Objects of Desire: 8 Gorgeous Globe Light Fixtures

Whether they’re lighting a half bath or a grand entryway, globe fixtures have a way of giving a room understated polish. In fact, I’ve had to hold myself back from using them in too many rooms in my house, lest my home begin to look like a planetary constellation. Still, I find myself drawn to images of rooms lit by gorgeous glowing spheres as I continually seek out new ways to use them in my home that won’t make my family feel like we’re living in the International Space Station.

Here’s a look at eight of my favorite spaces with globe lights.

Random Light
by Bertjan Pot for Moooi

This unique fixture appears to hover around the bulb. As designer Mark Lawton puts it, “It looks quite experimental — almost defying physics.”

Made from: Fiberglass soaked in epoxy resin.

When it works: A large single-globe chandelier demands high ceilings and looks best when it anchors a grouping of furniture or a single large piece.

Tip: Edgy pieces like this one can look out of place if you don’t give them a frame of reference. “In this remodel we were drawing inspiration from the ocean and coral motifs,” says Lawton. “It also makes interesting shadow patterns on the walls.”

Source: Ylighting

See more Moooi Random Lights on Houzz


Single Bocci Pendant

We’re used to seeing clusters of these small pendants, but as Vivian Dwyer of Dwyer Design puts it, “One single pendant is like a single star to guide you in the night.”

How it’s made: The glass was shaped using a technique called slumping, in which it is shaped over a mold at a high temperature. This allows for a thick globe of glass that won’t crack from the heat of the bulb.

When it works: A single pendant like this one demands a minimalist space; otherwise it will get lost. Notice how it’s also hung just to the right of the sink instead of directly over it. This creates a sculptural effect when juxtaposed with the sharp geometric shapes that compose the rest of the room.

More reasons to love it: Dwyer recommends this fixture for its modest price point (about $350), soul and life. “It’s a great accent light that is expressive, modern and crafted,” she says.

Source: Bocci


Multiple Bocci Pendants

For this room gne Architecture chose an asymmetrical location relative to the mirror to mix things up.

When they work: Bocci offers an endless number of configurations with different numbers of pendants, which can be customized to fit your particular space. Greg Epstein, gne Architecture’s founder, recommends studying the amount of light the fixture emits to make sure it’s sufficient for the location where it’s being installed.


Vintage Unsigned, Unstamped Chandelier

The crackle glass globes on this vintage fixture from a New York City antiques store provide sparkle. “When the light hits the cut edges of the glass, it creates patterned reflections on the ceiling,” says Ruthie Alan of Alan Design Studio.

When it works: A transparent fixture like this one is good for spaces with a lot of other bold pieces, or in an area where you’d like to see through the fixture into another room.

Tip: When approaching a dining room fixture, think about how it will look from the side. In this case Alan and her client wanted something linear. “A traditional chandelier or even a supercontemporary piece would not have fit in,” says Alan.


LBL Pendant Lights

Installing the pendants in the custom wood ceiling screen proved to be one of the most innovative parts of this project by Renee Gaddis Interiors. Normally these lights are installed on a visible track, but the designers hid that track in a space above the ceiling, Renee Gaddis says. “We used monopoint mounts to go through the ceiling and attach to the track, which allowed us to achieve the clean and contemporary look.”

When it works: Dainty pendants like these make a statement when paired with more masculine decor. In this case the dark wood in the custom screen and cabinetry offsets them.

Tip: When installing delicate pendant lights, it’s a good idea to consult a pro to discuss hiding the track or wires.

Source: LBL Lighting


Custom Installation
by Debora Czeresko

Individual J-boxes provided for each fixture allow them to be installed independently. They’re clustered in multiples to give the room’s lighting a layered, sculptural effect,” says Tommy Chambers of Tommy Chambers Interiors.

How it’s made: Each globe is handblown and installed in a custom layout.

When it works: Sculptural pendant clusters like this one can work in almost any space, provided the ceilings are high enough.

Tip: “Use Styrofoam balls or cardboard cutouts to determine placement of globes during early planning stages,” says Chambers “This will help in giving you a perfect composition when it’s all said and done.”

Source: Commissioned through Matthew Amses of Site Specific Art Management


Sorensen Pendants

These polished-nickel pendants add sparkle to a Connecticut home with a beach cottage vibe.

How they’re made: The globes on each light are handblown. “I love the handmade nature of these lights,” says Lauren Muse of MuseInteriors. “They are reminiscent of an old type of factory light whose glass was netted for safety.”

When they work: This pendant style is very versatile and comes in a variety of sizes and finishes, making it a great fit for a wide variety of spaces.

Tip: This fixture casts a dramatic shadow on the ceiling when it’s turned on. “So be prepared for that,” says Muse.

Source: Remains Lighting


Arteriors Home Caviar Fixed Glass Cluster

This chandelier not only glimmers when turned on, but the perforated cone within each globe throws light throughout the room much like a gemstone would. The fixture’s designer, Laura Kirar, was inspired by elements of nature, including the sea, bubbles and eucalyptus seeds. She calls it “jewelry for the home.”

How it’s made: Each glass globe is mouth blown in a steel mold. The glass is not tempered, and the metal cones will not patinate. Just be careful when cleaning the globes or changing light bulbs, as the glass is very delicate.

When it works: It’s best for spacious areas where other fixtures can be dimmed to maximize this spectacular feature.

Tip: Heather Garrett Design used the chandelier to add glimmer to this space. Pair this dramatic piece with minimalist furnishings for maximum effect.

Source: Available through a variety of vendors, including Houzz

Learn more about the versatility of globe pendants

URL: Objects of Desire: 8 Gorgeous Globe Light Fixtures http://www.decor-ideas.org/cases-view-id-23842.html