This is not the exact light I want to use, but the actual light is pretty much the same design.

Here is a link that might be useful: The light, sort of

I think the light you've picked out (or the one close to it) will really update your place, Steve. I'm boosting your thread back up to the top so others can comment on it.

I like the globes on the new light. Think it will really make a great statement. However, my only reservation would be that the three pendants are on a 'rod'. Over the table, I just wonder if that would look odd. I wonder if you might rather have a fixture that the pendants are in more of a circle over the table instead of a line.

After looking at hundreds of lights; this is the one I am going to use. It has an 18" diameter. would love some comments.

I had kind of wanted a brushed nickel finish, but just didn't think it would go with the dark brown of the furniture.

Here is a link that might be useful: The new light - maybe

I like the 3 pendants but I can't get excited about the metal plate they're hanging from.

I have this light hanging over my breakfast table and lots of dark furniture around it. The SS in the kitchen and accessories make it work.

Go with what you really like........

{{!gwi}}

wow, that is one of the lights I really liked. This is the other light I am trying to decide between. This one is brushed nickel and has a 22" diameter. Come on, a bunch of you must be reading this - help me pick, nickel or antique?

Here is a link that might be useful: The other possible light

spais- I think the antique finish would be nice- the light itself is modern but I think the dark color would blend better with what you already have.

Steve - I really like the one posted as "new light - maybe". I agree that the dark color will look better with the other items in the room than brushed chrome.

I may be way out of line here, but you seem to want to make the space a little more hip and manly. You might want to think about replacing the valances, which are very pretty BTW with roman shades or blinds. This would add to the more modern vibe I think you're going for.

Those valances are a constant pain. It's the second set I've tried. This is a 'guy' house and everything is so frilly. The link below shows the window, table and chandaleir without the valance. The blinds are 2" wide oak that match rest of house. I don't know which way it looks better - with or without valance. I keep think thinking a plain contrasting solid color valance might work.

Here is a link that might be useful: Those valances

The last picture without valances looks great. It looks less fussy. The cleaner look will go better with the style of lighting you're considering. I like the dark one you've chosen.

I agree with ditching the valances. If you want to add color to the area, you could use some paint as the white walls make the room kind of drab. As far as the pendant lights go, I actually have something very similar over my kitchen table; however, my table is a long rectangular table and the line of pendants works. Your octagonal table really needs a single fixture in the middle.

Another vote for no valances! :)

Just added a quick link to another possible chandelier ......

OR -- for an alternate idea -- IF you are going to go for dark brown items -- and a modern vibe in your place -- consider staining the kitchen cabinets to a very dark brown with modern silver handles -- and switch the lighting to a modern steel track system.

THEN add a couple of smaller or mini silver pendants over the breakfast bar.

And the silver pendant over the table.

JUst some thoughts -- hope you don't mind!

Jan at Rosemary Cottage

Here is a link that might be useful: Another possible chandelier? Finish appears to work with current table

Another vote for no valence. Looks really nice without it!

Hate to be a party pooper, but those glass shades are going to show a lot of dust. I took one out of my last house because I don't love dusting. JMO.

Unless you are going to put more brushed nickel in the house, I think that single piece will feel a bit lost. Jan's suggestion takes you to a more contemporary look but the colors still harmonize with what you already have going on.

(And the opaque shade hides the dust!) :-)

I like the antique pendant the best, over the nickle. Or the one that Jan came up with. Amsrq has a good point about the dust on the pendant glass, but only you know if your house is very dusty or not. It may not be so noticeable with brown glass instead of clear.
Definitely loose those valances, and Jan's idea of staining the cabinets darker with modern silver handles would look great. However, I would not put silver pendants over the breakfast bar if you use the antique pendant over the table.
And painting would make a huge difference! I vote for a light silvery blue. In that case, maybe you should go for the nickel finish! Maybe someone can photoshop some colors for you. The only problem there is that everything is pretty open and it would be a lot of painting. However, it would definitely help add some color. Like most men, it looks like most everything you have is a shade of brown.

I can't believe how much better the room looks without the valances! I didn't even notice the blinds in the first picture. Take the valances down and go with just blinds and a new light for now, later if you want to make a change, think about roman blinds.

My choice would be to take the valances off and go with the chandelier Jan is suggesting. That is so stylish!

Well, I don't know what happened to my post. Jan's light is great. I also found two other lights in the same series that I love. A three light mini pendant and a large downfacing globe opposite of jans. I have put in a cnx on the glass light, but it may be to late, we'll see. Ilove the down facing pendant, but it only has one bulb that is exposed. the light is meant to hang lower. So I have to wait and see if the glass one is doming or then I can choose between the below light, my glass one or Jan's

Here is a link that might be useful: Another light

Just great, excuse the last post and spelling and the bad link! Below is link to picture of light

Here is a link that might be useful: Light

Although more masculine, this light seems to me to belong in a place with a lot of stone work and old wood. I don't think it's the type of modern you're going for. I like the others much better.