Pendant lights are not dated. Poor decisions are.
For a while, it felt like every kitchen had the same setup. Three small pendants over the island, evenly spaced, all identical. It worked, but it started to feel automatic.
Now the focus is on proportion. A long island might look stronger with two larger pendants instead of three small ones. A compact table might need just one fixture with a bit of presence. Fewer pieces. Better scale.
Materials have shifted too. Clear glass still has its place. So do solid metal forms and softer shapes. What matters is how the pendant relates to the room around it. Ceiling height, cabinet lines, table size. It all plays a role.
Lighting plans have also become more layered. Recessed lights handle overall brightness. Under cabinet lighting supports tasks. The pendant becomes part of a bigger picture instead of the only source of light.
A pendant that is too small, hung too high, or awkwardly spaced will feel off. That is not a style problem. That is a planning problem.
When the scale is right and the placement makes sense, pendant lights still feel current. They draw the eye. They define a surface. They give a room focus.
Good proportion does not go out of style.