The Juke Joint Diner, a 50s style cafe in Melbourne Australia, closed last year and underwent a major transformation. When the doors reopened, it was the new Laurie Dee’s serving up American burgers and frozen custard. Cobi Marsh of Cobi Retail Design Architects took the lead on the redesign of this cafe and one of her goals was to completely change the look and feel of the place.

“I wanted a raw, rustic, and organic feel with lots of timbers and polished concrete floors,” Cobi says. Gone were the black-and-white square tiles on the floor and the red-and-chrome seats at the counter. Cobi brought in lots of warm wood tones to the counter and to the booths which complement the dark polished concrete of the flooring. To shed some light on the new look, Cobi purchased a myriad of Barn Light Warehouse Pendants, choosing the 16″ galvanized shade to hang throughout the restaurant.

“The industrial look of the barn lights fits the design scope very well,” Cobi notes. The Warehouse Pendant is one of our most popular shades and is definitely an American made classic. It’s design has the same nostalgic appearance as the original pendants created back in the 1930s that hung in factories, warehouses, and over barn doors. Now this RLM inspired shade is riding the retro wave back into popularity all the way Down Under.

Cobi chose to use the black cord hung option for Laurie Dee’s fixtures, but we also offer a white cord, stem mount, or flush mount if your space requires it. More than four dozen finish options are available for the Warehouse Pendant, and if you want to add an even more rustic feel, consider the wire cage or cast guard option with your choice of glass color.

“I was happy with the finished project,” Cobi says of Laurie Dee’s transformation. “The tenancy looks great and really gave Laurie Dee’s a younger, fresher feel.”

Photos courtesy of Cobi Marsh

Walt Disney World in Orlando certainly has plenty of character. You can have breakfast with one every day in fact. But on a recent outing to the magical theme park, we discovered that Disney World has even more character than we thought possible. Check out these colorful post mount lights lining one of the busy streets! Call it plum or periwinkle or even pomegranate, but call it a splash of fun right on the sidewalk. And who says lighting can’t be fun?

Our P-1 Post Mount Exterior Light, very similar to this one, can liven up your darkest walkway or parking lot with one of 37 finish options including bold red, brilliant blue, a handsome green, or even bright white. The shade can be a popular warehouse shade, such as this one, or choose a radial wave shade with fluted edges that add even more style. The shades come in sizes ranging from 16 inches to 20 inches across which provide a wide span of light below. The fixture can also be customized with different colors and textures of glass and a wire guard around the bulb to give the light a more industrial look. As you can see, this fixture has clear glass with a white guard that blends with the white interior of the shade and complements the purple quite nicely.

Post mount lights are used where ceilings and wall surfaces aren’t readily available for installation. Matching poles are sold separately and can be customized with a variety of coordinating design choices. Poles come in sizes from six to 12 feet tall and we offer three different styles of bases from a decorative cast base to a bolt down base.

No matter which light you choose for your dock, parking lot, or walkway, you can be certain that these American made lights will stand tall with style against whatever Mother Nature can dish out for years to come.

What John Stetz of Coventry, Connecticut needed was a big old barn. He had an extra vehicle to store, a lawn mower, and gardening equipment but nowhere to put it all. He also wanted a work shop and a place to just hang out and maybe throw a party. But John didn’t have a big old barn. So he built a big new barn instead. And once the post-and-beam structure was finished, John knew exactly what it needed – barn lights of course!

“I wanted rustic fixtures that looked old and gave it that feel,” John says. “I also really like that 1940-1950 style of porcelain shades.” On the interior of the barn, John chose the black cord hung 16″ Warehouse Pendant in a galvanized finish. These fixtures easily illuminate the generous space inside the building. He also chose to use a half dozen Industrial Bullet Ceiling Fixtures, also in a galvanized finish, to provide light in the smaller spaces with lower ceilings where pendants wouldn’t work well. The clear glass on the bullet ensures plenty of light while the guard provides protection from any activity below.

Outside John selected two 16″ Goodrich Sky Chief Porcelain Gooseneck Lights to brighten up one exterior wall. The Sky Chief is one of our most popular shades for outdoor lighting because of its wide pool of light and its durable finish. Next to the doorway, John selected the classic Atomic Cast Guard CGU Sconce in a black finish with clear glass. These lights will stand up to any Connecticut winter and light the way for many hoedowns yet to come.

“Through all my research, I couldn’t find barn and warehouse style fixtures with more options or for a better price than Barn Light Electric,” John says. We’re happy to have you as a featured customer John and hope to get an invite to one of those barn parties real soon!

 Photos by John Stetz

Everybody’s dream home differs, not only amongst adults, but also between kids! If you’ve got a scrambling clan of youngins’, did you ever think to ask them what they would like most in their home? Of course, the usual outrageous plans exist, but there’s a way to bring their hopes and wishes to life.

Let’s say they dream of having a pirate ship in their room, full of slides and maybe even a gangplank. Sara of August Fields built the most precious bunk room for her boys, complete with four individual beds, set up in the style of cots aboard a ship. Stairs in the middle provide easy access for the kids to make their way into bed at night. On top of that, individual nautical sconces light each bed. Careful not to disturb the others, the idea of single reading lights isn’t a novel concept in shared bedrooms. However, in this household, lights off means lights off, no questions asked! Of course, choosing period style lights to complement the decor wasn’t easily achieved. With the use of sconces similar to the Anchorage Bulkhead Wall Mount, her three sons each have a practical light source.

The Anchorage Bulkhead Wall Mount can be found amongst other Nautical Wall Sconces. As the smallest of the collection, the Anchorage is perfect for bunk lighting, or within other tight spaces. It is even an ADA compliant fixture with only a 4½” projection. Polished aluminum gives the true feeling of an authentic porthole, whereas bright red or yellow keeps the look young and fresh. Not to mention, the Anchorage Bulkhead is American made from the most quality materials to last a lifetime. The lens on this nautical light is frosted and ribbed permitting a soft glow to escape. If you’re worried about this still being too bright, simply have your electrician connect the sconce to a dimmer to adjust the light and conserve energy!

Top Photos Courtesy of August Fields

As they say in New Orleans, laissez les bons temps rouler! This Gulf Coast city always seems to let the good times roll, but as we march ever closer to Mardi Gras, the atmosphere definitely gets cranked into high gear. Leading the way is Jacques-Imo’s Cafe in uptown New Orleans which prides itself on serving “real Nawlin’ food.” With a blue marlin standing guard over the doorway, colorful local artwork on the walls, and Mardi Gras beads dripping from the barn lights over the bar, Jacques-Imo’s knows how to serve up excellent Cajun and Creole food, along with good vibes and good times.

These warehouse RLM lights are a great choice for this festive and, dare we say, rowdy joint! Much like Barn Light Electric’s Ivanhoe™ 16″ Sky Chief Warehouse Porcelain Pendant, these fixtures are hand crafted to provide years of use and withstand whatever the locals and tourists can dish out. Because of its durability, traditional porcelain enamel lighting was used in exterior applications or exclusively in commercial and industrial areas. Today, the Ivanhoe™ line of porcelain pendants allows this style of lighting to be brought indoors where these cord hung pendants serve well over kitchen islands, dining rooms, or the bar.

Homeowners and business owners alike choose porcelain lighting not only because of its durability but because it is so easy to care for. A mild soap-and-water wash is all that’s needed to keep your porcelain enamel fixture looking like new. Your light will retain its original shape, texture, and color for years to come no matter what kind of work conditions, or mixed drinks, are thrown its way.

The Sky Chief and others in our Ivanhoe™ collection can be customized in a variety of ways to complement your space. Choose from different finish colors, cord types and colors, or add a nostalgic Edison bulb for a true retro look.

Top Photo Courtesy of Jacques-Imo’s Cafe

When Diana Bellgowan, an Asheville, NC architect, undertook the renovations of a downtown building, she tackled many structural and design issues. The space was part of a larger building that served as the city’s first bus depot in the 1920s but most recently housed an art gallery. The project focused on the center of this building and, after an amazing transformation, is now home to the Curate Tapas Restaurant. During the retrofitting of the ceiling, the owners decided to ”paint the exposed structure and show off the beauty and craftsmanship of the building’s bones.” Taking this industrial design direction a step further, Bellgowan chose barn light sconces, very similar to our Elroy Sconce, to line the wall of this narrow yet inviting space.

These wall sconces provide a parade of warm light and draw the eye into the restaurant’s interior. Though smaller in size than original barn lights, barn wall sconces allow traditional barn lighting to be brought inside, whether in the home, an office, or yes, even a restaurant. The Elroy, and others within our collection of Barn Wall Sconces, represent the true, classic warehouse shade styles of the 1940s and are hand crafted and American made with the finest materials available.

The Elroy Sconce is very distinctive with its ornamental arm extending gracefully from a square backing with a second brace added for both stability and a decorative touch. The classic domed shade of the Elroy is also highlighted with a rolled ridge that completes its historic look.

Choose from dozens of finish colors including copper and other authentic metals to customize the look of your Elroy Sconce. The extending glass jar that houses the bulb comes in clear, frosted, textured,  amber crackled, and colored glass. No matter how you choose to make this light your own, it will provide years of service and satisfaction.

Top Photo Courtesy of Amy Alday

As he was renovating the historic Charlotte building in Asheville, North Carolina that would house his new Chop Shop Butchery, Josh Wright wanted to find the perfect lighting.

“I wanted to have a rustic look to the lighting with a modern twist to it,” Josh says. “Lighting is so important to a retail business to showcase your products but also to help convey the sense of style you want the interior to show.” On a visit to Asheville’s Lexington Avenue Brewery (another satisfied Barn Light Electric customer!), Josh found his lighting. “I really liked the style of their lighting, and the general manager gave me Barn Light Electric’s information.”

Josh chose the Barn Light Outback Warehouse Pendant for the interior of his new business which is a perfect choice for its location in the charming old building. The new lights complement the exposed ductwork and the details of the black tin ceiling, and beautifully highlight the glass cases full of premium meats from local farms. Outside the front door, an Atomic Cast Guard CGU Sconce welcomes visitors to this independent shop. Additional sconces are also placed underneath the black awnings that line the building’s exterior brick walls which cast a pleasant glow on the sidewalks at night.

“I really like the lights a lot,” Josh says. “I actually took the wire guard off our pendants and painted them the exact color from our logo. That set off the lights tremendously and I really love the pendants.”

The Outback Pendant and the Atomic Sconce are two of our most popular fixtures due in no small part to their classic styling and durability. These American made lights can be customized with a variety of finish and glass options to fit your style and space.

“I would definitely recommend Barn Light Electric,” Josh adds, “and if and when I open another location, I’ll definitely use you all again!”

We all have our design issues, right? Those pesky little places that just seem to defy all logic and reason when it comes to lighting. A cavernous space can be tricky to illuminate while tight spaces present their own problems. And above all, you want your lighting not only to be functional but to exude a charm and character all its own.

Take this clever approach, for example, to solving the problem of accenting some beautiful built-in bookcases in a narrow hallway. How do you shed some much-needed light into the bookcases when the tops reach almost to the ceiling? With a swingarm fixture, that’s how! These are much like Barn Light Electric’s Garden City Swingarm Adjustable Sconce, part of our line of Vintage Wall Sconces. Vintage wall sconces pull their designs from the early 20th century and were very popular in Victorian and Art Nouveau homes of that time. Today, vintage wall sconces are facing a resurgence in popularity and can be found in a variety of home styles from log cabins, cottages, and ranch style homes to mountain chalets and seaside retreats. These charming vintage fixtures present a creative way to solve many a decorating dilemma.

The Garden City Swingarm Sconce features a maximum extension of almost 24 inches and comes with a Hi-Lo switch so you can vary the brightness of the light. The fixture is made of solid brass and can be finished in aged brass, antique nickel, old bronze, or polished nickel. It makes a perfect task wall lamp or reading light and would add a nice touch over a bedside nightstand without taking up valuable space on the furniture.

Consider adding a nostalgic Edison Style Light Bulb to complete the look of your fixture. These vintage bulbs have been reproduced mirroring the styles of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Top photo courtesy of Houzz

NEAT Space, a Toronto company founded by entrepreneurs Andrew Livingston and Helene Clarkson strives to bring the best in household design to Canadian consumers. These savvy business owners are inspired by products that combine both beauty and function, and they’ve grown a business that is modern, urban, and contemporary.

At home, this couple recently took on a massive renovation project of their 1905 detached home called Chicora House.

“The goal was to complete a modern, space efficient, and energy efficient house for our family of five,” says Andrew. Part of the renovation plan was to update the lighting. Andrew chose our Wall Mount Comet Sconce to greet visitors on the front porch. The Comet Sconce is part of Barn Light Electric’s line of Modern Wall Sconces that feature sleek metal designs and multiple glass options. Andrew also chose a Goodrich™ Union 14-inch Porcelain Gooseneck Light to illuminate a side door. Porcelain is a perfect choice for this spot as the industrial grade porcelain enamel coating will withstand years of harsh Canadian winters.

“We really liked the heritage aesthetic and the color selection of these fixtures,” Andrew says. He chose a bold blue for his porcelain enamel gooseneck and notes that “because the lights are classic and beautiful, there is really very little risk in making a bold color decision.”

Andrew and his wife, like so many other people, found Barn Light Electric online after exhausting their local sources for quality lighting. “I was very disappointed by the outdoor lighting offerings I reviewed online and in local retailers,” Andrew notes. “There seemed to be a great deal of over-priced and over-designed European products or ghastly, low-end, domestic offerings seemingly targeted at contractors and not homeowners.”

Andrew likes the fact that Barn Light Electric founder Bryan Scott began as a tinkerer in his own barn. “I would not hesitate to become a customer of a company with that kind of narrative if the offering is right,” he says. “And it is. We love them.”

Photos Courtesy of Andrew Livingston, NEAT Space

The kitchen table is often the focal point of the most popular room in the house. This is likely the one piece of furniture that everyone in the house uses every day. From pancake breakfasts and family dinners to the party goers that inevitably migrate here, the kitchen table is the heart of this room.

Lighting for this table should not only be functional but special in its own right such as this beautiful, industrial-style ceiling pendant. Much like Barn Light Electric’s Sector Pendant, this fixture offers a nostaglic design that instantly adds a funky charm and character to the whole room.

The Sector Pendant, found in our Barn Pendants Collection of ceiling lighting, comes with your choice of shade style. If you’d like to give your light a more decorative, historic feel, go for the ribbed acrylic shade such as this one which borrows its key features from vintage industrial lighting designs. For a sleeker, more modern look, choose a glossy metallic finish for the top cap. The Sector comes in an array of colors and finishes such as classic black, satin steel, and copper.

The Cradle Pendant also offers a similar look with its clear ribbed acrylic lens with widths ranging from 14 inches to a very generous 26 inches. The larger sizes provide a great span of light yet the ribbed lens does a fine job in softening the light that projects outward. Again, if you want a more vintage look to your light, stick with the glass shade but if you have stainless appliances in a modern kitchen, you may want to opt for one of the metallic finishes such as galvanized, painted steel, or satin steel.

Both the Sector and the Cradle pendants can be cord hung with your choice of black or white cord, or on a stem mount ranging from 6 inches to four feet long. And if you need a flush mount, we can do that too!

Top Photo Courtesy of InteriorDesignPro.org