or multiples at different heights. To give you a little background: Globe lighting fixtures are literally globes made of decorative fabric, plastic, metal, wood or paper. Globe-shaped lighting fixtures are simple and universally appealing modern lights that bring organic design into interior decorating and backyard landscaping. These modern lighting fixtures can be cheap and expensive, but all of them are expressive, bright and attractive.
Over the years, we’ve receive many inquiries from Eichler owners in need of globe lighting suppliers, so we’ve compiled a list here of our recommended sources.
For Sale by Owner
If you’re in no rush, eBay and Craigslist are great options to find globe pendant lighting fixtures. Some Eichler owners who replace lighting during a remodel will sell them online so this might be your best bet if you’re looking for a “true” Eichler original. This is also a more cost-efficient route since price negotiation is allowed to some extent.
Price: Varies based on seller
Website: www.ebay.com &
www.craigslist.com
Love it Lighting
What we love about Love it Lighting is that there are over 30 color options for the canopy finish (including color like yellow, burgundy and gloss black) and they have the widest selection of sizes we’ve seen, ranging from 8” to 36”. If you’re looking to do your whole home or go in on it with neighborhoods, there is a 5% discount for 10 or more of a single item. (Thanks to Jonathan at Lorne Way for this tip!)
Price: 8” will cost you approx $95
Website: http://www.loveitlighting.com/globes/get_fixture.pl?fix_pic=hang2/472.jpg
Sea Gull Lighting
This is probably the most commonly available brand of globe lighting and can often be found at Home Depot, Lowes, Amazon and directly through their website as well. Available in four different sizes, with white and opal opaque glass, on white wire.
Price: 8” will cost you approx $87
Website: http://www.seagulllighting.com/6398/Indoor-Pendants-6018-15.html
Rejuvenation
Offered in two sizes, 8” and 16”, and in brushes aluminum and white enamel finish. Rejuvenation allows for customizable features such as the drop length and socket type, which can be nice. This one has a class refined look but at a pricier cost. If you sign up to receive their email updates, you can get a 10% discount on your first purchase.
Price: 8” will cost you approx $200
Website: http://www.rejuvenation.com/search?q=sfera
All Modern
Called the Asteroid Pendant by Meltemi, this globe light comes in chrome or white. The chrome is nice if you want to coordinate with other chrome features in your home. Sizes come in 10”, 12”, 16” and 20”.
Price: 10” will cost you approx $200
Website: http://www.allmodern.com/Meltemi-Asteroid-Pendant-M2869-MEL1009.html
Ikea
For those who are budget conscious, Ikea is a good option. While not technically a globe light, the Minut pendant lamp is similar in style but with an open bottom. The Minut comes in two sizes, 10” and 13”.
Price: 10” will cost you only $30
Website: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/00206341/If you don’t mind black hardware, this is a budge-friendly ceiling lamp option:
Price: 7 1/8” for $40
Website: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/30246029/
West Elm
West Elm has always been one of our favorites when it comes to finding mid-century modern furniture and fixtures. West Elm has these globe pendants but with an antique brass base if that’s your preference. The glass globe with a milk finish and fabric-wrapped cord will beautifully light up any room. They also carry these clear globe pendants that can be fun to decorate your home with
(http://www.westelm.com/products/globe-pendant-a563/).Price: 11” for $99
Website: http://www.westelm.com/products/globe-pendant-milk-finish-w1047/If you need any assistance on globe pendant lighting fixtures or having any other Eichler questions, contact us today! Stay tuned for part 2 of our globe lighting series where we’ll be giving you globe lighting ideas for interior decorating and backyard landscaping.
