When we first moved in, the lighting was, let's say, practical. Definitely not charming. Little by little I've swapped out fixtures, and oh my goodness… what a difference! Let me show you!
One of my biggest regrets from decorating my last home was waiting so long to change the lighting. I figured it would be overwhelming and too expensive. But lighting can be budget-friendly or pricey, depending on what you choose! Putting it off was a silly decision.
So when we moved into this house, I promised myself I'd replace the lighting that bothered me most, first! And I did. Best decision ever!
We've now been in the house for over 5 years, so I thought it would be fun to stroll down memory lane and look at the before and after lighting choices I made.
Tip: I'd highly recommend learning how to swap out a light yourself, if you're comfortable with it. Or hire a local handyman or electrician to make these quick changes. They really don't have to be costly or difficult!
1. Before + After Lighting Updates
Lighting is one of my favorite ways to finish a room, the jewelry of a space, if you will. What makes a room feel pulled together is the details, and lighting plays a big role in making a home feel finished and cohesive. Let's take a look at the lights we've switched out over the years.
The Entry Way
The lighting in this entryway was straight out of the '90s, with a fancy crystal chandelier. No offense to the chandelier, but I'd rather see it in a girl's bedroom or closet than in my foyer. So I swapped it for this lovely Stonington lantern (small size), which has no glass panes (less to clean!) and curved lines that soften an already linear space.
Dining Room Chandelier
The lighting in the dining room came straight off the hardware store shelf. It was a basic, 90's brass beast with 12 bulbs, and I wanted something more classic, grand, and antique brass in color.
So I had my eye on this gorgeous Thomas O'Brien chandelier for a few years before I saved up and splurged on it! I love the linen shades, which soften the light, the curved lines, and the brass patina. I still love looking across from my office and seeing it!
Flush Mount vs. Boob Light
For years I've been replacing the good old "boob" light flush mounts. In this house I found an awesome replacement flush mount that modernized my home instantly! I love its vintage coastal look and how fresh it still feels!
I've used one in our upstairs hallway and one in our butler's pantry. I even used this one to show how easy it is to change a light fixture.
Powder Room Sconce
Our powder room was a very dull, outdated room. The sconce was old and tired, and the mirror was wide and short, so some people couldn't even see themselves in it!
This Vendome sconce was one of the first lights I swapped out because I loved the style.
Then I went all out and gave the room a fun overhaul with wall trim molding, paint, and wallpaper! The new mirror lets guests actually see themselves. But it all started with that beautiful sconce! Fun fact: this sconce is from the same line as my dining room chandelier, so they tie my home together even more.
Kitchen Chandelier
Our first lighting replacement in the new house was a broken kitchen light. One day we were sitting there when a pane cracked and shifted! It was a hazard, not only to our eyes but to our safety. So I quickly found an inexpensive chandelier (similar) to replace it. I'd love to upgrade it again down the road, but for now it looks 1000% better!
Bathroom Vanity Light
Ahhh, the circus lights in our upstairs bathrooms gave off such harsh brightness that the room felt hot! It was like being under interrogation, and they just weren't pretty.
When I redid the girls' bathroom by hanging wallpaper, I swapped out the light fixture too! This three-light vanity fixture is fairly affordable and so cute!
Laundry Room Flush Mount Light
When I redid our laundry room, changing the light to match our style was a given. So I grabbed this beautiful Basil flush mount to replace the old "boob" light in there. It's still such a fun pop of style when I'm folding clothes. So cute!
2. What I Look For in Light Fixtures
When I choose lighting for our home, I'm not just picking something pretty (although that's definitely part of it!). I think about how it will look in proportion to the room, and how it will feel in real life, on a slow Saturday morning or during dinner with friends. Lighting can completely change a room's mood, and these are the things I always keep in mind:
Warm-toned finishes
I gravitate toward soft, inviting finishes that play nicely with the rest of my neutral, cozy decor. Think aged brass, matte black, or even oil-rubbed bronze.
- Aged brass has a lovely patina that brings warmth and a touch of timeless charm.
- Matte black adds a little contrast without being too harsh. Perfect for farmhouse or traditional styles. Just don't overdo it.
- I might choose a shiny chrome for a bathroom faucet, handles, or maybe some cabinet pulls, but I mostly steer clear of shiny chrome or blue-toned silvers when it comes to lighting.
These warm finishes help create the layered, collected look I love, like a room that has grown with you over time.
Layered Lighting
Friends, this is one of my favorite tricks for making a room feel finished: use three types of lighting in each space if you can.
- Overhead lighting – Think ceiling fixtures, pendants, or chandeliers. These give you the overall brightness you need to move around.
- Task lighting – Like sconces by the bed, under-cabinet lights in the kitchen, or a reading lamp by your favorite chair. Super practical and super cozy.
- Accent or ambient lighting – Table lamps, lanterns, or even a candlelit glow (bonus points for bulbs on timers!). These give the room a warm hug.
Trust me: when you mix these together, your space instantly feels more pulled together and peaceful.
Scale & Proportion Tips
I've learned this the hard way: lighting that's too small can leave a space feeling off-balance, even when it's beautiful. Here's a good rule of thumb I use:
- Over a dining table or kitchen island: Your pendant should be about ⅔ the width of the table or island. For islands, two or three smaller pendants spaced evenly look better than one massive one.
- In a room with high ceilings: Go bigger, or hang it a little lower to anchor the space visually.
- For lamps: The bottom of the lampshade should hit around eye level when you're seated. And don't be afraid to go tall, because height adds elegance!
3. Favorite Lighting Sources
I've bought lighting at all kinds of price points. Here are my go-to places to look for cozy lighting ideas:
- Wayfair – $$-$$$
- Amazon – $$-$$$
- Target (for lamps) – $-$$
- Perigold – $$$$$
- Lumens – $$-$$$$$
- Ballard Designs – $$-$$$$
- Pottery Barn – $$-$$$$
- Visual Comfort – $$$$-$$$$$
4. My Best Tips for Swapping Out Lighting
1. Mix and Match
Don't be afraid to mix metals. I love an antique brass finish for lighting, no matter what metals are in the rest of the room.
2. Placement Options Are Endless
Thanks to puck lights and wireless bulbs, your options are practically unlimited, and you don't have to rewire the house!
The sconce in my daughter's room (below) isn't hardwired. I used a rechargeable bulb for a soft glow in her book nook, controlled with a remote.
3. Light Bulbs Matter
Whether or not you love your light fixtures, please, please use the right light bulbs in your home! I'm begging you! The wrong bulb can make your home look harsh (or too dark) and can ruin the look of your paint colors on the walls.
You can find the right light bulbs for each room of your home here, but in general I buy these in bulk and use them all over my house!
Final Thoughts
Good lighting turns a house into a haven. It's the finishing touch that brings a room makeover together. Choose a fixture that reflects your style and makes you smile every time you walk into a room!
Feel free to pin this, share it with friends, or tell me your favorite lighting trick in the comments below!
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