HELLO THERE! Yes, it’s been quiet around here. I know you’re not supposed to say you’re really busy anymore, but you know what? I’ve been really busy. I am really busy. My work days have been long, long, long…I’m drained, I’m tired, I’m uninspired. We’re still chugging along with the kitchen renovation whenever we have a few free hours here and there, though, and it looks like we’re probably going to manage to pull it all together before heating season. Phew.
(I’m tired. Did I already say I’m tired? I’m tired.)
The new kitchen floor is underway (more on that later this week!), but I also really need to make a decision about lighting. I know I want to use fixtures from Schoolhouse Electric like I did in the bathroom off the kitchen, but I keep waffling. The weekend before last we finally painted the ceiling, so there are no more excuses.
Kitchen lighting is hard. Unless you’re putting in track or recessed lights, it’s tough to know whether whatever you come up with is going to work out…especially with high ceilings and a single electrical box. When we first bought the house, we had to swap out three separate fixtures before we settled temporarily (HA! HA! HA!) on the predecessor to this IKEA light. It’s ugly, yes, but it really lights up the room well. The lights we rejected either made the kitchen feel like an interrogation room or something out of Jacob’s Ladder.
Anyway, I’ve narrowed my choices down to these four pendants from Schoolhouse’s Factory collection: No. 4, No. 5, No. 6 and No. 7.
I am apparently incapable of making a decision about which of the four lights to go with — and whether a single pendant will be enough overhead lighting. Can we all vote? I’m brain-fried. No. 4, No. 5, No. 6 or No. 7?
I’m voting for Factory Light No. 5, with a black finish, black porcelain insulator, houndstooth cloth cord and no cage. And yes, I’m aware that I could just order this configuration without holding a vote, but I keep second guessing myself.
And should I just get one? Or two? Or get one, see if it’s enough (there’s only one ceiling box, so we’d have to do some electrical work if it’s not), then order a second? There’s also a sconce on the wall by stove, and I’ll probably put a second sconce of some sort on the opposite wall next to the fridge.
Help?
Here’s my kitchen in the November issue of German Glamour magazine (“Die Industrie-Design-Küche von Anna Dorfman” sounds so intense, like it should be in a castle or something) if it helps you visualize…hah!
p.s. Yes, I spoke at Camp Mighty, and yes, I survived! What an experience. I’ll have a post about the whole thing once I have my photos sorted out…
p.p.s. I have so many posts coming up. SO MANY. You’re going to get really sick of me.
p.p.p.s. Lots of great new sponsors over in the sidebar!! Yay!
105 Comments
Duh, like we’d ever get sick of you! Not possible.
I concur with your lighting selection.
Five is really nice, but six. Six, is quite lovely. Tough decision. Good luck!
I feel your pain. Been stretched way to thin as of late!
I’m really feeling number 5… but obviously any of them would look great in your space.
Looking forward to all the upcoming posts…
i would go for no.5. the shape is so solid and beautiful. i like no.4 too but may be it’s a little too cute for “Die Industrie-Design-Küche von Anna Dorfman”? 😉
anyway, all of them are beautiful!
there’s something about 5
ok, here’s an opinion out of left field, which is that if you’re sticking with the single, i would go for 5 for sure. i like the others, but i think they would work best in pairs and just not have as much oomph alone. i also think that 5 would look awesome as a pair, but maybe i have just looked at daniel’s apartment kitchen too much. (i am going to try not to think about how weird it is to say that about a complete stranger’s kitchen which i have never physically been in.)
i like the shapes of 4 & 5 best, in general and for your place. i know that shape is super in right now, but it has a little more je ne c’est quoi than the others, and really, not a huge deal to swap them out in a couple years if you want something else.
so in conclusion, my vote is # 5, because if it works as a single you’re set, and if you need more light, you can just buy another one and then you will have all the big industrial pendant lighting goodness.
I agree 5 if you’re going for a single or pair….I think the other ones might need to be ganged as threes to make an impact 🙂
I agree with you both about the pairings! 6 & 7 are asking to be hung in groups.
I agree with these comments. I personally like the idea of the No5 in a white colorway shown too. Black will look good but there is a lot of black in the kitchen and the light is viewed from below with the white ceiling behind it. It depends on whether you think you need a star or a supporting player in this spot.
5 – trust your instincts
I agree – I love number 5.
I was going to say 5 before you asked for a vote! It has the best proportions. And, no, we won’t be getting sick of you!
I picked No 5 before I saw you had. My own concern about gloss black would be potential increase in dusting frequency. But I also realise aesthetics can overrule cleaning routine 🙂
Me too – I picked 5 before I read the post!
so funny, i immediately thought 5 but loved the black of 6! i don’t know if this encourages you or makes you even more confused…
If it comes in the black then yeah! Love 6 though too, so shiny.
Yes, they’re ALL available in black, white or steel with a choice of black or white for the insulator and 7 different cord options. So many possibilities! 🙂
I think the configuration you like sounds good! I was initially thinking 6, but that’s because it’s black. The shape of 5 is much nicer, and if you do it in black, then YES. Are these going over the table? I vote you get 2.
x
It (or they) will be going over the table no matter what because it’s a small room, but they’ll be centered…not positioned over the table. I don’t necessarily want them to relate to each other in position.
5 definitely 5.
With the cage. Is the cage removable?
Gets you two looks for one and the cage is a neat spot to hang doo-dads from. Did I just say doo-dads?
I’m not sure if it’s removable (probably?), but I think the cage is just too busy for the room.
(Do people hang stuff from lights?!)
6! And get 3 of them to suspend in a row.
I don’t think 3 in a row will fit without it looking crazy. These lights are pretty big…and the kitchen is smaller than it looks in pictures.
I used to regularly read the German Glamour as a teenager, they do sometimes have nice articles, the brickhouse blog was also recommended once. I might pick up this issue . I see that they write that you said your base is black and white with red, pink, yellow and turquoise accents, do you actually have turquoise anywhere?
I like your choice and probably would order just one- you can always order a second if you realize it’s really necessary.
I think I must have said aqua and that wound up being translated to turquoise?
Oh, well the German word “türkis” kind of applies to both aqua and turquoise. I just don’t remember you having anything blue (except black-blueish) anywhere.
It’s all about 5.
You are Famous
I like the size of no. 7 in black. I usually opt for the larger design because I’m terrified of it resembling one of those trending minuscule pendent lights at Home Depot that are meant to be hung in a series of three over your absolute black granite island.
In general, I like the shape of no. 6 and no. 7 better than the other two.
Hahahhahaha. Yes, I know exactly what you mean about the tiny pendants. Hah.
These guys are all pretty big, though — No. 5 is actually the exact same diameter as No. 7 (16″).
Yep, I picked five as well. It’s the flatness plus the width. I’d do white though, but that’s just me.
I love the white, but I’m concerned it will look too new compared to the ceiling white and the tile, which are not as bright.
I vote for #5. And I think a pair of 2 would be awesome.
We installed one of these lights in our kitchen above our prep table and holy darkness, Batman! If you’re ceilings are high enough, it should be sufficient but our ceilings are only 8 feet and it basically just sent a beam of light straight down and left the whole ceiling completely dark. Just something to consider if you’ve never used these style pendants for whole room lighting.
Yeah, our kitchen ceiling is almost 11′, so we can suspend them really high. Also, these lights have openings at the top, which should help prevent the interrogation room effect.
I vote #6. Also, keep being awesome. 🙂
I prefer the scale of Factory 4 for a smaller space, but it’s not my kitchen!
I will chime in on 5 but would pick white over black.
Someone else mentioned dust — a big factor in kitchens, since the grease from cooking makes dust stick like glue — but I like the idea of a white pendant to contrast with your dark stove wall and the dark grout.
I’ve never really had a grease issue in kitchens (I guess because I don’t fry stuff or eat any meat?), but I’ll clean the dust off of the light whether it’s white or black. 😉
I vote for number 5, but I think you’ll need two overhead fixtures in your kitchen (and quite possibly the maximum wattage in each lamp).
Noel
I just put #6 in my kitchen but just as an above the sink light, it’s pretty small to stand on its own. In your space I would go for #5, two of them if you can swing it! Be warned that they really do take the full 3-4 weeks to make and ship. Your kitchen is looking amazing – can’t believe you’ve done it all yourself!
Thanks, Megan! Hah, I didn’t even realize the lead time was so long. Oh well, at the rate I’ve been progressing with this kitchen, they’ll be just in time!
Chiming in to say that I really like the breadth of both 5 and 7 but 5 has a much nicer shape. Also, since you went a little quiet I’ve worked my way through all of the Door Sixteen archives and that in itself has been a joy. It’s lovely that you’re back!
We are having the same dilemma. Have you considered the very very new RANARP lights ( http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/90256497/ ) from IKEA? They are very…not ikea-ish. Enamel? Black/white cloth cord? Brassy bits? $40? Thought they’d be up your alley.
Long story short, kitchen lighting is hard. I’m considering using those RANARPs with a line voltage adapter so I can have SANDA track lighting…hmm. Sigh…the perils of only one electrical hook up. (I won’t say box…)
Leo, yeah, I have seen those — they’re cute and great for the price! But they don’t come in black, and even though I could spray paint them, after waiting almost 8 years to do this kitchen renovation, I really want to go with good-quality light fixtures. Schoolhouse stuff is in a league of its own when it comes to details like the industrial canopy, etc.
Also, that IKEA light doesn’t have openings at the top, which is something to consider in your own kitchen if you’re worried at all about the aforementioned interrogation room effect…
Get what you love. (I happen to love #7 in black)
Get two. Even with the sconces, I think two.
Yeah. You’re probably right. I think more than anything I’ve been trying to convince myself that one will be enough because I’m feeling lazy about putting in new boxes. Sigh!!
I have essentially the same light as #5 in my kitchen (I think mine are probably just a cheaper version). We have two in our galley kitchen and we have 4’x11′ of floor space (I’m not counting countertops). We definitely need BOTH of them. I was actually just thinking of spray-painting mine black, but I wondered if they would produce even less light that way. For now I’m leaving them white. If you pick black, that may be even more of an argument for two.
Amy, do you mean you’re going to paint the inside of the fixtures black, too? I personally would advise against that because you’re going to lose all of the reflected light. The black Schoolhouse fixtures are white on the inside — the exterior color makes no difference in the amount of light emitted. They’re made from solid steel.
Ah, I hadn’t even given the painting that much thought yet. (I was playing with the idea of making them antique brass/gold inside, but abandoned that because my kitchens and baths have too much nickel going on to replace everything.) That’s good that the Schoolhouse ones are white inside though — I thought they’d be black. Still though, my white ones barely give us enough light with two of them. I do like things bright while I’m cooking though — I have task lighting in addition to the two overhead.
Definitely #5. And gee, take all the time you need….we are just here, also in varying states of busy-ness. : )
jbhat
I have been having the same dilemma. For over a decade. I have hideous track lighting, 115 year old house, low ceilings, cozy U-shaped kitchen. I found a schoolhouse-esque light at Ikea and figured it was a cheap enough experiment to see if it would work in the space. Determination–Pendant lights look amazing, but aren’t that functional. The kitchen was dim, i couldn’t see well enough in certain lights to accomplish tasks, etc. Under the cabinet task lighting, and perhaps another pendant over a second area (sink, island, etc) to help brighten up the space, can rectify darkness issue, but I think a single pendant, no matter how awesome-looking, can be difficult.
Amy, I used to have the light from IKEA you’re talking about, and I agree completely. The key difference with these is that they are open at the top, so light comes out of both sides.
5!
I think it’s OK to say you’re busy – as long as it’s true, which it obviously is! Looking forward to your slew of posts!
Great lamps. Not completely sure what you mean by “they’ll be centered…not positioned over the table”. If the light(s) will not be hanging directly over the table, I think just one fixture would be best. I vote for #5 or #7. And even though I read what you said, I think white would be beautiful.
I would love some advice. I have been wanting one or two hanging lamps over my own kitchen island, but with a Nelson bubble lamp in the dining room nearby, would it be too many lamps in a row? Also what kind of lamp would work with the Nelson? This is why we still rely on just recessed lighting over the island. Unless there is a good solution, I might hang one over just the sink area.
I meant they’ll be centered in the room, not centered over the island.
One problem at the time! Let’s solve my kitchen first, then yours. 😉
Have you checked out Rejuvenation? Similar styles, very good quality. I know, not helping with the deciding! :}
The differences between 4&5 and 6&7 are basically scale, right? Can you do a photoshop workup to “see” how they would look in the space? Definitely helps for visually-oriented people and I’m pretty sure you are an expert at photoshop!
Also check to see which background color it/they will most often be seen against, since you have both black and white walls and ceilings. That might influence which color you will choose.
Yeah, Rejuvenation doesn’t have anything I like…their style runs too fancy for my taste. I also really like that these lights are open at the top. I’m absolutely sure I’m going with Schoolhouse — I’m very loyal!
Yes, my montage at the top is to scale. Unfortunately no amount of Photoshopping can simulate the amount of light each of these pendants will emit once in place, which is what I’m concerned about. 😉
I’m 100% positive I’m going with black, not considering white or steel at all.
Looks like 5 is the winner, though I think a pair of 6 would be fantastic too. I think you should go for a pair of whichever you choose though, and no matter what, put them on a dimmer. Makes all the difference!
I <3 dimmers!! I want to put every light in my house on a dimmer, haha.
yep, 5. and definitely 2 of them. you can never have too much light in the kitchen, I think.
Go with your instinct. (You’ve got great taste.)
2 x Factory 5 (black/black/houndstooth) Love that they offer so many choices on cord overwrap – the houndstooth is the bee’s knees.
More lighting is always good in a kitchen, and you can tone down the light by swapping out different bulbs if it’s too much. Also, do put in another task light. Overheads + task lights = win. Then you have the option of just having the task lights on if you’re having a cozy dinner.
I think you need two, and while I like 5, for some reason 7 really appeals to me. But you should go with 5! Because that’s what you wanted 🙂
Ooh I’d vote for 5 too. I’ve just finished my own kitchen reno, but have no ceiling height, otherwise I’d have gone for vintage industrial pendants. I’m in the UK and these have almost made me want to move house.. http://www.skinflintdesign.co.uk/store/ceiling_lights/pirelli_warehouse_lights_xl.html So happy I came across your blog, you’ve been such a great source of inspiration – thank you!
Eeeee, those are gorgeous, Debbie! Love that green color.
(And thank you!!)
#5. It spoke to me before I even read the post. And black, definitely. Order two if there is the slightest possibility you want two because the minute you don’t and then change your mind it will be out of stock.
5. Definitely 5.
Good luck with the lights. I’m sure they will look beautiful. I look forward to your daughterly advice, in due time of course! : )
I like for “5” as well and I would try one first and see how that works.
Best of luck and get some rest if you can! I’ve missed you!
PS I am seeing Janelle Monae in Minneapolis tonight (loved your review and photos) and hoping that Prince shows up!!
Oooooh, HAVE FUN!!! Fingers crossed on your behalf. 😉
I like 5. It looks less like a spotlight than the others if that makes sense. Of course there’s nothing wrong with being in the spotlight.
Glad you have more posts coming!! Missed you.
I vote for two of #5.
5.
You had me at houndstooth.
5 is definitely the sexiest, out of context. 4 is nice too, but perhaps a bit small?
Victoria at sfgirlbybay has No. 4 in her kitchen, and while it’s PERFECT there, I think it’s too small for my high ceilings…but maybe not if there are two?
5, unless the space is “skinny”/ fragile (can’t really tell from pictures). Then I would pick 4. But since it is a high space 5 would probably work. I would hang it over the beautiful table like thing-y you have, otherwise I wonder whether it would make sense just hanging in the middle of the room. Seems a bit silly.
Good luck with calming down (Christmas is underway you know?) and mking your decision and a lovely week to you.
CHRISTMAS?! You’re going to make me have an anxiety attack, hahahaha
P.s. in white.
its 5 …its a no brainer. the form is so beautiful that you cannot go wrong. funny timing of the post.. we are in the same dilemma at our place with tom Dixon beat pendant http://www.nest.co.uk/product/tom-dixon-beat-light-fat-black and the glass beaker Edison filament ones http://www.schots.com.au/beaker-glass-pendant-light/. 8 feet ceilings suck. we have bought a piece of each and try hanging it in the space. the rejected one will be exchanged/refunded ;).. food for thought.
oh BTW Congrats on the magazine article. first time poster but a regular visitor.. love your style
Oh gosh, I loooooooove Tom Dixon’s lamps like nothing else. The only reason I haven’t considered them for my kitchen is that they’re not very reflective inside — better for accent lighting or over a dining table than for primary/task lighting.
(And yes, I feel your pain on the lower ceilings. That’s how it is in our apartment, and it’s so limiting.)
5. Everywhere is doing lights like these now (with good reason, they’re cool). The quality of all these will stand out in the flesh so to speak but looking at it as a photograph number 5 is the most distinctive shape, it’s definitely not a high street lamp.
Wow – Glamour! All my female friends read that. And you find that thing in every hair dresser’s, cosmetic studio and most doctor’s waiting rooms. Tremendous congratulations!
Does it sound intense? Industrie-Design-Küche – industrial design kitchen – it’s even hyphenated for better readability, they could just have written Industriedesignküche. Less or more intense?
I love #4 and #5 but I prefer #4 mainly because of the coloring. I don’t like that silvery finish. So maybe all black or all white? Can’t you get Daniel to get you a lamp? He seems very fond of buying them.
Anyway, your notion we would get sick of you is absurd! We, your greedy public, would devour even daily posts and still ask for more!
“Can’t you get Daniel to get you a lamp? He seems very fond of buying them.”
HAH. Indeed he does! I will alert him to this comment. 😀
All of the lamps are available in all three colors (black, white, bare steel), with a choice of insulator cover and cord type. I’m set on all-black with a houndstooth cord regardless of which style I go with.
Funny — in the US, Glamour magazine seems so dated to me! I don’t know anyone who reads it anymore. But yes, it’s always in salons and doctor’s offices. 😉
You had me at houndstooth cord. That sounds amazing. But would a white interior to the shade reflect more light than black? Can’t wait for your upcoming posts!!!
Yes — and the black shade has a white interior. 🙂
You’re right–five. It’s sexy and smart and not too much like the trope of the barn light (whoa there, Judi). Four is too small and six and seven are too referential (does that make any sense? I am also tired and have an ear infection, which has rendered me temporarily stupid). I’d get one, unless you’re afraid Schoolhouse will go out of business tomorrow (obviously not). Also, congrats on Glamour. I love the quote about “simple but honest” materials. And I grew up in Germany, so great to see you getting presence there.
definitely consider more than one… we have a small metal barn pendant over the sink and a schoolhouse light with a glass shade (both vintage but VERY similar to the ones carried by schoolhouse electric) in the middle of the kitchen and the dining table–even though technically in the kitchen–feels dark with no light source above it. i can only speak for myself–but in our kitchen the metal pendants give only a very direct source of light. you really need one over every spot that you want directly illuminated.
i love no. 5–might need to go that route over the dining table once we finally get to installing a new electrical box there.
Katherine, is your metal pendant open at the top like these are? I feel like that could make all the difference illumination-wise.
Go with your gut. Always.
Start with one. Order a second later if needed.
You haven’t made a bad decision yet. So, don’t let your tired brain get the best of you now.
Hey Anna. I agree with you about not mixing whites. I hated the different whites in my bathroom that I ended up with when I mixed peramwhite paint with kohler toilets etc… I love the black #5. We have a single overhead in our kitchen which is about the size of yours and it’s fine. I think with 2 sconces you should have more than enough light. On another note, I’m sure you’re tired at work from covering for the designer that you’re down right now. I applied for the job back in August and I see that they just relisted again. Picky picky. I have 15 years experience so I guess they think I’m overqualified but I’ve been a senior designer for 15 years so it’s not like I managed a staff…Hope they find someone soon. I know what it’s like to design a list when you’re down a designer.
I love #5. I love how wide it is… it feels like it’d open up more light and like it has more character. All are wonderful choices though!
I like #5 the best too.
Hopefully you can appreciate this story. When we did our kitchen hillbilly remodel (long story) i ordered three lovely pendant lights to hang over our new semi-permanent (long story) breakfast bar. I ordered them quite a bit in advance of their final installation. After much research and hand wringing and measuring a proper drop was determined and the lights were installed. I looked at them and deep inside my heart broke a little. They were boring, pedestrian, did I really order those? I fretted and fretted each time i looked at them and wondered what was wrong with me, where had my instincts gone. I told no one of my deep shame. For what they cost I could have gotten the same thing at IKEA for, like $1.99 each for god’s sake!!! Then, one day, going through the boxes to look for maximum wattage requirements or something I found….the outer sleeves. Ha ha ha, whew, wasn’t worried, knew all along I wasn’t crazy and lame. Yeah right.
http://www.techlighting.com/Products/Fixtures/Low-Voltage-Pendants/Mini-Echo-Pendant
HAH!! Yeah, I can totally see myself doing that. Hahahhhahaha. Hey, at least you kept the boxes!
I love the 5th! it’s just right! No more no less
I think no.5 in black would be perfect! 🙂
My old kitchen had a similar but far more basic lamp like that in the centre of the room and with the right bulb it threw more than enough good light. Especially with an extra wall light.
Current kitchen has those set in ceiling halogen spot lights, they put out too much heat and cast about a million shadows everywhere! Hate them! Would much rather have one ceiling light and a wall task light.
Like many others before me I had also settled on number 5 before I read your pick.
5 for sure. The broad opening may give the kind of light you want much better than the others.
definitely number 5!! Its great… also I’d say get 2, but then again it’s not my money!!
5 for sure.
Definitely #5. As many have said, trust your gut. Get two. You can never have too much light in the kitchen. And, if you decide you don’t want it, you can sell it on ebay – you’s famous – you will definitely make your $$ back ;-P
My husband and I have contemplated these very fixtures for our little work nook. I’m a big fan of 5 myself. 4 is a little on the small side, I think. We have super high ceilings and 4 feels like it would look a little silly up there (unless, of course, you get two of them and hang them somewhat low-ish). The cords at School House are the clincher for me!
“p.p.p.s. Lots of great new sponsors over in the sidebar!! Yay!”
eugh. gross.
Sorry you find that “gross,” Jas, but those new sponsors were all small, independent business owners that I believe in…and who I believe a lot of people who read this blog would be happy to discover, too.
I guess you think it’s better to just pretend they don’t exist?
I’m very late to the party, but yes, factory 5 is a great look.