Industrial inspired pendant lighting

Barn lighting celebrates the element of the classic farmhouse fixtures used in industrial and agricultural settings, like farmhouses, barns, silos, warehouses, train stations, and factories. While barn lights were most commonly found outside of the house in the early 20th century, they eventually found their way into the interior spaces of commercial facilities and homes. The barn style pendant light fixtures provide a big splash in living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms or hospitality spaces such as restaurants and bars. With their geometric simplicity and clearly defined pool of light, the barn style pendant light embodies form and function in perfect harmony.

The classic shape of RLM lights

A barn style pendant light is characterized by a single cord, a chain or a rod that hangs down from its junction box in the ceiling and supports a single light assembly with a classic canopy (metal shade) in an industrial style. The round metal shade directs the light downward over an area and provides full cut-off illumination. Barn lights are an RLM style of lighting which represents a throwback look that’s tied to the early history of the building. RLM stands for “reflector luminaire manufacturer”. RLM lights were primarily used as industrial lights to perform utilitarian tasks in rugged settings. An iconic downlight reflector design gives people in working environments more directed illumination. The classic shape of RLM lights remains a staple look that lends themselves well to being used in commercial and residential applications. The farmhouse-inspired fixtures are versatile enough to be incorporated into traditional, transitional and contemporary décors with ease. They can be installed as a stand-alone light fixtures that serve as the focal point of a room or mounted in multiples over dining tables or kitchen islands for more spectacular arrangements and luminous environments.

The focal point

The metal shade, which is the true focal point of barn style light fixtures, is usually made of steel or aluminum. While machine-produced shades began to replace the handmade options, the legacy of craftsmanship found in vintage barn shades which are meticulously hand-sculpted around a mold until the metal assumes the desired shape is continued in some brands. Durable metal construction is built to last and creates an authentically rugged charm. The steel shades of original barn light fixtures were covered with polished porcelain enamel which form a smooth, slick, easy-to-clean surface. Modern barn lights come mostly with a polyester powdercoat finish over a chromate conversion which also provides superior resistance to corrosion and weathering for maximum retention of gloss and luster. Barn style pendant light fixtures are also available in a galvanized finish. The inside of the metal shade is applied with a glossy white finish for optimal light reflection.

Put the new technology in historical perspective

The historical shapes of barn lights have been given new life with the use of energy efficient, long life LEDs. LED replacement lamps make the technological switch a breeze. LED filament bulbs, which carry the look of a vintage incandescent light bulb but are powered by LED technology, allow the American design staple to continue embracing the vintage-style trend. In addition to lamp-based systems, LED barn lights that use integrated LED modules are gaining traction. The direct integration of compact LEDs creates new design possibilities and makes it possible to unlock the full potential of LED lighting with improved thermal management and robust electrical engineering.