Why Kitchen Pendant Lamps Are Becoming Outdated (And What To Do Instead)

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It seems like the phrase 'out with the old and in with the new' is a staple of the interior design world. Trends are constantly changing, though many are cyclical — so don't throw out that corduroy couch just yet. While there are plenty of bold paint shades and living room trends that could be dating your home, it seems that one fad is really holding your space back and becoming a big 'no' for designers. The appeal of pendant lighting in kitchens has grown in recent years, with many homeowners using it to stylishly illuminate their island work stations. However, it seems this once coveted aesthetic is fading in the design world — along with oversized signs and all gray color palettes in your cooking space. Swapping these out for bullet or other simpler light fixtures is a good way to brighten up your cooking space in a sleek way. Or you can get creative with your pendant fixtures by using recycled material or grouping them together for a more unique design.

So why are pendant lights falling out of favor in the design world? Well, these large hangings collect dust and grime, adding more work and leaving your surfaces dirty. They also create a utilitarian aesthetic reminiscent of a restaurant kitchen rather than a cozy cooking space. The hanging lights make your island seem more like a serving station, which may take away from other elements that are meant to emanate an intimate layout.

Previously, the kitchen island lighting mistake that was causing your space to seem dated was using only one pendant light. However, it seems pendant lights have to go entirely — or at least get an upgrade. So, when it comes to replacing these, what should you opt for? Flush mounts and bullet lights provide more than enough illumination but are much less maintenance than pendant lights. These smaller lights help modernize your kitchen, allow for various themes should you want to change the decor, and it's easy to add other features around them. Bullet lighting offers both an understated but elegant design, while flush and semi-flush mounts give a little more dimension without overdoing it. Your kitchen lighting doesn't have to be about statement pieces as long as you're getting the illumination you need.

Recessed lights are also a great option, but these work well with other layered lighting like sconces and lamps, so they don't give off too much of a sterile or stark ambiance. Since these fixtures can be dotted around the entire kitchen, providing balanced light and illumination, they would be one way to replace your pendant pieces and still get a bright, cozy effect. Under-cabinet lighting would also help to warm these basic installs.

Just because your current pendant lighting might be out of style doesn't mean you have to completely forgo this trend. There are ways to incorporate this style more intimately. If you prefer having several fixtures in the standard pendant design, try to opt for sleeker versions of these lights like this Artika Oracle Modern 5-light. You don't want the design to be too big or bulky, as that can date the lighting and make your kitchen seem crowded or unbalanced. Pendant lights like the Lannlker Modern LED Pendant Light are simple and understated but still very elegant. Pendant lights made from recycled glass materials are not only stylish but also add an eco-friendly vibe to your home. The unusual finish of these also elevates your space, especially since they are different from traditional pendant lights. 

You could also swap out the pendant lights for a chandelier that still produces a focal point over the island without the 'warming station' effect that pendant lights create. This can hang down low enough to frame the island without being too busy or overwhelming. Try pieces like the Hogbu 8-Light Gold Linear Chandelier to steal the look of HGTV star Hilary Farr's kitchen, which uses this stylish fixture to complement her island without dating the whole room.