Global Glow: The Versatility of Globe Pendants
Add One (or Four!) of These Mid-Century Marvels to Your Own Great Space
My traditionalist friends often mock my ever-accumulating mound of Mid-Century Modern madness. Sure, I love a wingback chair and toile wallcovering as much as the next design snob; however, the biomorphic shapes from the '40s, '50s and '60s go so well with pretty much EVERYTHING.
Above all, the globe pendant is the most chameleon-esque of mid-century marvels. Its simple, round silhouette can hang just low enough to really ground a space or even break up perfect, rigid lines. Whether it's lighting up a bathroom, bringing a soft glow to a kitchen or perching quietly near the ceiling of a great room, here are a few ways you can incorporate this modern icon into your own home.
Above all, the globe pendant is the most chameleon-esque of mid-century marvels. Its simple, round silhouette can hang just low enough to really ground a space or even break up perfect, rigid lines. Whether it's lighting up a bathroom, bringing a soft glow to a kitchen or perching quietly near the ceiling of a great room, here are a few ways you can incorporate this modern icon into your own home.
SINGLE GLOBE + GREAT ROOM = SO LOS ANGELES. While I prefer my globes much lower to help ground the space, they work quite well high up in great rooms with grand architecture. Sure, the glow is gorgeous and diffused; however, that one burst of a perfect circle really helps break up the otherwise uber-linear look of a modern space.
Glass globes in a diner, it doesn't get more Fifties than this. Here's an excellent example of adding your own personal touch. Globes often come with a white or black cord; they don't have to stay that way. By winding rope around the existing cord, you can put a whole new textural stamp on the round wonders. The mashup of styles is a great fit for a rustic modern interior.
Although I have yet to do this, I totally want to. Globes in the bathroom are super unexpected. However, be sure to hang them higher than usual. How much would it suck to come out of this shower so fresh and so clean only to end up smacking a glass globe, then ending up so cut and so sliced? Right?!? Rejuvenation has amazing mid-century globes at decent prices.
Something to consider for owners of mid-century homes: When renovating your kitchen, go new and modern with cabinets, counters and appliances but consider keeping the existing light fixtures. Not only is it stylish, it's green in a snobby, vintage-loving kinda way.
Ever see The Bodyguard starring Whitney Houston? Well, in the movie, her character's sister is kinda obsessed with her always having the spotlight. Let's just say that things eventually get ugly. That ain't the situation here. Smaller globes, depending on how they're used, can simply bring diffused light to a space, then kinda disappear altogether.
And then there's the work of Mr. George Nelson and his appropriately named Nelson Ball Pendant. This classic, made of vinyl, comes in different shapes and sizes certain never to go out of style. I have one in my own living room. And two in my bedroom. And three in my hallway. And one in my outdoor living room. Uh oh, I think I may be obsessed like Whitney's sister in The Bodyguard. Find them at DWR.
Like any good element of design, globes should evolve. An excellent example of a new twist to a modern classic is the Glo-Ball Pendant from Y-Lighting.
Ah, a little smoke never hurt anyone—smoked GLASS, that is. Here's a direction for lovers of 1970s-style lighting. The simple charcoal tint puts a new spin to the otherwise snow white circular star. Also, the smoky tint adds a little bit of sex appeal to your lighting scheme. Cue the Marvin Gaye.