Affordable Lighting Fixture Update Ideas (Graphic Content…wink wink)

SHOULD YOU UPDATE YOUR LIGHT FIXTURES?

If you’re asking the question, either the style of your fixtures or their metal finish is having you question whether they’re still trendy – in which case, they probably aren’t (a little tough love never hurts.)

And while there are many light fixtures out there that I loathe – some are glass, some are brass, and most date from the 1980s and ’90s, there’s one that makes me twitch; that rises above the rest in ugliness…

THE BOOBY LIGHT

You might think that I’m being dramatic, and I am, but I hate this old light fixture with a passion for THREE reasons…

1. It looks like a boob (normally, something like this would amuse me to no end…)

2. Many of these fixtures hold ONLY ONE 60w bulb (single bulb lights should ONLY be pendants or lamps). SHOW ME THE BULBS! 

3. It’s often put in areas that desperately need good lighting: entryways, hallways, walk-in closets, and bedrooms.

Have I convinced you yet? I hope so.

If this were an expensive fix, I’d understand why you might not rush out and change it. However, in the Wild World of Light Fixtures, these lights are the least expensive to update and add OODLES of visual value – literally, you’ll be able to see your room better!

1. FLUSHMOUNT FIXTURE WITH CLIPS

They might not be any screamin’ glory style-wise, but they’re low-key, affordable, and better than the boob.

You can get them from almost any lighting supplier, but here are a few to check out HERE

For larger rooms such as bedrooms, laundry rooms, and even living rooms, get the ones that hold three, 60w bulbs (HERE) – the more the merrier when it comes to light!

Again, these lights aren’t necessarily the EPITOME of style. But when it comes to function and not looking like a mammary, they’re a HUGE improvement without breaking the bank.

This next light takes the style up a bit…

2.  SEMI-FLUSH LIGHT FIXTURE UPDATE

The new trend in lighting for the AVERAGE home is a dressed-up version of the previous light. It costs a bit more, but they’re no comparison for decorative appeal.

These semi-flush ceiling lights tend to have white shades (sometimes clear, but don’t get ones with Edison bulbs; they’re dated). As for the metal, black, polished nickel, gold, or oil-rubbed bronze – whichever suits the hardware in the rest of your home. The sky’s the limit with this light fixture style, and it’s a great way to add personality and style to any room in your home!

And sure, it’s still boob-ish, but it’s a MODERN boob!

KYE FABRIC LIGHT

RALSTON 2 LIGHT FIXTURE

HUSON LIGHT FIXTURE

Many of these lights come in different finishes, including the finish shown. 

ELOIDA FLUSH MOUNT FIXTURE – also available in nickel.

6 Budget-Friendly Home Update Ideas

Wayfair puts these lights on sale ALL…THE…TIME. If it’s not on sale now, wait for it, or find a similar one that IS! 

I love this one if you’re more in the mood for something more DETAILED. It has a bit more traditional styling, but it could also work in a modern farmhouse or country-style home…

JOCELYN 3 LIGHT FIXTURE

Another thing I like about the above lighting fixture is that it would coordinate well with many chandeliers – ones with a similar bulb holder and general style- whereas some of the other shades on this page aren’t as flexible. The coordination of your light fixtures matters greatly if you have an open-concept home.

Here’s another beautiful one for all you brass lovers (below). Brass is currently trendy in the hardware world, and when it’s NOT trendy, it’s only a few coats of spray paint away from suiting the next trend!

PELAYO LIGHT FIXTURE

This next one is for you texture lovers. While a shade like this won’t give as bright light as white, the texture adds great visual interest…

NEKOOSA RATTAN LIGHT FIXTURE

If you put a fixture like the above in a room, have adequate floor or table lamps with white shades to add more ambient lighting, accent, or task lighting (as needed). This light ALONE cannot support a room’s lighting needs.

A FEW MORE CEILING LIGHT FUN FACTS

• Do you know HOW MUCH the Kelvins of your light bulbs affect your paint colors? This is a HUGE topic, so before buying new bulbs, have a read. I’ve had clients change their bulbs, resulting in a HUGE change in how their room looks (for the better.)
• Want to save money and modernize your old light fixture? Whether it’s a flush mount, chandelier, or pendant light, if your fixture’s style is modern (refer to previous images), why not do a little DIY? Grab a can of spray paint and give it a few coats (prep it first.) Spray paint comes in various metal finishes – black, of course, but you can also get nickel, chrome, and antique brass! I did this with my exterior lights and saved HUNDREDS of dollars!
• If you’re unsure what the current trend is in lighting fixtures, peruse Pinterest (i.e., if you’re thinking about dining room lights, type in ‘dining room’ in the SEARCH and see what pops up!) If you find something you like, go to that blog/website and see how long ago that blog post was published. You might need to find some new inspiration if it was over three years ago.
• Have you ever heard of CRI? I hadn’t either until I started researching light bulbs. This topic will change how you manage your home’s lighting, whether your bulbs are in recessed lights, hanging light fixtures, or table lamps!

READ MORE

How to Choose the Right Kelvins for Your Light Bulbs

6 Budget-Friendly Home Update Ideas

5 Ideas to Update Your Fireplace

4 Budget-Friendly Kitchen Update Ideas

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Chat soon,

Originally written in 2015, awesomely updated in 2023