Modern Light Fixtures That Still Work with French & Traditional Decor
Let me show you how I updated my home with some new modern light fixtures even though I have a French vintage style.
Lately, I’ve been wanting to redesign my entire house and we know that can’t happen on a whim! While I still adore the character of French vintage design, sometimes a space calls for a little refresh. I’ve also been leaning towards more of a modern style. I recently updated a few of my older French vintage light fixtures with more modern pieces that still complement the timeless charm of my furniture. It’s a perfect example of how old and new can coexist beautifully—breathing new life into a space while preserving its soul.
Dining Room Chandelier
These new fixtures offer a cleaner silhouette and updated finishes, bringing a fresh, contemporary edge without clashing with the romantic elegance of my vintage décor.
To refresh your memory, here is the Aiden Grey Italian chandelier that I had in the dining room before:
And now:
46″ Beatrix pendant with linen shades
I love the details on this! I wanted something that still filled the space but was not as wide as the previous one. Also, the shades on it adds a bit of traditional element to the light fixture rather than going too modern – which I was afraid might happen.
Swapping Pendants in the Kitchen
As well, not everything in my house reads as French Vintage. My kitchen is a classic white kitchen so there are many styles of light fixtures that would go in it. I’ve changed up two new beautiful pendants that still match the gold accents in my kitchen.
These are the previous pendant light fixtures from Restoration Hardware:
And now after:
12″ sculptural ribbed pendants in antique brass
I also didn’t do anything to style these rooms for the photos, this is how I live on a daily basis (no extravagant floral arrangements unfortunately).
I love that the glass globes are champagne colored as I think white might look too stark.
Primary Bedroom Light Fixture Switch
This is the chandelier I had in my primary bedroom before, a beautiful chandelier from Restoration Hardware.
And now:
I love the mid-century feel of this light fixture while still looking so good with my French vintage decor.
I think the milk glass makes it feel a little more vintage and goes with the space!
More Light Needed in the Entryway
As much as I loved the brass and crystal drop flush mount in my entryway, it cast weird shadows on the ceiling so I rarely switched this light on.
This light was purchased from Restoration Hardware as well and here it is before:
And what it looks like now:
Sculptural ribbed flush mount in antique brass
It’s the same brass and champagne milk glass as the kitchen pendants and it doesn’t cast any weird shadows. I love it!
I’ll share some more modern light fixtures soon that go with French or traditional decor. It’s nice to be able to change the entire look of a space with just a light fixture.
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What do you think of my new light fixtures? Let me know in the comments below.
Make sure to pin it for later!
Very nice!
I loved the previous light fixtures. They had real character and suited your French decor. There is nothing wrong with putting more modern lights into a traditional style home. It can add another dimension. But in your case it makes me sad.
I am mixed I must admit. I love, love any chandeliers so am a bit sad to see them go. The fixtures you chose are more understated and let the rest of your collections shine! I do love the glass fixtures in the hall and kitchen.
Thanks Alena. The new light fixtures look really good in person, they don’t look as amazing in photos, if that makes sense. I still love the old and new ones.
I really loved the old fixtures but you know what? The new ones feel clean and refreshed. It was time for a change and you did well with the milk glass colour and texture. Kudos!!
Thanks Irma! The new ones look really good in person!
Love both styles..before and afters. I struggle to decide on the right light fixtures for our home. I wish there were more help as to what light fixtures fit what styles (category).
Hi Lori,
Thank you! That’s a great idea for a new post for me to do!
Jamie
I like the new fixtures and cheers for making change, but I LOVED the old ones for the space….Would have purchased all of them for our new place we’re designing….plus that amazing armoire. As they say, a change is as good as a rest.
Thank you Bev! I love the old ones still too. I like how the new ones give a fresh, updated look. But in photos, I think the older ones look better. In person, the newer ones look better, if that makes sense!
Jamie
Hi Jamie, does the new bedroom fixture give off enough light that you can actually see things in your room or what you’re trying to do. I am older and the vision is not that great anymore. Thank you.
Hi Val,
yes it does! I’m so happy with it. And it looks way better in person than in photos.