Opinions on bathroom pendants (lots of pix)

13 years ago

I'll try to keep this short. We're adding a bathroom. The very first thing I bought for the bathroom (good deal on eBay) was these Restoration Hardware sconces.

As it turns out, they aren't going to fit unless I downsize the mirror, which I'd rather not do. And when I started thinking about it, I got really excited about the idea of pendants on either side of the mirror instead of the sconces. So now I'm selling the sconces and I'm looking for pendants.

Here's the quick run down on the room. Oh, and if you really hate something that I've already picked out ... please don't tell me. We're at that sensitive time in the remodel process where things are on schedule or ahead but it's difficult to see visual progress and we're over budget so I just can't take a massive affront to the choices I've made so far.

My Google Sketchup plan of the vanity and linen area (this is an old version but it still looks close to this, although I've simplified it quite a bit ... obviously imagine it without the sconces). For reference the vanity and the linen area are each 4 feet long.

Mirror:

Sink (Kohler Archer)

Faucet

Tile choices (gray is floor 6x24 planks, wall is off-white 12x24, blue glass ovals are accents tiles in a stripe around the room):

The general vibe is sort of retro contemporary (?). All finishes are chrome.

The ceiling is angled throughout the room. Over the mirror it will be about 10.5 feet tall. I envision the pendants hanging from cords (some pendants have rods for a portion then cords).

The other light in the room (already purchased) is a semi-flush mount with a chrome base and a frosted white cylinder inside a clear glass cylinder (sorry, no picture available ... got it from a local lighting superstore)

I think these pendants have the potential to really be the stars of the room so I don't want to screw it up.Here are some options (I'm linking so you can see size information):

http://www.minipendantshowroom.com/mini-pendants/7825-luray-mini-pendant_4733453.html

http://www.minipendantshowroom.com/mini-pendants/910924-halogen-mini-pendant_6213488.html

http://www.minipendantshowroom.com/mini-pendants/910954-halogen-mini-pendant_6213506.html

http://www.minipendantshowroom.com/mini-pendants/84001-new-ear-ice-glass-pendant_6207998.html

Thank you for your help!

Featured Answer

wi-sailorgirl
Original Author

13 years ago

Oh crud ... sorry about the links. I'll put them in later.

The electrician (who I call Mr. Smoke Detector now, because apparently we need a crazy amount of them) doesn't seem to think the pendants will be an issue, so I think we're good to go there. Thanks, Stacey!

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Comments (8)

Stacey Collins
13 years ago
Hi sailorgirl,

I considered pendants for my master bath. You might want to take into consideration the code prohibiting them a certain distance from a tub or shower. it's a horizontal and a vertical measurement. In my case, the tub was too close. The chances that our code inspector would have said anything -or even noticed- is slim, I still didn't want to have to open up the walls and re-do the electrical all over again if he did. I just wanted it to be over at that point, so I picked sconces (badly, as I mentioned before, regarding the amount of light they deliver...)

Other than that, I'm gonna post the pics for you so folks dont have to copy and paste...
Stacey Collins
13 years ago
Oh, sorry, I couldn't get a URL for the images because they are part of a flash layout or something....
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les917
13 years ago
Of the ones you have considered, I like the last one.

But what I keep coming back to is your comment about wanting these to be the stars of the room. I am concerned that the ones you have chosen are going to basically disappear against the white walls. Personally, I would like to see something with more shape, more pizazz. I have been searching (for an hour now! LOL) for a mini pendant that would have the teal/turquoise tone of your accent tiles. I found a couple that were clearly out of the price range you feel comfortable working with. This last one that I am linking is still more than you were showing with your choices, but I think reasonable, particularly to be the stars!

elk fuego collection

You have some wonderful things, and I canÃ¢ÂÂt wait to see the finished pix of the vanity/linen cabinet.
wi-sailorgirl
Original Author
13 years ago
les917 ... thanks for the link!

You are so right. I feel like the ones I linked to are perhaps a little bland. You don't get many opportunities to do something fun in a bathroom and maybe I need to think a little wilder, more like something like you posted.
annzgw
13 years ago

Of the ones you've listed, I like the second one best. The last one is too small.
My only concern would be the amount of light these give off and how you intend to use the sink area. If you look at the photos, you'll notice the glow of the light appears to be in the center of the shade.
Will you have enough light from these fixtures for makeup, shaving, etc.? Me, I need lots of light around my sink and face! :)

Below is a visual.

Here is a link that might be useful: pendants
Stacey Collins
13 years ago
I have to echo Annz's concern.... I'm really aware now about how you really need enough light at the mirror. My expensive Restoration Hardware sconces (sold for bath vanities no less!) don't give off anywhere near enough light for putting on makeup. Major bummer. I'd be worried that those little pendants wouldn't either. But I really don't have any advice for figuring out whether the would or not.
wi-sailorgirl
Original Author
13 years ago
You're both right: I can't sacrifice function for form on this one. This is the mirror where I'll be doing makeup, so good lighting is a must. There is a window next to the vanity so that will help in some situations, and probably make it worse (lots of light on one side, none on the other) in other situations.

Does anyone have a feel for what sort of wattage is good to shoot for in this application? Stacey I seem to remember that your lights are 60w and I know you're unhappy with them, so I guess something over that for sure.

I feel like I'm spinning my wheels here. I remember thinking about this when I bought those sconces originally and I was happy that they were 120 watts. That seems like ages ago, but it was probably only two months ago. My brain is just fried with all the facts, figures and dimensions I've been carrying around in that I have forgotten some of the basics.

OK, so new priority list for the new pendants: 1. bright (? watts), 2. not a colored shade (a blue face can't be good for makeup application, 3. style.

Please keep the good points and suggestions coming!

Opinions on bathroom pendants (lots of pix)

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Opinions on bathroom pendants (lots of pix)

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