Replacement Glass Shades for Mini Pendant Lights

Mini pendant lights are great for task lighting in the kitchen.  If you already have mini pendant lights in your kitchen that need some sprucing up, replacement glass shades for your mini pendant lights are a great option!  More often than not, the fixture is just fine and the shade is dated. There is no need to replace the entire light fixture.  From a seeded glass shade to a frosted glass shade, replacing just the shade on a mini pendant light can be just what your kitchen needs.

Glass Replacement Shades for Pendant Lights

• Clear Glass Pendant Light Shade – Seaside Village Glass Shade
• Milk Glass Pendant Light Shade – Permo Milk Glass Shade
• Seeded Glass Pendant Light Shade – LANROS Seeded Light Shade
• Mercury Glass Pendant Light Shade – Design Classics Mercury Oblong Glass Shade
• Frosted or Colored Glass Pendant Light Shade – Art Glass Dome Shade

Clear Glass Pendant Light Shades

Clear glass mini pendant replacement shades are available in many shapes and sizes.  They will go with traditional or modern decor and will really show off the light bulb that you choose.  I have clear glass shades on my mini pendant lights in my own home. I replaced my dated shades and kept my black fixtures.

I used Edison bulbs and they are gorgeous under the clear glass. The one thing I will say about the clear glass shades is that they show dust pretty easily.  So you really have to keep up with the cleaning, but it is worth it. That said, I love the look!

Milk Glass Pendant Light Shades

Mini pendant light shades are also available in milk glass.  Milk glass is an opaque glass. Originating in Venice in the white that led to the name milk glass, milk glass is also available in several colors including blue, pink, yellow, brown and even black. 

Real milk glass typically comes from milk glass manufacturers such as Fenton or Fostoria.  It looks a lot like porcelain and is available in many patterns such as hobnail, quilted or even smooth.  Milk glass is valued for its simplicity and beauty.  Due to the simplicity, milk glass mini pendant shades can fit into many types of kitchen decor. 

Seeded Glass Pendant Light Shades

Seeded glass shades have tiny bubbles throughout that make it reminiscent of the hand blown glass of colonial times. Seeded glass adds that little bit of texture and a hand blown glass look that will enhance any decor. The bubbles add interest and reflect light on the kitchen ceiling and walls in beautiful random patterns.

Seeded glass comes in a variety of light hues such as umbers, greens and light blues. Seeded glass usually comes in light shades so that the seeded quality is still visible. Seeded glass shades are also available in a variety of shapes and sizes. Seeded glass mini pendants shades can give you that subtle vintage touch that you are looking for.    

Mercury Glass Pendant Light Shades

Mercury Glass is a unique option for a mini pendant replacement shade.  It actually contains no mercury, but at one time makers attempted to line it with mercury leading to its name.  It is a clear glass that is mold-blown into double walled shapes. It is then coated with a silvery solution.

The real thing can be expensive.  So, if mercury glass appeals to you, there are many faux options as well. Mercury glass shades come in a variety or colors and shapes. Mercury glass gives you that distressed antique look with its beautiful silvery appearance and reflective qualities.  

Frosted or Colored Glass Pendant Light Shades

Frosted or colored glass is yet another look that you can choose for your pendant replacement shades.  It is an option that offers different reflective properties or a pop of color.  Choose white frosted glass for a more traditional look. 

Colored glass will add a little personality to your kitchen.  Since pendant shades are so easy to replace, think out of your comfort zone with something that will make a greater impact. You can always change it again when you grow tired of it! 

Light Bulbs for Mini Pendant Lights

Which type of light bulb is right for your new pendant shade?  The light bulb is usually exposed in a kitchen pendant light.  So, you need the light bulb to look appealing as well.  If you like a vintage look that also goes with modern decor, an Edison bulb is a wonderful choice.  When placed in a group, your pendant lights and the light bulbs inside them have a great impact on the room.  

When exposed under your shade it makes a beautiful addition to your kitchen.  A globe light bulb is a more classic choice underneath your shades.  Finally, traditional bulbs also are a good choice when exposed from underneath.  Try a couple different types before you make your decision.

How Do I Measure for the Pendant Light Shade?

In order to measure for a new shade, it is helpful to know the parts of the pendant light.  The top part of the light fixture is called the canopy. This is the part that actually attaches to the ceiling.  Then, attached to the canopy, is the tubing. The tubing runs down to the pendant holder. The pendant holder is the part of the pendant light that you will be interested in when looking for a new glass shade.  The pendant holder holds the shade into place. The fitter is the outer lip of the glass shade. The shade fitter “fits” into the pendant holder. Therefore, the fitter size must be a little less than the diameter of the pendant holder.  The shade fitter must be equal or slightly less to fit comfortably into the shade holder. The width of the shade measures side to side. The height of the shade measures from the fitter opening to the bottom.

How Do I Replace Only the Shade on a Pendant Light?

In order to replace only the pendant light shade, first turn off the light and remove the light bulb.  Then, while holding the shade with one hand, use a screwdriver to carefully remove the mounting screws that attach the old shade to the pendant light itself.  Be sure to keep holding the shade until the shade is completely free from the pendant light holder. You are then ready for your new glass shade. Insert the shade fitter into the shade holder and reverse the process.

Replacing the shades on your mini pendant lights with glass shades will make a huge impact in your kitchen.  It is so easy and can be super wallet friendly as well.  Breath new life into your kitchen.  Choose from one of the many options above and change the look of your kitchen today!