I don't think they have to match.

They do not have to match! Visit www.exquisitedesignshome.com for wholesale lighting.

click on the showroom tab

Perfect that they are the same metal (although not absolutely necessary). Ideal that they don't match. Nice if they wink at one another, with the same or similar chain, curve, etc. Just put these in my kitchen - they don't match, but are the same finish (same company, Hudson Valley) and same chain.

I too am struggling with that issue. I am putting two polished nickel Harmon pendants (RH) over my island. I have a connected eating area where my table sits. The table is cherry top and black legs on the bottom. For some reason a polished nickel chandy seems like the wrong choice for over the table but then my head is also saying the finishes should match the island lighting. Would love to see more examples of "mismatched" lighting.

Phylhl: beautiful fixtures! I love Hudson Valley although most of their fixtures are beyond my budget