$71 Designer Dupe: Brass & Milk Glass Pendant Light Review
If you’ve been following along with my cottage style journey here at Free Range Cottage, you know I’m all about finding those designer looks without the designer price tag. Today I’m sharing an absolute gem I discovered at Home Depot that’s giving major high-end vibes for a fraction of the cost.
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The Find: Meyer & Cross Aurora Pendant Light
Product: Aurora 60-Watt 1-Light Brass Pendant Light with White Milk Glass Shade Price: $71.15 (often on sale)
Let me tell you, when I first saw this beauty, my mind immediately went to those gorgeous Studio McGee designs you see at Target and high-end lighting stores like Visual Comfort. You know the ones – they sell for 150 to over a thousand dollars and are always sold out. This Aurora pendant captures that same modern cottage aesthetic at a price point that won’t break the bank.
First Impressions: Unboxing and Quality
The Aurora pendant arrives well-packaged, which is always a relief when ordering lighting fixtures online. Right out of the box, I was impressed by the weight and quality. This isn’t some flimsy, cheap-feeling fixture. The brass finish has substance to it, and the milk glass shade is substantial without being overly heavy.
What’s in the Box:
- Brass pendant fixture with hardware
- White milk glass egg-shaped shade
- Mounting canopy and hardware
- Installation instructions (clear and straightforward)
- Note: Bulb NOT included
Design Details: Modern Cottage Perfection
This is where the Aurora pendant really shines. The design hits every note of what’s trending in modern cottage and rustic modern style right now.
The Brass Aesthetic
The brass finish is beautifully executed – it’s that perfect warm, handcrafted brass that adds instant charm to any space. It’s not too yellow or brassy looking, but rather a sophisticated golden tone that works with both warm and cool color palettes. This is crucial because cheap brass can look tacky, but this has that high-end appearance.
The brass components include:
- Canopy mount (ceiling plate)
- Decorative brass chain
- Brass fixture
- Milk glass shade
The Milk Glass Shade
Here’s what really sold me: the milk glass shade is gorgeous. It’s not stark white but that creamy, opalescent milk glass that diffuses light so beautifully. The egg shape is classic yet contemporary – it’s giving vintage schoolhouse vibes but in a fresh, updated way that works in modern cottage spaces.
The shade measures approximately 8-9 inches in diameter and about 9 inches tall, making it a substantial presence without overwhelming smaller spaces.
Installation: DIY-Friendly
As someone who’s installed quite a few light fixtures during our cottage style transformation, I can confidently say this is a straightforward installation. The instructions are clear, and if you’ve ever installed a pendant light before, this will feel familiar.
Installation Time: About 20-30 minutes for a single fixture Difficulty Level: Beginner to intermediate Tools Needed: Screwdriver, wire stripper, ladder
The fixture comes with all necessary mounting hardware. The one thing to note is that you’ll want to ensure your ceiling box can support the weight, but this is standard for any pendant light.
My Personal Installation: Two Pendants Over Our Island
We installed two of these Aurora pendants over our kitchen island, and they look absolutely stunning together. Here’s what I learned during installation that might help you:
Low Ceiling Solution: We have 7-foot ceilings in our kitchen (kind of uncommon in the US. Not sure what they were thinking in 1980!), so we removed most of the chain to create a semi-flush mount look. This was super easy to do – you simply remove the extra chain links and adjust the length. It comes with a link on each end that can unscrew to adjust the number of links in the chain. The result is a cleaner, more modern look that works perfectly with lower ceiling heights without sacrificing the beautiful design. However, if you have the height to use a lot of the chain, it would be quite stunning as well!
Pro Tip: Don’t let low ceilings stop you from using pendant lights! This fixture is incredibly adaptable.
Easy Bulb Changes
One of my favorite practical features: the milk glass shade screws directly onto the brass fixture. This makes light bulb changes incredibly easy – no fumbling with tiny screws or complicated mechanisms. Just unscrew the glass shade, swap the bulb, and screw it back on. It takes literally 30 seconds. This might seem like a small detail, but when you’re standing on a ladder trying to change a bulb, you’ll appreciate this thoughtful design.
Adjustable Height
The Aurora pendant comes with a wire and chain that allows for significant height adjustment. This is perfect whether you’re hanging it over a kitchen island, in an entryway, or above a dining table. You can customize the drop to suit your ceiling height and space needs – from semi-flush mount (like I did) to a longer dramatic drop in spaces with higher ceilings.
Lighting Performance: Form Meets Function
Let’s talk about how this fixture actually performs as a light source, not just a pretty design element.
Light Output
The Aurora is rated for a 60-watt bulb (not included). I tested it with several different bulb types:
- LED Edison bulb: Creates a warm, ambient glow perfect for dining areas
- Standard LED warm white: Provides good task lighting for kitchen prep areas
- Dimmable LED: Works beautifully with existing dimmer switches
The milk glass shade does an excellent job of diffusing the light. You get a soft, even glow that’s easy on the eyes while still providing plenty of illumination. There’s no harsh glare, which makes it ideal for spaces where you want both function and ambiance.
Dimmer Compatible
One of my favorite features is that this fixture is compatible with existing dimmer switches. This versatility means you can adjust the lighting to suit different times of day or different moods. Morning coffee? Bright and energizing. Evening dinner? Soft and romantic.
Styling Ideas: Where to Use This Pendant
This is where my cottage-loving heart gets excited. The Aurora pendant is incredibly versatile and works in so many spaces.
Kitchen
We installed two of these over our kitchen island, and they’re absolutely perfect. The brass adds warmth to our white cabinets, and the milk glass provides great task lighting without being too bright. The pair creates a cohesive, designer look that anchors the whole space.
Spacing Tip: For a standard-sized island (around 6-7 feet long), two pendants work beautifully. Space them evenly – We positioned ours to take the place of our existing ceiling lights. Standard is about 30 inches apart, centered over the island. For longer islands (8+ feet), you could easily use three Aurora pendants spaced evenly for that high-end look.
Low Ceiling Advantage: Because we adapted these to work as semi-flush mounts by removing most of the chain, they provide plenty of light without hanging too low. This is perfect for task lighting when prepping food, and we don’t have to worry about bumping our heads!
Entryway/Foyer
A single Aurora pendant in an entryway creates an immediate “wow” factor. It sets the tone for your entire home and gives that welcoming cottage vibe right from the start.
Dining Room
Hung over a round dining table (centered, obviously!), this pendant creates an intimate dining atmosphere. The warm brass and soft light from the milk glass shade makes every meal feel a bit more special.
Bedroom
Don’t overlook the bedroom! Flanking a bed with two of these pendants as bedside lighting is a gorgeous alternative to traditional table lamps and gives a very hotel-luxe feel.
Bathroom
If you have the ceiling height, this works beautifully in a bathroom, especially in a modern cottage space. The brass adds that vintage touch while the clean lines keep it from feeling too old-fashioned.
The Designer Dupe Comparison
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room – is this really a designer dupe?
Similar Designs I’ve Found:
- Studio McGee for Target Milk Glass Pendant: Typically $80-100 (when in stock)
- West Elm Sculptural Glass Globe Pendant: $129-179
- Shades of Light Milk Glass Pendants: $149-299
- Rejuvenation Schoolhouse Pendants: $179-350
- Visual Comfort Hicks Large Pendant $1199.
The Aurora pendant at $71.15 delivers the same aesthetic at a fraction of these prices. You’re getting:
- Quality brass finish (not plastic or cheap metal)
- Authentic milk glass (not cheap acrylic)
- Durable construction
- Classic design that won’t go out of style
Is it exactly the same as a $300 Rejuvenation fixture? No. But does it give you 95% of the look for 75% less money? Absolutely.
The Cottage Style Connection
This pendant embodies so many elements of cottage style that I love:
- Vintage charm with modern functionality
- Quality materials that add character
- Warm brass tones that create coziness
- Timeless design that transcends trends
- Affordable luxury that makes elevated style accessible
The brass and milk glass combination is having such a moment right now, and for good reason. It bridges the gap between farmhouse and modern, vintage and contemporary. It’s at home in a 1920s bungalow or a brand-new build, which is the hallmark of truly versatile design.
Pros and Cons: The Honest Assessment
PROS:
✓ Exceptional value at $71.15 ✓ Beautiful handcrafted brass finish that looks more expensive than it is ✓ Quality milk glass shade with excellent light diffusion ✓ Compatible with dimmer switches ✓ Easy installation with clear instructions ✓ Milk glass shade screws on/off for effortless bulb changes (30 seconds!) ✓ Highly adaptable – works as semi-flush mount for low ceilings or longer drop for high ceilings ✓ Versatile style works in multiple rooms ✓ Designer look without designer price ✓ Substantial feel – doesn’t look cheap ✓ Timeless design ✓ Modern contemporary with vintage appeal ✓ Easy to remove chain for custom height adjustments
CONS:
✗ Bulb not included (minor, but worth noting) ✗ Limited to 60-watt max (fine for most uses, but can’t go brighter) ✗ Only available in brass finish (I’d love to see this in matte black or polished nickel) ✗ Single size option (a mini version would be adorable) ✗ May need to purchase multiple fixtures for larger spaces
Value Analysis: Is It Worth It?
At $71.15, this is an absolute steal for what you’re getting. Let me break down the value based on my actual purchase:
My Real-World Cost:
- Two Aurora Pendants for my kitchen island: $142.30 total
- Similar designer pendants (2 fixtures): $258-700+, I was actually inspired by the Visual Comfort $1200 each!
- My actual savings: $115.70-557.70+
If you’re outfitting a kitchen island and need three pendants:
- Aurora: $213.45 total
- Designer equivalent: $387-1,050 total
- Your savings: $173.55-836.55
For those of us creating cottage style homes on a budget (which is most of us!), these savings add up quickly. I used the money I saved to invest in other areas of my kitchen – like maybe those vintage brass cabinet pulls I’d been eyeing and a gorgeous vintage-inspired runner for the floor.
The brass finish alone justifies the price. It genuinely looks more expensive than it is. Multiple guests have asked me where I got these fixtures, and when I tell them Home Depot for $71 each, they’re genuinely shocked. That’s the kind of value I love to share here at Free Range Cottage.
Maintenance and Longevity
After living with this fixture for several months now, I can speak to its durability. The brass finish has held up beautifully – no tarnishing, no discoloration. The milk glass shade is easy to clean (just wipe with a damp cloth when the light is off and cool).
One thing I appreciate is that the shade is easily removable for bulb changes. Some pendants make this unnecessarily difficult, but the Aurora’s design is thoughtful and practical.
Pairing Suggestions: Creating a Cohesive Look
To really maximize the impact of this pendant, consider pairing it with:
In the Kitchen:
- White subway tile backsplash
- Marble or quartz countertops
- Shaker-style cabinets in white or cream
- Brass cabinet hardware
- Vintage-inspired faucet in brass or brushed gold
In the Dining Room:
- Natural wood dining table
- Linen or cotton window treatments
- Vintage or vintage-inspired dining chairs
- Soft neutral wall colors (think warm whites, creams, or soft grays)
In the Entryway:
- Console table with brass details
- Vintage mirror with brass or gold frame
- Natural fiber rug
- Fresh greenery or simple floral arrangement
Who This Pendant Is Perfect For
This fixture is ideal if you:
- Love the modern cottage aesthetic
- Appreciate brass and gold tones
- Want designer looks on a budget
- Value quality but need to be price-conscious
- Are DIY-friendly with installations (but simple for a handyman to install also)
- Prefer timeless over trendy
- Need versatile lighting that works in multiple rooms
- Want fixtures that photograph well (hello, fellow content creators!)
Final Verdict: My Honest Recommendation
I’m giving the Aurora Brass Pendant Light a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars. This is one of the best budget-friendly lighting finds I’ve discovered in my cottage style journey. It delivers on quality, style, and value in a way that’s genuinely impressive.
I’m deducting half a star only because:
- I wish it came with a bulb, however not that big of a deal
- More finish options would be amazing (matte black would be gorgeous)
- A smaller size option would be perfect for certain spaces, a larger size for a dining space
But these are minor quibbles. The reality is that this pendant punches way above its price point. It’s one of those finds that makes you feel like you’ve discovered a secret – the kind of thing I love sharing with my Free Range Cottage community because I know it will genuinely help you create the home you love without overspending.
Living with them for several months now, I can tell you these fixtures have exceeded my expectations. The brass finish continues to look beautiful (no tarnishing), the milk glass is easy to keep clean, and the light quality is perfect for our kitchen workspace. The screw-on shade design makes bulb changes so easy that it’s actually a joy rather than a chore.
Would I buy them again? Absolutely, without hesitation. In fact, I’m already eyeing a third one for our entryway!
Where to Buy and Current Availability
You can find the Aurora Pendant at:
- Home Depot Online
- Home Depot Stores (check local availability)
- Model Number: PD1920
- Internet #: 328205202
Pro Tip: Home Depot frequently runs sales on lighting fixtures, so if you can wait and watch for a sale, you might snag these for even less. I’ve seen them drop to around $60-65 during major sales events. Also, consider signing up for Home Depot’s email list for notifications about lighting sales.
The Bottom Line
If you’re looking to add that warm brass aesthetic to your modern cottage home without the designer price tag, the Aurora Pendant Light is an absolute winner. It’s proof that you don’t need to spend a fortune to create a beautiful, curated space. This is budget-friendly cottage style at its best.
I have two of these fixtures installed over my kitchen island, and they never fail to get compliments. Guests regularly ask where they’re from, and when I tell them the price, they’re genuinely shocked. Several friends have already ordered their own after seeing mine in person. That’s the kind of value I love to share here at Free Range Cottage.
The best part? The brass finish truly looks more expensive than it is. The quality is evident in person, and the easy bulb-change design (just screw off the milk glass shade) is one of those practical features you don’t appreciate until you have it. And if you have low ceilings like we do, you can absolutely make these work beautifully as semi-flush mounts by removing the chain.
Have you tried this pendant light? Or do you have questions about installation, sizing, or styling? Drop a comment below – I love hearing from you and I’m always happy to share more details about my experience with these gorgeous fixtures!
Shop This Post
Aurora Brass Pendant Light Price: $71.15 Shop at Home Depot
Recommended Light Bulbs to Pair:
- Vintage Edison LED (60W equivalent) for ambiance
- Warm white LED (60W equivalent) for task lighting
- Dimmable LED (60W equivalent) for versatility
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