The lighting scheme in a restaurant is important in so many ways. It sets a mood, should complement the overall design and feel of a space, and of course, still allow the diners to actually see what is being served. This eatery is oozing with classic details and the barn light pendants play an essential role in the room’s design. Dressed in elegant black from the canopy down to the shade, these pendants, which are very similar to Barn Light Electric’s Fargo Pendant, drop from the high ceiling to mid room. The array of black cords mimic the vertical lines of the woodwork along the back wall and match the tables and chairs quite nicely.

The Fargo Pendant is a perfect choice for this type of space. With the classic styling of much larger deep bowl pendants, this miniature version offers a touch of light exactly where you need it without overwhelming the diner seated at the next table. Its focused spot of light would be a welcome addition to other areas such as a counter top or kitchen sink, or over a worktable or reading nook.

There are dozens of ways to customize this light to create different looks. Want an industrial feel for your farmhouse kitchen? Go with a galvanized finish or one of our other metallics like polished copper or satin steel. Or if a retro look is more to your liking, choose one of our bold colors like cranberry, butterscotch, or blue to create a style statement. Keep that retro look going by adding a guard over the bulb which provides protection as well as charm. Handcrafted right here in America, we can match the Fargo cup to your shade design and add arms as well. And don’t forget to include a nostalgic Edison style light bulb to make your fixture truly unique!

Top photo courtesy of Hviid Photography

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

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

How does an interior designer use barn lighting to transform a smoothie shop into a trendy, yet casually inviting vegetarian restaurant? Sasha Lanka of Sasha Lanka Design, who recently took the reins of this remodel project in Asheville, North Carolina, tells us how.

Q: What was your design direction for plant?
A: This was an extensive remodel. The building needed a lot of work, but it’s in a great location. I wanted to do something a little New York-inspired but also casual and comfortable.

Q: How important was the lighting for this project?
A: One of my goals was for the lighting to be a key design feature of the project. Choosing great lighting can make such an impact.

Q: Why did you choose to use barn lights for plant?
A: I thought barn lights fit the building and the space. They are stylish and modern but not overly formal. In addition to the exterior goosenecks that I used on the sign, I used smaller gooseneck barn lights in the bathrooms. Along with antique mirrors purchased from local shops, the lights add style to the bathrooms, and the dark green finish adds a punch of color. It was a good combination of style with the architecture.

Q: Why did you purchase your lights from Barn Light Electric?
A: Barn Light Electric offers so many options in sizes, shapes, and finishes which is ideal for designers. For example, on the exterior, it would have been complicated to move the junction box on the brick wall so I chose the appropriate size light to fit the space and the wiring. Having a variety of sizing options was very helpful. Also, buying from Europe is more complicated with the extra shipping costs and rewiring that must be done. Barn Light Electric is budget friendly too. I’m always asked by people who visit plant where the lighting came from.

Photos Courtesy of Sasha Lanka Design

The Heirloom Eatery, one of Hong Kong’s newest restaurants opened to rave raviews last fall not only for its multicultural fare but for its eclectic design. The inspiration came from Candace Campos, owner of the design house Candace Collective, who chose tin flower pots, a hodgepodge of vintage furniture, and even a bicycle that rests against the wall in the tiny bathroom. To top off her design, Candace chose barn light pendants to illuminate it all.

“The design direction was whimsical and I thought barn lights would add that type of character,” says Candace. She chose Barn Light Electric’s 16-inch Industrial Warehouse Pendants with the black cotton twist cord to use in both the eating areas and in the bathrooms.

“I chose the galvanized finish which gave the space a rustic feel, and the style of the shade was simple enough not to overpower the rest of the space,” Candace adds. “I often use pendant lights hung very low as I love the way it lights a particular spot.”

The Industrial Twist Cord Warehouse Pendant continues to be one of our most popular RLM lights in part because of its classic design that was created almost 100 years ago. From its early days on the American homefront, the warehouse style shade has come a long way to brighten many spots from barns to factories and even restaurants around the world.

However, if you desire room for customization, check out The Original Warehouse Pendant. One reason for this particular shade’s popularity among consumers is the almost endless array of ways you can customize this fixture to fit your design. Shade sizes run from 12 to 27 inches. Next, choose from a variety of finishes that will complement your space. Galvanized or metallic finishes give a hint of rustic charm while bolder colors like red, yellow, or blue lend a more modern feel.

If you plan on using the cast guard and glass option, consider choosing something other than clear glass for your light in an interior setting — perhaps frosted, textured, or amber crackle. For a more industrial look, a wire cage might be just the thing to give your industrial pendant light its own special look!

Photos by Candace Collective

Across the nation, the “buy local” momentum is growing. Consumers are shunning the big box stores and seeking out smaller, independent sources for everything from clothes to baked goods to fresh seafood. In Asheville, North Carolina, the locally owned Blue Water Seafood Company has made a home for itself in a renovated, historic building near downtown that has a distinctive urban feel. Adding to the ambiance are pendant barn lights suspended from the tin ceiling that was restored during the renovation work.

These small, yet striking pendants are similar to Barn Light Electric’s Wire Cage Pendant, part of our discount collection of barn lighting. These lights lend a definite industrial feel to this cozy restaurant and market, and provide plenty of direct lighting on the catch of the day. The wire cage, once used to protect the bulb in warehouse settings, now adds a vintage touch to the fixture. For another similar look, check out the Barn Light Fargo Pendant with the drop wire cage option which is available in a variety of finishes.

In addition to the small pendants over the seafood counter, large pendant barn lights, much like our popular Warehouse Pendants, illuminate each table within the restaurant. These fixtures provide a soft, yet wide pool of light spilling directly onto the table. This particular style of light has been around for more than 100 years and adds its own historic touch to any venue. While other lighting designs have followed each new trend, this RLM-inspired shade stays true to its iconic roots.

To stay with a vintage look, choose a classic finish like galvanized, brushed patina, or painted rosewood. To give this fixture a more modern bent, pick a bolder color from our palette of finishes. Then add the perfect final touch to your space with a matching Wire Cage Sconce or perhaps a Three-Light Wire Cage Chandelier.

Tourists strolling the streets of Asheville, which is nestled in the beautiful mountains of western North Carolina, now have a tasty alternative when they crave a snack. The Gourmet Chip Company opened its doors in early 2011 and offers a dozen different selections of potato chips dressed up with anything from gourmet Italian cheese and seasonings to Belgian dark chocolate and even sweet potatoes spiced with hot Cajun seasonings. It’s gourmet chips like you’ve never had!

Beckoning the customers into the building on Broadway in downtown are handsome barn lights much like our own Original Barn Light. The black powder coat finish blends well with the exterior walls of the building while complementing the hanging Gourmet Chip Company sign. The wide span of the fixture and white interior throw a pleasant, and functional, pool of light onto the doorway at night.

The owner of the Gourmet Chip Company also chose coordinating angle shade gooseneck fixtures to highlight the sign mounted on the side of the building. These lights, similar to Barn Light Electric’s angle shade, come in a variety of sizes, finishes, and gooseneck lengths to suit any outdoor signage. Inspired by the vintage porcelain RLM warehouse shades, Barn Light Electric’s fixtures are created with commercial grade steel and a tough porcelain glass finish to withstand years of weathering. While durable, these lights lend a touch of history to any space.

Inside the restaurant, which features local art on the walls and bluegrass music every Saturday afternoon, barn lights not only look good but serve a purpose in keeping the gourmet chips warm!

All of our barn lights are American made using the same quality materials and craftsmanship that was the standard almost 100 years ago. You can rest assured knowing that our lights will provide you with years of both service and satisfaction.

Interior Photo Courtesy of The Gourmet Chip Company

Although the doors just swung open for business in 2011, the Fish Bar in downtown Chicago has a comfortable, lived-in look and feel that invites customers to sit a spell and enjoy fresh seafood “736 miles from the sea.” Contributing to this cozy environment are warehouse porcelain pendants very similar to Barn Light Electric’s own line of Ivanhoe™ pendants. This vintage warehouse lighting, suspended from the ceiling on black cords, adds a touch of the old to this new establishment and illuminates the bar and other seating areas. Complementing the nautical blue porcelain pendants are mismatched, industrial metal stools, a classic wooden canoe hanging from the rafters, and touches of weathered wood throughout the 30-seat diner.

Commonly used outdoors or in industrial settings, these porcelain enamel lights are now popping up indoors and look right at home above a kitchen bar, the dining room table, or in entryways. The pendants can be customized for any space with a variety of colors and cord lengths to fit your ceiling height. Styles are available in several sizes ranging from the smaller Mig Porcelain Pendant to the generous, 16″ Sky Chief shade. Many of the porcelain shades offer a span of brilliance with their white interiors to light up counter tops, table tops, or a work space.

This particular Sky Chief pendant can be used both indoors and out and is CSA listed for use in damp areas. Eight finish colors are available for this porcelain pendant along with five different cord styles. Restaurant owners may also wish to incorporate the Goodrich™ gooseneck version of the Sky Chief outside their entrance. Patrons of the Fish Bar will no doubt enjoy the accessibility of fresh seafood so far inland, but will also feel immersed in the nautical look and feel of this new eatery.

Top Photo Courtesy of the Fish Bar

The age of dining in a typical restaurant has come and gone. Advancing out of worn down booths and wobbly tables is the best move any restaurant or bistro can make, especially in the time of high competition. After all, dining out is an experience – it isn’t just about the food.

That is probably why this pizzeria drifted away from decor that is characteristic of most pizza joints today. You know, wallpaper murals of the Italian countryside with mass amounts of pre-folded pizza boxes near the cashier area? And the aforementioned booth space? This spot today doesn’t have your typical seating area, not in the slightest.

Setting the mood with the proper lighting was a top priority for the restaurant. Naturally, they could have went with recessed lighting or overhead fluorescents, but why not choose a lighting scheme that ties in more with the decor – one that can seamlessly blend itself into the remaining areas? We happen to offer a giant selection of Restaurant Lighting, and since pizza can be the food choice for a romantic evening out, or the staple for a big football game, the selection of lighting you’ll find can truly fit into any ambiance.

The Pitfire Pizzeria opted for something a little out of the ordinary for their bar lighting. The view of an open kitchen area calls for a set of pendants that won’t block the customer’s sight, but will still match up with the contemporary dining experience. Bare bulb ceiling lights, similar to the Indy Industrial Barn Pendant, were chosen by the design team to hang throughout the popular LA hangout. The Indy Pendant is considered to be a period-style, 1900′s light, with its ancestors dating back to the factories of the Industrial Revolution. With the rise of Swedish design today, have you noticed the growing use for simple, bare bulb pendants? They’ve proven to be a great alternative to larger light fixtures, in both restaurants and trendy homes today.

Top Photo Courtesy of Remodelista