I did an internet search for adjustable desk lamps and found several, but none like this one.

Thanks for the suggestions. I am thinking of just going with a basic pendant light, since I can't make up my mind! But even then, should the bar hanging down be black or brushed nickel? We have a fair amount of black, but I don't want too much. There's this, in either black or brushed nickel: Is this more of what you mean, Baroo2u? But then I think I may prefer something that is prettier and a discussion piece. Why can't I just instinctively know what to do? lol Gyspy-Thanks for the link. I spent several hours on that site checking things out. I still don't know what direction to go though! I'm having a hard time with this one! Annie-Do you have a picture of what you are thinking of? Sounds interesting and pretty. pschul05-Good eye to see that outlet. I think a lamp would make me nuts on the counter! Yes, the kids do homework there, but they (and their friends-and there always seem to be extra kids here, which is great!) also eat there and do artwork and hang out and chat. I see a lamp getting knocked over way too easily with the amount of use the island gets. Thanks for the suggestion though.

Doh! You're a couple days too late. I just went to home depot to buy a 9" harp last week, because I had an 8" which was too short and a 10" which was too tall. Figures. I will definitely check them out next time though! What a clever idea!

She should have focused task lighting at the desk anyway, no matter what you decide for overall room lighting. That way she can have localized bright light for reading and writing while not having the entire room lit up like an operating room (which wastes electricity as well as just being aesthetically unpleasant). If she uses a computer at this desk, glare on the screen from overhead lighting can cause painful eye strain and headaches. Attractive adjustable desk lamps can be very inexpensive or cost a mint depending on what you get and where - if the desk is small and you don't want to waste space on a lamp, a swing-arm lamp mounted on the wall is an excellent solution. Many of that style are corded so you don't have to worry about fishing wires around in the walls. Lamps that take a three-way bulb are particularly good for task lighting.