Lastly, I should mention that I'm not doing this work myself, there will be a licensed electrician involved, but I have to give the electrician a lighting plan this week. If I can't hang pendants from the beam, I'll either have to specify hanging them from the ceiling on either side (which DH thinks is doofy) or build out the beam creating a space in which to put in narrow recessed low voltage lights (which DH wants, but I think it'll make the beam look massive -- and hate it when he gets his way!) Anyway, thanks in advance for the electrical advice and any marital counseling you might choose to send my way!

I like the simplicity of this one, but it’s still lovely and interesting. I don’t know if the size would work, you’ll have to measure for that. I don’t think a candelabra type fixture would be too busy at all ... they’re a classic look with just about anything. And if you ever change out the pendent lights, would be easy to tie into with new ones. https://www.lampsplus.com/products/hartley-28-inch-wide-oil-rubbed-bronze-6-light-chandelier__78m85.html I made it bigger in this mock-up, just for visual purposes: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A drum shade would be a simple, calm, and elegant look. Again, this size might not work, but just to give an idea of the style ... https://www.lampsplus.com/products/lorelai-24-and-three-quarter-inch-bronze-and-wood-finish-drum-pendant-light__78e66.html Enlarged for mock-up:

@kudzu9 that's right. our home was built in 1953 and one slope of the roof has no ceiling insulation. most of the house does but there is one slope in the living room with absolutely no space between the ceiling and roof. the rafters are exposed and the shingles sit right on top. @Jon thanks for the tip. I'll see if I can find pics. I understand how it could look cool in an industrial style setting but our house isn't like that. I think painting it seems like the best option. If there are any other magic options please let me know :) @Beverly I'll take a pic tomorrow and post it!

Agree with RL above. Make sure the recessed light are the correct type for sloped ceilings, some designs are better than others, so do some research. My electricians are lovely guys, but the standard fixtures they supply is technology from 15 years ago, so make sure to have them show you what they use way before you get to that point. I didn't realize that and had to stop the electrical work while we waited 4-5 weeks for much better quality fixtures to get delivered.