Retro pendant lights

Allow around 75 to 80 cm between the bottom of the fitting and a worktop or table, then adjust the cable when installing: depending on the model, the height can be set from shortest to longest. These retro ceiling lights in glass and metal work in the kitchen, living room and dining room, with E14, E27 or G9 sockets and light that depends on the bulb you choose.

What is a retro ceiling light and what light does it give?

A retro ceiling light is a pendant light in a vintage style: glass globes or balls, a metal, steel or iron frame, often with gold or black finishes. The result is diffuse and glare-free. In this selection, the light depends on the bulb or LED module chosen, with an E14, E27 or G9 socket.

Retro glass ceiling light: what the globe changes

Clear glass lets the bulb show and lightens the silhouette: that is the choice of the Retrova four clear globes or the Quattrova globes. Opal glass, on the other hand, diffuses a soft light and hides the source, as on the Vespertine opal globe pendant. To compare the two finishes side by side, browse the designer glass pendants.

Chic retro ceiling light: gold, brass and gold details

The chic comes from a simple contrast: a glass globe, a slim frame and a gold finish. That is the logic of the Vetro pendant, globe and black cord with gold details, or the Auroris ball. The gold-tone metal pendants gather these brass and polished brass finishes.

Which room should a retro ceiling light go in?

These models suit above all the kitchen, living room and dining room, then the bedroom and hallway. In the kitchen, place them above a worktop or an island; in the living room and dining room, above a piece of furniture or a table. With a low ceiling, prefer a single-globe model.

Retro ceiling light for the kitchen: above which surface?

Over a narrow worktop, a single globe or a metal cage is enough: the black Lunia cage lights straight down and defines the space. Over a long island, a linear bar spreads the light along the whole length, like the gold Antic. The kitchen range continues in the glass pendants for kitchens.

A vintage pendant for the living room or dining room

Above a table, two to three globes balance the lighting: the Orbesa pendant with opal globes and staggered heights plays with levels, the Triluma with three globes and gold fittings stays more even. For a reading corner, a single globe at the end of a gold cable is enough. See also the Nordic style pendants for a lighter look.

At what height should a retro ceiling light be hung?

Allow around 75 to 80 cm between the bottom of the pendant and a worktop or table, and never less than 2.10 m from the floor in a walkway. On models with an adjustable cable, the height is set at installation, from shortest to longest depending on the model.

At what height should a pendant be hung above the dining table?

The 75 to 80 cm rule also applies above a table, measured between the bottom of the fitting and the tabletop, so the light falls on the plates without getting in the way of conversation. Over a round table, one centred globe; over a rectangular table, two or three points aligned along the axis.

How do you adjust the height of a pendant cable?

The Antic models have an adjustable height: from 55.5 to 345.5 cm for one, from 72.5 to 362.5 cm for the other. The cable is shortened by coiling the excess into the canopy, without cutting it. On a low ceiling, keep the pendant as short as possible and choose a compact format.

One globe, three globes or a bar: which format should you choose?

A single globe is enough for a small space or a room with a low ceiling. Two to three globes define a dining table or a worktop. Four to five globes and linear bars fill large rooms and long islands, where the light spreads more widely.

Single-globe pendant: for which type of room?

A single globe is intended for hallways, bedrooms and small living rooms, where one point of light is enough. The Soraro amber globe with white cable lights a corner without taking up visual space. Five globes like the Candia suit large spaces instead.

Multi-globe or bar pendant: for which volume?

Four to five globes, or a bar, spread the light over a large volume: that is the role of the Hella pendant and its four amber globes above a long table. For a resolutely modern look, compare with the contemporary designer pendants.

Which socket and bulb for a retro ceiling light?

The selection uses three sockets: E14 for small glass globes, E27 for bar models and large volumes, G9 for compact light points. The light is chosen with the bulb: warm white for a cosy atmosphere. Check dimmer compatibility before installing a dimmer switch.

Which bulb for a retro ceiling light with an E14 socket?

The small E14 socket fits most of the globes in the selection, from the 14 cm Vetro globe to the multi-globe models. Choose a warm white bulb, around 2700 to 3500 K, for ambient light. A bulb that is too powerful heats up needlessly inside a closed glass volume.

Is a retro ceiling light dimmer compatible?

Only a minority of the models in the collection are advertised as dimmer compatible, such as the Galene bar with three gold cones, whose base measures 10 cm. On the other models, a dimmer switch adds nothing. The subject is covered in detail in the dimmer-compatible pendants.

Black, white, gold or amber: which colour for a retro ceiling light?

Black and white dominate the selection, with gold finishes on the fittings and cables. Clear glass lets the bulb show, opal glass diffuses more. Amber or orange globes warm up a bright room and go well with wood and natural tones.

Orange or amber retro ceiling light: where to dare some colour?

An amber globe sits on a light wall or a wooden worktop, where it warms the room. The Hella and its amber globes works in a dining room as well as a hallway, provided you do not combine several coloured sources in the same room.

Black or gold metal: which finish should you choose?

Black defines the silhouette and goes with glazed walls and kitchens; gold brings warmth to a dining room or bedroom. To explore each option, compare the black metal pendants and the gold models for the bedroom, or look for a compromise in the white and black finishes.

How do you install and maintain a retro ceiling light?

All these pendants are IP20 rated: they go in dry rooms, never in a bathroom or outdoors. Switch off the power at the breaker, fix the ceiling bracket taking the weight into account, adjust the height, then fit the bulb. A soft cloth is enough for the glass and metal.

The mistakes to avoid are always the same: a pendant hung too low in a walkway, a damp room, a bulb whose wattage does not match the fitting. For a more industrial look in a hallway or kitchen, the industrial style metal pendants follow the same installation logic.

How do you choose without getting it wrong: budget, warranty and services?

First compare the room, the format and the socket, then the budget: the selection ranges from affordable models to more elaborate pieces, with one or several globes. The warranty is two years on most models and five years on some, with secure payment, tracked delivery and returns.

2-year or 5-year warranty: what difference does it make?

The warranty covers two years on most of the selection and five years on a smaller part. It matters most on the more elaborate pieces, where the finish and the number of light points make replacement more costly. The full range can be seen in all Designix lighting.

Tracked delivery, secure payment and returns

Payment is secure, delivery is tracked, and returns are possible if the model does not suit once installed. Before ordering, check the available height and the socket: that is what most often prevents a return. For a more pared-back look, take a look at the modern LED pendants.

Choose your format, check the socket, then adjust the height when installing. Discover the whole lighting collection

Frequently asked questions