THE OLD BALL AND CHAIN: ROUND PENDANT HANGING FIXTURES

The good kind of ball and chain that is. Lately I have been struck by the re-emergence of the spherical shaped pendant hanging fixture; they seem to be everywhere. Lighting is really coming into vogue in it's own right, with many young designers emerging on the scene.

Here are several examples of great fixtures in a range of materials and styles that differ in wow factor but all do their job well. Are they replacing the oh-so-femme chandelier?

Photo courtesy of Marjorie Skouras
The Marjorie Skouras Honeycomb Lantern is supported by suspended chains. It is available in a wide variety of colored glass inlays. I love the faceted ball it is very Epcot meets Biosphere.

Photo courtesy of Mallett
The Meta Collection from uber high end antiques dealer Mallett showcases contemporary designs. The Diamond's Are a Girl's Best Friend hanging lantern by Matali Crasset has enough faceted sharp angles to keep you mesmerized; you will want to stare at it for hours.

Photo courtesy of Urban Electric
The Dover Ball from Urban Electric was designed by Michael Amato. It fuses old world craftsmanship with traditional and pared down clean lines.

Photo courtesy of Currey and Company
Bling bling! Add some razzle dazzle with the crystal globe Roundabout Pendant from Currey and Company.

Photo courtesy of Horchow
I am sort of over capiz except when it is used in this way, resembling a flower in full bloom. From Horchow.

Photo courtesy of Charles Edwards
The Octagonal Ball Lantern from my always favorite Charles Edwards is a knockout.

Photo courtesy of Vaughan
Light glows beautifully when cast from alabaster. The Greenwich Globe from Vaughan has Greek key detailing, a classic chain link suspension and a beautiful shape. From Vaughan.

Photo courtesy of Schoolhouse Electric
Love birds and flowery designs by artist Amy Ruppel are painted on the limited edition Folk Birds pendant from Schoolhouse Electric.

Photo courtesy of Currey and Company
The Wiggins Orb from Currey and Company mixes rough luxe materials burlap and wrought iron for a chic rustic look. It also vaguely reminds me of Around the World in Eighty Days--I love this piece.

Photo courtesy of Remains Lighting
The Sorenson Lantern from Remains Lighting is netted in a handwoven wire.

Photo courtesy of Circa Lighting

Thomas O'Brien's Hicks Pendant from Circa Lighting is more of an egg shape with a brass top half. It is great for an industrial toned project.

Photo courtesy of Shades of Light
Looking for a classic orb in clear glass? Here it is! The Industrial Pendant from Shades of Light is affordable and classic. It also comes in brushed nickel.

Photo courtesy of Restoration Hardware
Channelling olde England? The Victorian Hotel Pendant from Restoration Hardware has sectioned panes of glass and a detailed border in gleaming nickel. Regal indeed.

Photo courtesy of Pucci
French jewelry and furnishings artist Herve Van Der Straeten's metal work always amazes. His pod-like pendant fixture from Pucci International is a jewel in the crown.