Today I’m sharing a thorough review of the best knock-off Darlana Pendant lights! Includes real life-photos of several of the lighting options, with up-close looks at the finishes!
About this time last year, I wrote a post dedicated to Darlana Pendant knock-off options. It included the light fixtures shared in today’s post as well as multiple other look for less alternatives! The Darlana linear pendant light fixture is the one we have in our coastal inspired dining room and it’s one of the items in our home I get the most questions about. Over this past weekend, I finally saw some of these lights in real life and purchased several so I could finally give you a solid review! Today I’m sharing a review of the best knock-off Darlana Pendant lights that you can find on the market as of today.
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Following are the various sizes and finishes I purchased for demonstration purposes. We’ll end up using a few in our home and then a few in our rentals!
Left to Right: 8-Light Lantern in Oil-Rubbed Bronze | 6-Light Lantern in Antique Silver Leaf | 4-Light Lantern in Chrome | 4- Light Lantern in Oil-Rubbed Bronze | Our chandelier above is the Visual Comfort Darlana Linear Pendant
Things To Note About the Best Look for Less Darlana Light Fixtures
Before digging into the finish and sizes detail, I had a few general things to mention:
- With most of these lighting options, you are looking at 70-90% savings from the Visual Comfort Darlana Lantern. For the price, I think these copycats are an excellent choice and look a lot like the real deal. The original lighting fixture happens to be a designer choice and is showing up in all our favorite rooms! Keep in mind, all of the sizes shown come in all four of the available finishes – you aren’t limited by what I have shown here.
- You can also find the “real” version under the name 19th C. English Openwork Pendant at Restoration Hardware. They sell both the lantern and linear versions as well, but they are the Visual Comfort Darlana branded with the RH name. So this is a great copycat for them as well!
- I noticed that the “candlesticks” on several were bent. I have not adjusted them in the photos so you can see how they came from the factory. To be honest, my Visual Comfort version had similar issues. If you are very gentle, you can slowly bend them back to be mostly straight. Side note: the “real” Darlana Lanterns all have white candlesticks. You’ll see the knock-off below are colored to match the fixture. This is a super easy fix with spray paint or by buying new sleeves, but honestly, it’s a pretty minimal difference in the overall look.
- In the images below, I obviously have not added the chains. They are included and look like the chain in the photo (mine are still in their boxes). This is also why you’ll see the cords dangling behind the various lanterns. It’s a bit hard to photograph when they aren’t hanging!
- Although the photos seem a bit busy, I purposely wanted to capture the lights under our dining room fixture. Although we have the Visual Comfort Darlana Linear Pendant (the knock-off this version can be found here or here), it shows how well the pendant lights coordinate! Unfortunately at the time I had my heart set on this light fixture, the legit knock-offs didn’t exist yet. Believe, me, I looked for months!!
- One thing you will notice on the linear knock-off versions is that the biggest structural difference is the addition of two rods to hold the candlestick frame in place. If you look closely at the stock photo you’ll see this, whereas, you’ll notice mine is connected from below. Thank you to an eagle eyed reader who owns the knock-off version for pointing this out as I didn’t notice it at first in the stock photos! If you’re wanting to avoid those rods, I would suggest this version.
- I’m not going to include dimensions, as those can all be found directly on the vendor’s website.
- There isn’t a gold option, as there is with the Visual Comfort Darlana Lanterns. However, I’ve had several readers send me images where they spray-painted the frame if it wasn’t the exact color they wanted, or have used Rub-n-Buff to make it gold. In all instances, they turned out beautifully! So, keep that in mind if the color combo you want isn’t in stock. This frame allows for a pretty quick and simple update with paint! I would also look into this series of lights that have a gold option and are still relatively affordable!
- If you prefer to shop at Amazon, you can find the entire line here, sometimes for less money!
Photo Examples of The Finishes on the Best Knock-Off Darlana Pendant Lights
You’ll notice that the one finish I did not buy was the black. In my opinion, the black light is the least like the original versions. That is simply because the external portion of the lantern is black (very similar to the ORB finish) but the lighting portion on the inside is chrome. It makes for a pretty finish, but it looks the least like the original option. Basically picture the two lights on the right in the photo above, merged together and that would be a very similar look.
The finish I get asked about most (but never previously had the answer to) was the antique silver leaf. On most websites I’ve found it, the stock image appear to look very much like a gold finish. However, in real life, I would equate it closer to a pretty satin nickel with a light gold brushing over it. I’ve tried to capture the detail in the two photos below. The gold is very subtle and mostly just helps to warm up the brushed silver finish, giving it almost a pearlescent glow. If you want a true gold finish, I would look into this gold Darlana pendant knock-off option. This one is also good if you need a larger version!
One major difference I noticed on all of the chrome finishes (regardless of size) is the addition of these “nubs” on the four corners. This is not on the original version, and it also isn’t on any of the other finishes. Other than that, the color is very similar to the polished nickel version we have in our Darlana linear lantern light in our dining room. Although the 4-light lantern version is a bit smaller, I feel like you get a huge bang for your buck with this one! My sister-in-law bought two for her home a few weeks ago, and then ended up buying two more because she loved them so much! She’s using them in her living room, hallway and master closet. They work so well in so many places! I’m likely adding one to our entryway and one to our mudroom, but I first need to confirm if the 4-light or 6-light version is a better fit.
The 8-light lantern is rather stunning in real life. They also offer an even larger version but you would need a huge area for it, as this one is already rather sizable!
Again, I think these are a really great, affordable lighting options to get the designer look in your own home. If you have any other questions about these fixtures, please feel free to let me know in comments and I’ll get them answered ASAP. If it’s a common question, I’ll also plan to update the post for future reference. OR, if you’ve already purchased one, I’d love to get your feedback in comments below as well. I know it will definitely come in handy to other readers!
DINING ROOM SOURCES: Linen Dining Chairs | Dining Table | Striped Rug | Visual Comfort Darlana Linear Chandelier | Vase | Faux Greenery | Hutch
Have a great weekend!
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We have the large knock off light in our dining room. It is beautiful but it did come a little bent out of shape. One big difference I noticed was that on your light, the candlestick bar rests on the frame, on our knock off, the candlestick bar is hung by 2 poles. This bar was not parallel to the frame bars – which was a bit disheartening. Still a great light for the price!
Oh – that’s great info to know! I assume you have the linear version then like mine? Now that you mention it I do see that in the stock photos but never noticed it before! I’ll be sure to add that info to the post, as that is very helpful. Thank you!
Hello,
Thank you for all the great advice! I am going to purchase the chrome linear one you suggested. The price is right and its beautiful. I had 2 questions I was hoping you could answer. My kitchen island is directly in front of my kitchen table
I am putting the chrome linear over the table. Can you suggest a pretty pendant that would coordinate nicely with the linear light. I dont want to get 2 smaller ones as it would be too matchy. I smoking for them to be about 12 inches wide. Also, can you share where you purchased your beautiful kitchen table please. Thank you so much!
My kitchen is in dire need of updated lighting and I’ve had my eye on the large rectangular fixture (the one you have in your dining room) to place above our kitchen island. But we also have to replace the fixture that’s above our kitchen table and I really think they should coordinate. What are your thoughts on using the 4-pendant fixture for above a kitchen table?
I think it could look great! It probably depends on the size of your table (and if it’s round, square or rectangular). I think either the 4 or 6 light would work well – it just depends on if you prefer larger lights or not 🙂
Thank you for this post!! I’ve been eyeing them for over a year. I debate between the 4 vs. 6, and between the ORB vs. Black (don’t like the chrome sticks) to replace a standard builder grade light in my breakfast area.
I’d probably go ORB if you don’t like the chrome. It is really dark and gives the appearance of black form a distance (unless you have stark black right next to it). I honestly think either the 4 or 6 light would work well, it’s just a personal preference if you like bigger lights. I personally would go with the 6 since you wouldn’t have to worry about head clearance and I obviously like large lights 😉
I ended up going with the 4 ORB from J&M after looking up the meaurments and how it would fit in the space. I just opened it and we love it! No chain though, is that how yours came too?
So glad to hear you love it! There should definitely be a chain though. It should be in a small box inside with the ceiling cap and installation stuff! If it’s not there, I would definitely let them know right away and I’m guessing they’ll send you a new one.
Thank you so much! I have been looking for a fixture like this forever. I thought I remembered you giving an option for an all black linear light in the past but I don’t see it here. Are you aware of a black finish without the chrome accent?
The oil rubbed bronze is probably the closest option in this one (it’s really dark). Here is another dark version (I don’t think it’s black though): https://shopstyle.it/l/bgs7C. This one is more expensive, but it is all black! https://shopstyle.it/l/bgs7T. I hope that helps!
Is the oil rubber bronze more brown or black?
It’s a really dark brown. To the eye, it looks nearly black unless you hold something true-black right next to it. But it definitely would work with brown-tones as well. I hope that helps!
Thank you for this helpful post! Thanks to your instagram stories I ordered the 6-light in antique silver leaf, which I definitely would not have ordered based on the site picture (the color is so different). I love it! It’s currently sitting in the dining room waiting for me to hire a handyman to install it in the 2-story foyer. 🙂 And thanks for your response reassuring me that it would work well in the foyer. It’s the perfect size.
Thanks for the run down! Which size would you suggest for a large two story foyer?
Based upon the room size, I would either go with the 6-light or 8-light version. If you have tighter quarters in the entryway, I’d lean towards the 6-light. Otherwise, I think the 8-light would look amazing!
Beautiful and great information and tips
Thanks Norma! I’m glad you found it helpful! 🙂
Thanks so much fagain r this informative post!!! The linear and the four and eight light are all in my future purchases. I especially appreciated your insight to the antique silver leaf finish. Like you say, it’s looks much more gold on the site but in real life it looks more like a brushed nickel/silver. Is yours the brushed silver. I was going to get chrome, but it’s almost always out of stock. I’m on wayfairs notification for restocks, but honestly I may end up going with the antique silver leaf. It’s a pretty finish and my great room light from Zgallerie is a brushed silver so it probably would look better to go with the silver leaf finish. It will go above my dining room table. I have a fairly high entry but not very large foyer so I’m debating between the six or eight. I’ll go with the four light one in my mud room and area next to dining room and stairwell. One thing I really couldn’t see is the knobs your were talking about in the photo? Are they on the antique silver leaf finishes also? Again.. thank you thank you!! I cannot wait to get these amazing pretty functional and reasonable lights. Out with the stock construction lights and in with the designer looking ones!!🙌❤️
My Darlana light is the chrome (although they call it polished nickel – chrome would be the equivalent). The knobs are only on the chrome version (if you look at the corners where the bars meet in the close-up photo on the chrome). They are not on any of the other finishes which is odd to me! I’m sure you’ll love them once you make the upgrade – it always feels so good to get rid of builder-basic lights!! 🙂
I love your post! I am my no way a designer, but I have the Restoration Hardware “version” and have been very happy. I have 2 of the small sized oil rubbed bronze above my kitchen island. I purchased them with a discount that made them more than half off list price), so I was happy with that. At time I didn’t find any knock offs either.
I’m curious if you like the RH one? 🙂
Thanks!
You brought up something I forgot to mention in this post (but did in the original). The RH version is actually the Visual Comfort Darlana, just re-named and branded for Restoration Hardware. So yes, I love those as well! And it sounds like you got a great price on them!
Been loving these lights for awhile, but I’m so concerned about height!! Can you tell me the height of your dining room ceilings? We have an 8 foot ceiling and then a long table centered in the room. I’m fearful the ceilings aren’t high enough and the fixture will hang too low and be a barrier between the 2 sides of the table. So, my questions are: is it adjustable? What is your ceiling height? Thanks!!
We have nine foot ceilings in our dining room. But, I’ve seen all the versions in 8-foot rooms and it still looks great! Keep in mind the chain length is variable so you can adjust it to cater to your own room. Mine chain is currently 22″ long, so you could have it the same distance above your table if you just made the chain 10″ long 🙂 I hope that helps!
I’m assuming “Antique leaf” on the J&S page is the same as the “antique silver leaf” you mention in the review?
Yes! They always have to be different and call it something unique 😉
Thank you so much for your post! Do you have any links or pictures of people who have spray painted their lanterns? I ordered a knock off gold lantern from lightingconnection.com but I’m not in love with the color. Thanks for your help!
Julie
Are you looking for gold versions? The one I’ve been sent that’s gold used rub n’ buff. I can email that to you if that’s the one you’re looking for!
So what’s your favorite finish for the darlana long pendant? I thought I’d do rub oiled bronze… but maybe the goldish one is better. Also, if from the entry you sort of see kitchen would you match finishes or can I do gold in one? What a great post!
Thank you! To be honest, I love them all! I think it really just depends on which one you love most. I prefer to match finishes on light fixtures if they’re near one another, but mixing metals is all the rage these days, so you could totally get away with it! I LOVE the chrome/polished nickel on ours, but I’ve seen the oil rubbed bronze in homes and love it just as much!
Would you recommend the 6 light version for a 9 foot foyer? I love the look of an oversized light but would it be tooo large? Do the measurements online include the triangular piece at the top?
It should definitely work (as long as you don’t have anyone SUPER tall come in). The measurement does include the triangle. You may just have to only use one or two chain pieces to give max clearance. I actually plan to use the 6-light in our entryway and mudroom at some point too, because I feel like the 4-light would look a bit too small. I hope that helps!
thank you for the reassurance! i’d love to see a photo of the rub n buff example you have!
This post was so helpful, but I have a question about the quality of the knock-off lights if anyone has long-term experience with them. I ordered two of the 17 inch knock-off lanterns in gold for a kitchen island. I really love the look of them…the finish is exactly what I wanted. They were significantly less expensive than the RH (VC) version. I am wondering what the catch will be. Will they not work when we install them, or stop working after a year? Do they not give off enough light to be functional? I noticed the ones I ordered are rated for 40 watt bulbs, whereas the RH ones are 60 watt. The knock-offs were also extremely light when I took them out of the box, but I don’t know if there is a down-side to this. Maybe they’ll blow in the air conditioning 🙂 I’d appreciate any feedback…Thanks!
In my master bath remodel I am looking at the Decomust Darlana Openwork Lantern Pendant Stairway Entry Kitchen Hall Foyer Fixture Chandelier (Gold) to hang over the bathtub.
https://www.amazon.com/Decomust-Darlana-Openwork-Stairway-Chandelier/dp/B07DP834CF/ref=pd_sbs_60_7?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B07DP834CF&pd_rd_r=eb67a713-9e49-11e8-a3a3-498020d8
For either sides of the mirror, I am looking at this product:
https://www.houzz.com/product/69722320-otis-1-light-wall-sconce-transitional-wall-sconces?m_refid=us-remarket-mpl-cr-gdn_69722320
Do you have any feedback on these working together as far as the colors of the gold. Your blog is really helpful as I would like the original E.F. Chapman Darlana but it is outside my budget. Thanks a million
I think those could look beautiful together!! I think the hardest part is if the finishes look like the photos (as that isn’t always the case). As far as styles go though, I think they would pair beautifully!!
Do you think rub n buff or like a Rust-Oleum spray paint would be better? I can get a chrome one for a good price but thinking I want ORB or gold.
Thanks
I personally haven’t ever used rub-n-buff. But I think spray paint would definitely work. If you get the chrome version though, you may want to do a light sanding first to make sure the paint adheres? Also, keep in mind that version has the extra “knobs” on the top that make it slightly different that the others. I hope that helps!
Nice Thanks for Sharing.
I have my eye on the large linear Darlana chandelier for the 16′ vaulted ceiling in my dining room. I think the space calls for a large scale fixture. Do you think the slightly smaller size of the 6-light Carmen would still work? The other option I’m considering is a 2 tier wagon wheel type chandelier. Your thoughts?
With that high of ceilings, you may be happier with the 2 tier wagon wheel! I think the 6-light Carmen may be a bit too small for that scale. We have it in our mudroom with 9′ ceilings and it doesn’t look too large there, which is why I think it may be too small for you!
is one of my favorite item. Thank you for sharing this awesome stuff here.
Do you have recommendations for a hanging light such as the 6 light, but can be used in a damp location, outside front porch.
Hi! I purchased 2 Darlana 17 inch laterns for over my island, but I’m worried they may be too big. My island is 84 long and 34 across. Room is 23 x 13. Ceoling height is 9 ft. What do you think, there is a 12.5 size I believe? I appreciate your opinion.
Honestly I think it’s just a matter of personal preference! I actually love oversized light fixtures and would rather have them too large rather than too small. It definitely also matters how close your light fixtures will be once hung. I’d try to have 30″ or so minimum between them if you go with the bigger size.
Is the “real” darlana a better quality fixture in terms of electrical parts and structure. I dither.. had a Thea in my cart, then read it was a nightmare, decided to buy the VC and the. Found your article! I am looking at the four light linear Darlana,
When I clicked the links it just takes me to chandeliers in wayfair, not the specific one.
Can you send the names?
Sorry – they constantly change the direct link for it. I just found it again and updated the post accordingly. Here is a direct link to the smaller one: https://rstyle.me/+ZXBIyr3cufBrWX4jpbAcog. The 6-light lantern is currently sold out.
Just to add to the mix… Visual Comfort has two lanterns that appear identical. I am looking at the small sizes of Darlana and Dianna.
Darlana is in the Signature Collection, is NOT damp rated, (interior use only salesperson said) and the finish is “live.”
Dianna is in the Studio Collection, IS damp rated, and the finish is either painted or powder coated. They are both dimmable. Darlana is about triple the price and the sales person at Visual Comfort said there is probably not much difference visually!
That’s great info! Thank you for sharing!