38 Modern Pendant Light Ideas for Home

When we talk about modern design icons, most often we tend to focus on mid-century modern creations like the Womb Chair, the Eames Lounger or the Egg Chair by Arne Jacobsen. But today’s edition of iconic pendant light designs is well and truly modern. Created in late 90s and early 2000s, this lovely trio steals the show with style, panache and a design that enables them to stand out from the pack. With pendant lights becoming such an integral part of modern homes, these transparent light designs double up as gorgeous sculptural additions as well.

by Drawing Dept

The FL/Y, Random Light and the Fucsia Pendants make up a bunch that offers plenty of diversity when it comes to visual appeal and geometric form. What links them though is the transparent nature of all the three designs. Giving you a direct glimpse of the light source, they combine form and function with effortless ease. A perfect fit for every contemporary home, here are a few sizzling inspirations to get you started –

Beautiful contemporary kitchen that showcases the rule of three!

by The Collection on 5

Stylish orange FLY suspension light above the Saarinen Tulip dining table — Stylish orange FL/Y suspension light above the Saarinen Tulip dining table

by LDa Architecture & Interiors

Blue glass-front cabinets holding largely glassware with a white countertop.

More Inspiration 5 Timeless Cabinet Styles That Will Always Look Good

Track lighting coupled with Fucsia lights

by Giulietti Schouten Architects

Beautiful backdrop for the Random Light — Beautiful backdrop for the ravishing Random Light

by Maza Interior Design

Fucsia Pendants By Achille Castiglioni For Flos above the dining table — Fucsia Pendants by Achille Castiglioni for Flos above the dining table

by Fine Focus Photography

by Kraig Kalashian

Colorful kids' room uses multiple FLY pendant lights — Colorful kids’ room uses multiple FL/Y pendant lights

by Beinfield Architecture PC

Brilliant Random Light by Moooi

There is something innately hypnotic about the Random Light and its giant globular form. Reminiscent of a beautiful full moon at its brilliant best, this textured and intricate pendant light was created by Bertjan Pot in 2002. Crafted by wrapping epoxy-dipped fiberglass around a large balloon, the Random Light looks like a carefully woven piece of art with a warm and fuzzy center! The light dramatically changes the look of room and its complex shell creates beautiful shadows on the wall next to it. Available in many colors, the Random Light ($571) looks at its best in the pristine white form set against a dark backdrop.

Accent wall makes the giant globular pendant light all the more aesthetic

by Balli Interior Design

All-white Random Light is perfect for the contemporary home

by KYZLINK

One of the features of this Moooi delight is the way in which it seems to usher in the festive spirit. If you are looking for a new lighting installation that is ideal for the holiday season and will also look great all year long, then your search ends with the Random Light.

Dramatic Black Random Light set against a neutral backdrop

by The Interior Place (S)

Making the random light a focal point in the room

Minimalist residence showcases the Random Light in style

by Alykhan Velji Design

Pendant lights bring focused lighting to the dining area

by blurrdMEDIA

Scandinavian styled home with the Random pendant light — Scandinavian-styled home with the Random pendant light

by Ashleigh Weatherill Interior Design

When it comes to designing, one should just design without being blocked by too much theory…. only when you’re stuck, desperate or drunk one should spend more than 15 minutes concerning design theories. I still believe the best designs come from the heart and not from the mind.

–by Bertjan Pot, designer of Random Light

A collection of Moooi Random Lights in the living space

by SCE Construction Management

Random light almost disappears into the bright background

by Ninainvorm

by Grunsfeld Shafer Architects

Moooi Random Light complements the modern fireplace elegantly

by Hoover Architecture

Camaflouge seems to come naturally to these intricately woven pendant lights — Camouflage seems to come naturally to these intricately woven pendant lights!

by Holly Marder

Colorful and Cool FL/Y Pendant Light

If the Random Light has the appeal of a serious sculptural addition, even when the light is not on, the FL/Y is all about being chic and playful. On first look, one might be tempted to believe that the pendant light was created way back in the 60s for the funky retro generation. But the truth is that this colorful and vivacious lighting installation designed by Ferruccio Laviani made its debut only in 2002. Like a little floating paint bubble, the FL/Y pendant light brings in any accent color that you need to brighten up your home’s contemporary interiors instantly.

FLY Pendant in lovely blue matches the hues in the kids' room — FL/Y Pendant in lovely blue matches the hues in the kids’ room

by Max Reilly

Apple green Togo Sofa coupled with bright orange FLY pendant — Apple green Togo Sofa coupled with bright orange FL/Y pendant

by Feldman Architecture

The colored plastic of the FL/Y is transparent and this really gives it a very unique aura. Attractive both when on and off, the bulb has a shape that is a touch bigger than a simple hemisphere. Available in a rainbow of colors and a whole lot more, this is one of those iconic décor pieces that you can actually afford. At $310, it makes a wonderful gift as well!

Vivacious playroom seems like an ideal setting for the FLY — Vivacious playroom seems like an ideal setting for the FL/Y

by Lily Z Design

Sizzling orange brightens the kitchen in white — Sizzling orange brightens the white kitchen

The FLY couples color with crisp sophistication — The FL/Y couples color with crisp sophistication

by DKOR Interiors

Transparent dome of the FLY ensures that the line of sight is unhindered — Transparent dome of the FL/Y ensures that the line of sight is unhindered

by Sarah Greenman

Use the FLY to create focused lighting — Use the FL/Y to create focused lighting

by Hurst Construction

Trio of FLY pendant lights in a rustic kitchen — Trio of FL/Y pendant lights in a rustic kitchen

by your abode

FLY Suspension Lamp by Kartell above the Kitchen Island — FL/Y Suspension Lamp by Kartell above the Kitchen Island

by Lisa Lev Design

Stylish Fucsia Pendants by Achille Castiglioni

Designed by the maker of the Arco Floor Lamp, Achille Castiglioni in 1996, the Fucsia pendant lights most often stump people with their creative name. Those who have never seen these pendants before expect bright and brilliant pink lights. But the Fucsia pendants could not be more contrasting in color or style. The name of the pendants is more a description of the shape of these lights that resemble the pout of a lovely Fuchsia flower. These transparent and sleek pendants fit in naturally with the modern design style of clean and well defined lines.

Fantastic modern kitchen with the Fucsia pendants

by Benning Design Associates

Contemporary dining space showcases the Fucsia pendants elegantly

by Soloway Designs

From ergonomic kitchens to plush bedrooms, the Fucsia fits in pretty much everywhere with ease. At $316, these pendant lights are a minimalist’s dream thanks to the simple sophistication they lend to the surrounding space. And like the Random Light and the FL/Y, their transparent form is an added bonus that keeps things visually uncomplicated and uncluttered.