I like the Possini wire pendant but the one from Home Depot would be MUCH easier to clean.

I have no advice for you, but am shocked you managed to find a $92 single bulb pendant at Home Depot.

I think anything less than 12" diameter would be too puny.

Totally off topic, but . . .

The words sourced and gifted are two of my biggest pet peeves.

I would skip the overhead light and go with a dimmable table lamp and or floor lamp overhead lighting is highly over rated. If anything I would put up a ceiling fan with no light fixture with a two foot extension so it's at the proper drop from the ceiling. Everyone needs airflow.

Is your dog watching television? I would do almost a hybrid style light, like this one:

http://www.mailorderlighting.co.uk/images/products/zoom/1301605860-25222700.jpg

where there is a pendant effect, but it is closer to the ceiling than your average pendant light - and it would not get in the way of your other hanging items.

The room is big and your ceilings are enviably high; I don't think either of the options you've put forward is big enough. Go for something at least 24" in diameter. A simple rice paper globe from Chinatown or Ikea would look great and be cheap. You can add an extra floor or tale lamp with the money you save.

Haha @Lenalula, thanks for pointing that out. He's adorable.

I really wish you had a picture of the other hanging feature. You could find a fixture that mimics the shape or curves of the piece of art. It'll sort of introduce the focal point before for you see it.

I would choose the Possini, you have the ceiling height for a larger pendant and it's simple yet interesting in texture. It also looks like it will emit a softer light into the room instead of making you feel like you're under interrogation.

Drum shades also seem to be in style and worth taking a look. Check this one out: http://www.lampsplus.com/products/white-and-brushed-nickel-contemporary-pendant-light__93331.html

On a related note, does anyone have a good link (or will AT write up a piece) on how to switch out ceiling fixtures for a pendant light?

I'm 23, my dad lives far away, and would like to know how to do this myself for when I move into my new apartment.

I have a Karlell FLY I scored on eBay and I think it would look lovely in your space, however you can't be very obsessed with cleaning as it attracts A LOT of dust. I got the bulb from IKEA and it was really inexpensive after all. I dust it with a humid cloth once in a while and it's alright (however not perfect).

If you don't want to worry that much about keeping your light fixture clean, I would go for a different shape instead of globe. Something like the Norm 69 might hide the dust better.

Big, really really big. Your space needs something outsized to hug the room from above. I strongly dislike both lights you've suggested. You don't indicate your price range, but based on your room (looks like a mix of med & low priced tasteful items, like most of us), I would suggest a pendant from West Elm.

http://www.westelm.com/products/short-drum-pendant-black-linen-w504/?pkey=cchandeliers-pendant-lighting

Thanks all for your advice & help. Sorry I didn't think to post the room from the other angle... things are a little less generic at the other end of the room!

In retrospect, I think a large drum style would be a good idea. Now need to think about colors...

thank you, AT! lizzy

thanks also for the sweet words for my sweet dog - she's a beauty and makes my apartment a home!