I would like to build a simple pendant light to replace an old pullchain light. My electrican ran new wires to the box in the ceiling but did not install a switch in the wall. It will not be the primary light for the room, just extra light over a desk in a corner.
I would like to use reproduction cloth covered twisted wires(18/2), and a socket with a turnkey or pullchain that I can screw an uno shade holder to. I have a vintage glass shade that I would like use.
The guy at the local lighting store told me this was dangerous, and not code. If its not up to code for some stupid reason like I could get hurt fumbleing around in the dark trying to turn it on I don't care. But if there is a legit reason OK.
Is this a bad idea? What else do I need to know?

Is this a bad idea?
Yes


If its not up to code for some stupid reason
Like dying a horrible, fiery death.


What else do I need to know?
One of the primary reasons for electrical codes is fire prevention.

You want a pendant light? Go buy one.

I would be happy to buy one, but I have been unable to find any that don't require a switch in the wall. That is my problem. I don't have a switch in the wall because my house is 90 years old.


Some codes are great and for safety reasons. I get that. But some of them are absurd. Like the fact that we are supposed to have an outlet in our dining room every 12 feet. We don't need an outlet every 12 feet, we won't ever need to plug anything in in a dining room. And if we do, the 2 outlet that were already there would have done just fine.
There was also a stupid code for plumbing, that required we install a new fixture in the shower to turn the water on and off. The old one had a handle for cold water and a separate handle for hot water. The code required we have a dial that turned on cold water first and the turned it to hot. Another stupid code, that was meant to protect the child we don't have from getting in the shower and burning himself. Pointless also because we have a tankless heater, that takes forever to produce hot water.

The snide comment was not necessary. Lots of people are making pendant lights and selling them online, by doing exactly what I was asking about. Just because I buy one doesn't mean its going to be safe. That is why I posted the question. You didn't need to be a jerk. You should find something better to do with your weekends.