Lighting is all about functionality and preference of style. There are so many light fixtures out there that can be purchased at a reasonable price. Look around for the one that makes you happy! Be certain you are choosing a fixture with the same level of brightness as the one you are replacing, so you will be pleased with your choice in the long run! Make sure you have it professionally installed for safety!
I have noticed that something we just begin to get used to in our homes, especially if we have not yet done any sort of remodel project, is the built-in lighting. Many people just not feel strongly about replacing the light fixtures that were there when they bought their home. But have you considered whether you really love that chandelier? What about the hallway lighting? Do the style choices of the builders, or the residents that came before you, really suit your own decorating style?
Finding stylish new lighting is easy, but you do need to have the electrical skills to install it. This is the time to consider your resources – do you know any electricians that can do the job? Or can you go online and find a certified electrician in your area that does not charge a bundle? You want to make sure that whoever is going to be all up in your wiring knows what they are doing, is licensed, and also is fully insured. You do not want to compromise safety for style!
From Day One in our home, I just hated the chandelier over the dining room table. The funny thing is that it wasn’t even terribly ugly to me, it just failed to make a statement. There was no wow, no razzamatazz! The trouble with finding new lighting is FINDING NEW LIGHTING! There is too much to choose from and prices are all over the map. I felt daunted as I wandered around the Lowes lighting department, and equally frustrated as I combed the web for enticing and affordable options.
It took a long time to choose my new fixture, for a variety of reasons that you will also want to consider if you tackle this project. First, one of the newer lighting styles that has gained popularity is simple clear glass over lightbulbs, or even flat-out exposed lightbulbs. Especially with the trendy Edison-style bulbs, this can look great. However, our dining room area is like our home’s version of Grand Central Station, and virtually any task you can think of takes place there. So I did not want to deal with any kind of glare. I also wanted to consider which fixture would give me a comparable amount of lighting to my previous fixture. Some of the simpler options looked great but would have left my room far too dark to be functional.
Bring on the new chandelier!
What did I choose?
- The Gray Barn Antique Black Metal Fabric Shade Wood Frame Chandelier purchased from Overstock
- 5 Antique Edison-style LED lightbulbs
This gorgeous new chandelier added depth and personality to the kitchen, whereas our old fixture was simply utilitarian. It got dusty all the time because I just did not care enough to clean it off – it was there to give off light and that is what it did. This new fixture is exactly what was needed!
There are many places you can purchase chandeliers! You can look at big online retailers like Wayfair if you want a nice range of prices, or you can always check any local stores for deals. It is nice, but not essential, to see the fixture in person in order to avoid having to do any returns. That just delays the fun of the project!
I love the new dining room chandelier! Pairing it with our dark stained table and antique white walls, it has exactly the right lighting and energy to complete the room.
OK so what's next? It is so fun to have a project, and even better to enjoy the rewards of your hard work! Go back to Home and see some other fun ideas!
