Victorian design refers to the style popularized during the reign of Queen Victoria from 1837-1901. A Victorian pendant light is one that is reminiscent of the indoor light fixtures that would rely on gas or oil lamps during this time, and is typically detailed, ornate, opulent, dramatic, and romantic.
Today, there are plenty of modern versions of Victorian pendant lights, and I found 8 that caught my eye. These would work great in a space that is full Victorian mode or neutral and minimalistic . . . because why not have a little glitz?
Why Victorian Pendant Lights are a “Yes!”
Victorian pendant lights are ornate, meaning that they can have intricate details or even complex features and designs. For example, one of my favorites I found was the Pathson Vintage Metal Pendant. The fancy features on the metal shade are noticeably detailed, and this is a hallmark of Victorian design. If your room uses a lot of neutral earth tones, the details on a Victorian pendant light would be a stunning contrast.
For example, if your kitchen cabinets are in more muted tones, and you have opted for painted knobs on the cabinets, there may not be much shine in your space. A Victorian pendant light that has some brass, like the vintage metal in this piece would offer interest and warmth to the space.
As you would expect, the detailed, ornate features of a Victorian pendant light give off romantic vibes in a room. The HDDFL Pendant Lights is a beautiful example of this! Too often, chandeliers take all the credit for romantic lighting, but this beauty is proof that a delicate pendant can be just as traditional, but still soft and lovely.
What also makes this work so well is that the piece is not so large that the room becomes all about the lighting. This extravagance is in just the right amount without swallowing up the room in crystal and shine.
One of the effects of a Victorian pendant light can be high drama (the good kind!) A dramatic feature light can be total knock-out if the room has subtle and minimal features throughout. This would let the pendant take center stage and be the showpiece of the room.
A Victorian pendant can signal opulence and excess, but the scale of the piece doesn’t have to be grand. For example, JONATHAN Y JYL6110A Georgina 12″ Crystal is glamourous and excessive, but because it is a moderate size, it would work perfectly in a moderate walk-in closet, small foyer or hallway.
I can also imagine this show-stopping piece in a room that doesn’t get too much light. The shimmery drama of the piece could be a welcome source of shine in an otherwise dreary room.
I noted that Amazon advertised the JONATHAN Y JYL6110A Georgina 12″ Crystal by showcasing it hung in a row of 3 over a kitchen island. That is certainly an over-the-top option; however, for me this is a piece that doesn’t need anymore opulence than it already has, and a single dose of this light would be plenty!
How to Know if a Victorian Pendant Light Would Work in Your Space
If you love a Victorian pendant light, but your space is not completely Victorian style, then it is completely okay to incorporate one of these choices in your space. For example on Cynthia Harper Living, she shares a post that features farmhouse, cottage style with neutral paint colors; but you can clearly see a Victorian sconce (really a sconce version of option 1) in the room. Even though the room contains a variety of styles within a more farmhouse aesthetic, the Victorian light works because of the gold details and small scale of the piece.
I’ve also seen minimalist Scandinavian design incorporate a glam Victorian light choice to work off the more modern, monochromatic color choices in the room. In the end, mixing modern and traditional pieces works so well because the room stays interesting.
My Favorite Amazon Picks for Victorian Pendant Lights
If you like look of pendant lights, but you are not sure which to incorporate where, then I suggest thinking about how “Victorian” your space already is first.
If your space is pretty monochromatic and minimal, then I would start with option 1 or 2 first because the gold/ brass features could add a pop of glam to an otherwise subdued space.
If your space is transitional or eclectic, you really have no shortage of options. I would recommend options 3, 4, 6, or 7. However, I think option 1 is too lovely in any room, and I can imagine it in any number of spaces. Option 3, 4, or 7 all have some black details, and that heavy color can work well in a room that has mixed textures, styles and collections. The Victorian pendant light won’t get lost in a room like this if it has a darker color incorporated like in these options. And option 6 has a heavy and thick glass that holds its own in an eclectic room.
If you are full Victorian mode, then you can come out swinging with the most dramatic of all, option 8. Any of these would fit in beautifully in a house with original Victorian features, but the glam of option 8 would look stunning in an entry way, over a grand staircase, or even a powder room.
Don’t forget to review my earlier post HERE where I review all about pendants, including how to choose the right size pendant light in your space and how to vertically measure when you are hanging/ installing your pendant light! And if you missed my post all about boho pendant lights, check that out HERE (I’m still swooning over option 5 from that post!).