As a baby boomer, I can readily agree that the 1960s produced some questionable household products -- shag carpeting, metallic wallpaper and avocado appliances to name a few. But one item, the pull-down ceiling lamp that sat above nearly every simulated woodgrain formica kitchen table, always struck me as a sensible solution that got thrown out with the rest of boomer fashion.
So I was excited to find that such an item still exists (although mercifully without the fake coppertone finish and scalloped edge) in Hudson Valley Lighting's Rise and Fall lighting collection.
The pendant shown here in “old bronze” can be lowered and raised on a cloth covered cord (just like in the 60s) via a clever exposed pulley/counterweight system. Minimum height is 42", maximum height is 67".
It's one of several pendant style pulley lights from this manufacturer and is also available as a wall sconce.