If you’ve had a drink at the Caldwell bar inside The Buxton Hotel on South College Avenue, you’ve seen the warm glow of its fabric pendants. Those shades were sourced and developed by our team here at The Light Center, and now we’ve started hanging our own versions of them in our Fort Collins lighting showroom.
Here’s the story behind the Caldwell bar pendants, what makes fabric pendant lights such a beautiful choice for homes and businesses, and how you can see them in person.

The Story Behind the Caldwell Bar Pendants
The Light Center partnered with Tribe Development and VFLA Architecture + Interiors on custom lighting for The Buxton, a boutique hotel near Colorado State University. The pendant lights above the Caldwell bar don’t exist in any catalog. They were designed and built exclusively for this project through our sourcing network.
- It started with a sketch. The process began with a hand sketch and ended with a one-of-a-kind fixture now hanging above the bar.
- Nearly 60 fabric samples. We went through nearly 60 samples before landing on exactly the right shade from Schumacher.
- Matched to the hotel’s palette. The fabric was chosen to complement The Buxton’s dusty rose and warm terracotta.
- Every detail deliberate. From concept to cord color, nothing was left to chance.

This project let me spend time on some of my favorite parts of this business: finding interesting materials, working with people who know their craft and helping bring a designer’s ideas to life.
Jennifer Johnson, CEO, The Light Center
See more of the project, including how we sourced fixtures throughout the hotel, on our Buxton Hotel portfolio page.
Now in Our Showroom: Fabric Pendant Shades Inspired by The Buxton
We loved how the Caldwell pendants turned out, so we’ve started hanging our own versions of the Caldwell shades in our showroom at 2725 S. College Ave. in Fort Collins. Seeing them in person is the best way to understand how fabric, trim and scale come together, and how a soft fabric shade changes the feel of a room.
Why Choose a Fabric Pendant Light?
Fabric pendant lights bring a warmth and personality that’s hard to get from glass or metal alone. Here’s why our customers love them:
- A soft, diffused glow. Fabric filters light and cuts glare, which makes a space feel calm and inviting.
- Texture and warmth. Fabric, trim and fringe add a layer of texture that makes a room feel finished and lived in.
- Made for customization. Fabric, trim, color and size can all be tailored to your space.
- At home anywhere. Fabric pendants work beautifully over kitchen islands and dining tables, in entryways and bedrooms, and in restaurants, bars and hotels.
Custom Lighting for Homes and Businesses in Northern Colorado
The Caldwell pendants are just one piece of our work at The Buxton. Our team selected, sourced and specified fixtures throughout the hotel, from the warm, jewel-toned lobby to the guest rooms, where sconces with a brass arm, blush wavy glass and a vintage Edison bulb were sourced through our exclusive vendor relationships.

Whether you need a single statement pendant for your dining room or lighting for an entire commercial project, our team can help you design custom lighting that fits your space. Learn more about how we design custom light fixtures and lighting plans.
Visit The Light Center Showroom
Our showroom is getting a makeover as we make room for our new neighbor, ListenUp, and we’re staying open throughout the remodel. Stop by to see the new fabric pendant shades, explore new products and one-of-a-kind vintage lighting, and talk with our team about your next project.
The Light Center
2725 S. College Ave., Fort Collins, CO 80525
(970) 226-3430
Contact us today to start your custom lighting project.
FAQ: Fabric Pendant Lights and Custom Lighting
1. Where can I see the Caldwell-inspired fabric pendant shades?
They’re hanging in The Light Center showroom at 2725 S. College Ave. in Fort Collins. We’re open throughout our showroom remodel, so stop by anytime during business hours.
2. Can The Light Center create a custom fabric pendant for my home?
Yes. Our lighting team helps homeowners and businesses design custom fixtures, from choosing fabric, trim and color to getting the size and scale right for the space. Contact us to get started.
3. Does The Light Center work on commercial and hospitality projects?
Yes. Along with The Buxton Hotel, our commercial work includes projects like First Western Trust and Desk Chair Loveland. We work alongside developers, architects and designers to source and create lighting that fits their vision.
4. Are fabric pendant lights a good choice for kitchens?
They can be. Fabric pendants add warmth over a kitchen island or breakfast nook. Because fabric can collect dust and cooking residue, we recommend placing them away from the range and dusting them regularly. Our team can help you choose a fabric and placement that works for your kitchen.




