Are they brass? (It is hard to tell in the photo). You could them chrome plated. It is not a terribly costly option. Also, changing out the shades to something more modern or even just removing the hurricanes and leaving the ball bulbs would make it a more modern look. Another option is to remove the shades completely and put in Edison bulbs.

Yes, they're brass.

I wasn't alive in the 1970's, so seeing these lights doesn't remind me of anything in particular. Is the glass etched with anything? If not, I think they're cool looking and you can totally incorporate them as-is in a modern decor. The stained wood trim is what is dating them.

The glass is a clear kind of gold color. When I take the shade off, it looks like a hanging light with the shades missing. Yes, all the trim is being painted white.

You should be able to find replacement hurricanes for them.

Think outside your box................$30 fixtures from IKEA would be fabulous in this space. If you just change the glass shades on your fixtures they will still be dated and ugly with new glass shades.

You can get new (clear) glass here—http://www.mylampparts.com/

Maybe just round shades without chimneys

I think they look great. I would change the hurricanes to globes, and
keep the brass. They are pretty on-trend right now anyway. I agree with
the other comments that painting the trim would modernize the space
more. They remind me of recent fixtures from West Elm:http://www.westelm.com/products/pelle-chandelier-gooseneck-w1845/?pkey=cchandeliers

Wow... those cylinders would look great on the existing light!