apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

i'd go with a nice big drum shade

this light from cb2 is pretty great: http://www.cb2.com/family.aspx?c=120&f=4694&viewall=1
it's simple, but big. I saw it in the store and it makes much more of an impression when you see it in person.

1 for natalie1215's suggestion.

None of the above - Nobody should have overhead lights in a living room.

i like natalie1215's suggestion too!

i'm going with none of the above, too. seems like it would be overhead light overload when combined w/ the fixtures in the very close-by kitchen and dining room.

I think something that mimics the roundness of the globes, like the Le Klint, would be nice.

And I disagree that no one should have overhead lights. Appropriately lit and used, they are fine.

Also, drum shades are too formal and not retro enough for the look, methinks.

Install recessed florescent lighting

another vote for natalie1215's suggestion

I don't see a hanging pendent in this room. Add maybe another lamp have three way bulbs so when you need to make it bright like for cleaning that should be enough.

the cb2 light like natalie says! we hardwired their "double dip" drum pendants and they look hawt :)

I vote for no overhead light.

Not a fan of overhead lighting, but I like both Le Klint 172 and Natalie's suggestion.

Nice living room.

I dont think it's a problem to hang a pendant or chandelier in a living room as long as it's over the coffee table and the scale works with both the table size and the space. However, that said, I think you already have enough pendants going on in the kitching and dining and another might compete. I would probably just do downlights in that case, or maybe something totally different - like something multi-armed:

http://www.circalighting.com/details.aspx?pid=569&cid=4

or something more retro like the Toroja Cross pendant from David Weeks (or maybe something LIKE it since it's crazy expensive):

http://www.davidweeksstudio.com/lighting.html

The PH 5 will look fantastic with the side table lamps that you already have! I can't believe AT readers have missed the obvious. It mimics the lines but it is rendered in the reverse...white of the lampshade. It will be present in the room, but recede during the day on the white ceiling.

PH 5 without a doubt.

My suggestions in order of preference:

1. No light - get a nice ceiling medallion where the fan used to be. You said yourself you've got a lot of light coming in already. Less is more, in this case.

2. No pendant. But if you "have" to have a fixture, classic and unobtrusive is the way to go... something along the lines of the Westmont:
http://www.schoolhouseelectric.com/fixtures-type.asp?type=SurfaceMount

I like the cb2 drum idea as well, or no pendant at all. I think anything spherical will take away from the great pendants you have already. BTW, love the saucer!

We had the same issue in our living room, and I'm for no ceiling fixture. Depending on which way your ceiling rafters are running, I'd opt for a series of three cans in the ceiling. It's somewhat linear, but you don't have to cut into joists if you run them in a straight line in the space between the joists, and piggybacked to one another. Throw them on a dimmer as well for mood lighting. They make "new work" and "old work" cans. You need the "old work" since this is a renovation. You will also have to remove the old fixture's wiring box, as the "old work" cans come with an integral electrical box. Kudo's on the room. It's really nice! You don't want to distract from it.

I agree with bepsf on this. No ceiling lights in the livingroom, ever. Surely there is enough light in that space as it is? Three lights over the kitchen counter, one over the dining table, the floor lamp and one on each side of the sofa? How much light do you need??????

Just because there are wires dangling from the old ceiling fan doesn't mean you have to attach something to them. Just remove the wires and patch the ceiling and call it good.

BTW, the space is lovely. Love the wall color. But, no more ceiling fixtures. It will start to look like a lamp store if you get any more in there.

I agree with gretchenalexis. Since you already have an abundance of overhead lighting, I think additional might be overkill.

i'm usually all for more light, but then i saw the view towards yr kitchen. no more lighting. really.

there's already three shapes in your existing lights. adding another "statement" light is going to look cluttered. i'd get something that ties the three all together, rather than getting another shape that will only compete and make your open space look like a lighting showroom.

how about a round nelson bubble lamp? it echoes the shape of the three round globes you already have and ties in with the saucer. simplify.

Why mess with perfection? It 's a beautiful room, although already getting a bit crowded. I know how hard it is to get rid of beautiful things. But, not every chair needs a pillow. Not every pillow needs a pillow. Not every sofa needs a throw. And, not every wire needs a lamp. Edit. Edit. Edit. Then decide.

Yup, I also agree, no overhead lighting. Your space looks fantastic as it is. Enjoy the warmth that lamps provide.

I'm agreeing with parttimedesign. I can't believe there aren't more votes for the PH 5. The CB2 light everyone is linking to is great, but it's far too large for the space!

Well, I also think that another hanging light would be overkill. Perhaps, if you had to have something, maybe something see-through, diaphonous (sp?), or even a natural reed-like material - like the color of your bench or couch. But, instead of another light, how about changing your window curtain to a natural material (reed, bamboo, burlap, linen, etc.). That would be soothing to the eye, darker and you wouldn't need another hanging lamp. You could even have a fabulous piece of pottery/vase on the coffee table instead to draw your eye. Your apartment is beautiful already; you don't need much more. Good luck. xo

Despite the call for no ceiling light, a well thought out lighting plan provides both task and accent lighting. Lighting a room at seated eye level keeps everyone looking good as opposed to being lit from above and having shadows cast down the face creating shadows and making everyone look tired. However, a ceiling light on a dimmer is a necessary light to provide a general light when it is required.

the PH 5 mimics the table lamps and the saucer pendant.

on a separate note, where is that bench from? are those the ones you can stack on top of one another?

What a lovely, lovely room. I wouldn't touch it!

You have a lot of light and a lot of "brand" in that space - everything is really iconic looking. I would cut back but if you really feel that an overhead light is necessary, how about going to a non-pendant - maybe something that reflects soft light upwards? Less mid-c?

http://ylighting.com/vib-2004.html

http://ylighting.com/rzk-kumo.html

http://ylighting.com/fnt-2793g.html

Another pendant would be overkill with the other visible fixtures. Plus, the lighting seems adequate.

Pendant lights are really only appropriate in living rooms with sufficient height (e.g., a range of around 11 to 14 feet).

I wouldn't add a pendant light. The space already has four which is enough.

Although I see where the comments against any kind of ceiling light are coming from, I was just recently in a similar situation and a ceiling light does give a focal point, so much so that I was forced to put in something I don't love as a placeholder, because the space needed something. I think yours may need it even more, if it's to be defined against two other spaces in an open-plan layout.

Having said that, I'm personally against downlighting in nearly all cases, but particularly in a living-room area. So of your options I would go with the Le Klint because when you do turn it on it's not a downlighter, and when you don't turn it on it's still a fabulous centrepiece, and in either case it's quite different from what you have in your other two areas. And lets face it you do, even in a living-room space, sometimes need an overhead light, if only to illuminate the games board.

BTW, I love your room, it looks really sociable and you've avoided that "look nice but nobody would want to sit on them" pair of chairs setup. And I also love your green walls :)

I don't think you need a THIRD pendant hanging in such close quarters. I would leave it as is, or if you really want overhead, go with recessed.

As much as I love the PH 5 (I have one over my dining table) I don't think you want something hanging down in that room...If you want a fixture, get something that sort of hugs the ceiling (a surface mount).

All the pendants you have are round / spherical(ish). I'd want something that has a little different character--something simple, something clean, something low profile, and something with a bit of an edge to it.

this one below is a bit expensive...but how often does the average homeowner buy ceiling light fixtures? (other than you...you seem to like buying ceiling fixtures...just sayin)

http://ylighting.com/olr-axo-plkoshi.html

I like idea of the frame boxing in a spherical / rounded shape--sort of plays off your Nelson Bench (but it's the wrong shade...it's a jumping off point, and someone could probably make it)

You're defining spaces with light fixtures: so, while some have said "no more" (and I agree--no more pendants hanging down), I think you should probably put a light fixture in above the living room area--to be consistent, and to have another subtle element (light turned on / light fixture when light is off) on the ceiling plane of the room.

Nice choice of classic modern pieces/fixtures.

I say Le Klint or nil. Keep it simple.

... actually I reconsider.
Nil it is!
Definitely!!
Put NOTHING there. Patch it.
The beautiful flow of your home is the negative space on the ceiling in the living room area -- there are enough ceiling fixtures elsewhere. It would be too busy.
Keep it simple.
Don't ruin that gorgeous line!

My first vote would be for recessed lighting (possibly expensive to have wired/installed? I don't know). But if not, I would go for something completely different from the other hanging lighting fixtures that you have (i.e. not white and globe-like).
Either something fun and patterned like this: http://www.lampsplus.com/Products/Kimono-Deco-Deluxe-Silk-Pendant-Light__H3034.html or perhaps with multiple arms like this: http://www.lampclick.com/lighting/item/9174-7635-3/Contemporary-Modern-Chandeliers/Elk_Lighting_Elysburg.html
By the way, I love how you have decorated your place thus far!

Don't distract from your view or the art in your living room.
I second those here saying "NO" to an overhead light. (besides it would be a terrible glare for the tv!)

It would look way to busy with another ceiling light fixture. Please don't do it. Maybe add some uplights from the floor.

BRIE ~
I would say no to another light fixture. There is such a thing as decor overkill!
But... if light is an issue, I say recessed lighting would be the answer, especially to highlight your art wall.
But if you're looking for a focal point or "une piece d'art" try a *patterned* drum fixture hung over the coffee table to differentiate the lighting from the other space (DC_Chica is on the right track for subtlety). Go for an attractive statement piece that is NOT all-white.

Good luck, Brie! And keep us posted on what you choose!! (:

No light and please get rid of all the pillows, the bench and chair, it's just way to much. Maybe stack the blankeys on the ottoman. Otherwise it looks good.

Also switch the love seat to the other side and put spread your art all over the brown wall.

and get rid of the mirror, put up more art. Art top to bottom all over the brown wall. OK I'm done .

None, already looks lovely. Plus, adding another "statement" will rob the statement from the other lights!

A lovely Noguchi Akari lamp would do the trick. 95EN to be precise.
http://akaristore.stores.yahoo.net/mod50en70en9.html

I think a small halogen pendant light that hangs from the ceiling to really low over the coffee table would be cool. You could use that coffee table for Japanese style dinners. If the lamp goes up and down (are those called "retractable"?) you could lift it higher when necessary.

http://www.olighting.com/axo-primula-1-light-suspension-light.html

I realize that this question arises out of the fact that you have a wired hole in the middle of your ceiling, and are wondering how to deal with it; however, if you would like to better define your living area with (appropriate) lighting, have you considered a floor lamp?

A Noguchi floor lamp would look great in the corner between the 2 sofas. It's an extremely expensive piece, but is still an idea to consider (much as I disagree with the concept, there are knock-offs out there).

http://akaristore.stores.yahoo.net/floor2.html

The UF4-L10 would look particularly beautiful.

just a thought...

P5 would not compete with the room and would fit best.

I like the room as it is, but I would vote with the recessed can light or no new light at all crowd.

I also like the cb2 drum pendant high up on the ceiling with a diffuser on the bottom.
However would buy it from the company Alluminare because you have the option to pick out all the details, and the company custom makes it for you cheaper than all the premed ones. Quality is superb.
www.alluminare.com

I love light fixtures; I love selecting them and everything.

But seriously, I think that you should not put one up in this living room. You should get something like another one or two floor lamps like the tripod one you already.

Hi everyone! Thank you for all the advice. We are leaning towards either no light, or something very low profile/flush to the ceiling. But one consideration is this spotlighting from Ikea. The Barometer Spotlight to be exact. Could anyone weigh in on this choice? I like that it's completely different from the spherical pendants we already have and I like that it's kind of industrial looking and metallic.

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/50112415

Brie: your Ikea pick is great! Good pick! It would be a lovely contrast to your other lighting fixtures. Either that or nothing at all. Let us know what you do!
Oh and a house tour would be superduper cool!! (hint, hint!)

My first choice would be recessed can lights. I think you have a good balance as it is with the pendants.

If you must have another pendant, I vote for another Nelson lamp, in a different shape.

http://www.furniturestoreblog.com/images/GEORGE%20NELSON%20HANGING%20BUBBLE%20LAMP%20BY%20MODERNICA.jpg