Mid-century lighting continues to go very much mainstream — evidenced by the continuing proliferation of lower cost designs more affordable for the masses. Hey! Just like in the 1950s! Flickr friend xtombx spotted the Nadair Nuevo pendant lights (shown above) for sale at his Menard’s store. The one on on the left is 14″ wide, the center is 7″ wide, and the right is 8″ wide. Each one is just $30. At the left is a more expensive glass pendant by Checkolite. It’s about $60, and there are two other glass designs. All of these lights also are featured online, with free shipping — go to Menard’s site here and search the brands I’ve listed. Note: I have not seen these in person, so cannot give an opinion on the visible quality of workmanship.
Update: Not sure if these lights are still available — original story was in 2010 — but I’ll keep this up for the record and to remind to check Menard’s out!
gerry Duncan says
I can’t find the Euclid (the first on on the left) in Menards … do they still stock them … anyone have the SKU ?
Frank French says
I remember instructions from “Nomadic Furniture” back in my university days to make a silver topped bulb. Silver paint was just painted on the top of the globe and guess it worked just fine.
The book is back in print but Amazon lists used starting at 3 bucks. I used their bed frame for decades and made many of their lighting ideas. The book was published in 73 but has loads of ideas… collander light shade is one I remember. Bought a copy for my son who was at University..
Steve Nelson says
Would love to know how that liguid stainless turns out. I am in the process of finishing my garage off in a 50’s diner theme and have been looking for a product to recreate the look of 3 stainless steel bands around the top of the walls and at $4,600 the real thing is just a little steep.
Mitchell says
I have seen these…. they are not the same quality/detail as what I see on the Dixon website, but certainly worth the price, and darn good looking.
shane hood says
these are knock-offs of Tom Dixon’s lighting:
http://www.tomdixon.net/products/families/beat
Matt says
We bought the second pendant for our eat in kitchen area. Good quality for the price. Not crazy about the color but whenever we get around to doing something with the kitchen I’ll paint it (and even thought about drilling some small pinholes in it).
If you see these at your local menards they are totally worth it.
adam shur says
Supper Yummy Tom Dixon “beat” inspired lighting for 30.00$ O MY !!! I just ordered all 3 but got 2 more of the larger shade #1 in the pics I hope I love em…
Detroit Janice says
Hmmm……I really like the 1st one for over my dining room table, but I wasn’t crazy about the color. Thanks for all the color changing suggestions! I think I’ll try it now – especially for that price!!!
pam kueber says
Everyone – be sure to choose spray paint, or paint, specified for high temps ala lighting. Also, I am no expert on this but I would think very light coats of spray paint would be best… Maybe with a good primer first. You might also try a “lacquer” finish. Will need to be super careful re: drips.
vintage_vantage says
I painted my gloss red on the outside and a gloss white on the inside. (I picked up the light that is pictured first in the image.) I wanted a bulb that would give light but not blind people. (The bulb hangs out of the fixture just a tad, so I pick one that was chrome and clear. Available at Menards, etc.) I like cheap spray paint, that when for regular applications, will stick better in my experience than any of the expensive stuff. I think my spray paint came from Walmart for under a dollar. It looks amazing over my dining room table. Im very pleased!
pam kueber says
vintage vantage, would love to see a pic! you know, i think i will add the public uploader to this post so that readers can share what they do with these lights. i invite you to be the first!
Carolyn says
Wish that they had them in just spun aluminum/brushed nickel finish. Afraid that if painted they will look like poo, especially if hung over a section of kitchen counter where they aren’t that far out of the eye level sight line.
pam kueber says
Carolyn, there is a product called liquid stainless steel that I have and need to try. The manufacturer sent me a free sample to write about for the blog – I need to try it out and see if it would be good for situations like this (or others like it)…
John Hedge says
I would love to see a picture of one installed in a home. I like them so far.