Let’s talk about a not so quick fix. Between patio building and kitchen makeover-ing, Sherry and I like to “treat” ourselves to a few quick and easy projects that keep the ol’ morale up and allow us to catch our breath (so we don’t burn out or throw things at each other). And one fast & easy job that we’ve had planned for a while was swapping out the fixture in our guest bathroom for something more us.
There was nothing particularly wrong with what was there, per se – but it was a bit more traditional than we’d pick ourselves (so we figured donating it to the Habitat For Humanity ReStore would give it a second life while we upgraded to something that felt more our style). At first we considered just replacing the shades for a quick mini makeover, but the big and chunky back plate (which was as wide as the fixture itself) wasn’t really doing it for us either.
Here’s a more straight on shot of it, which was impossible to take without getting my whole body in the mirror. On the other hand, if I had just removed my shirt I could have done my dead-ringer Jacob From Twilight impression (note: to those unfamiliar with my shirtless physique, this is a joke).
Anyway, back to our lighting situation. Here’s the new light that we picked up at Lowe’s a few weeks back. It’s one of those fixtures where you can choose from an assortment of covers to sort of “customize” the look. We’ve always been fans of seeded glass, so Sherry snagged these two covers (which are more seeded and textured than this photo really depicts). The total was around $25.
First I had to remove the old fixture. Which was clearly very tightly affixed to the wall. Not. After removing just one of the glass covers the entire thing tipped sideways from the weight of the remaining cover. Awesome.
Anyways, it came off smoothly and I was left with this beautiful site:
Did I mention I turned off the breaker to the entire house before I started? That’s how Captain Careful rolls.
Attaching the new fixture was nothing special – I just connected a few wires (I usually just mimic how the old fixture was connected, taking note as I remove it and duplicating the setup with the new one). Once the fixture was wired and screwed into the wall (about a five minute process), I eagerly readied the wall for its debut. I scrubbed off some of the marks from the old light…
… and screwed on our favorite part of the new light: the seeded glass bulb covers that Sherry picked out separately for a little flair (you could pick from frosted, clear, seeded, and even colored or fluted options).
But when we stepped back and looked at it, something was off. Do you see what we saw?
All we could focus on was how giant and incredibly conspicuous those plastic threads were above the bulb thanks to the choice of the seeded glass cover.
Some of you might think we’re crazy for fixating on that, but it was totally bothering us that the sleek brushed nickel fixture and charming seeded glass covers were interrupted by those big bands of plastic. To us, it made the whole thing look kinda cheap (even though it kinda was, we didn’t want it to look that way). So we were bummed because we otherwise liked how it looked (and briefly considered trying to paint them silver to match but decided that we didn’t want to settle).
Sure frosted covers could have solved the problem, but the whole draw of this fixture was that we could go with the seeded covers that we love (we had one hanging above our kitchen sink in the old house so I guess we were feeling sentimental). Not wanting to stop short of a fixture that we 100% loved, we darted back out to a few lighting places to find a replacement.
This time we had a new direction in mind (anyone else think of Glee when I said “new direction”?). Having been inspired by Lady Bower’s new bathroom fixtures and some of the exterior ones that we already have (seen here and here), we thought we’d go for something a bit more industrial slash retro. The guest bathroom already has that vibe going on with the vintage yellow tile and the old school floating sink anyway. So this is what we came home with, courtesy of the outdoor lighting section of Home Depot (for 29 beans):
With new light in hand, it was time for take two of our light fixture replacement adventure. Which, of course, started by undoing our first attempt and carefully repackaging it so we could return it. And getting a “take two” hand signal from the wife in the mirror.
At this point the scene outside of the bathroom was starting to look a bit like this:
Another 5-or-so minutes later, this puppy was up and the power was back on.
I know he looks a little funny since the rest of the room is so unfinished. But our new light actually gets us excited to let the industrial-ish vibe inspire some other choices in the bathroom (we still need some art, paint on the walls, and possibly a mirror tweak among a few other touches to make it all come together).
Plus, how’s this for a nice bonus? The glass cover is seeded glass. We didn’t even know that from looking at the display in the store or the picture on the box. Total bonus. Like it was meant to be or something.
Actually, speaking of the glass cover – the one thing we weren’t so sure about was the wire “cage” around it. We thought it was kinda cool, but maybe a bit too industrial for our comfort zone at the moment.
So we decided to take it off – just for the time being (since it easily snaps into place – or out of place if you want to remove it).
For now, we think we prefer it the cageless way, but who knows how we’ll feel down the line as we bring more art/paint/accessories into the room and it really starts to take shape. We’re definitely only about 2% done in here. More to come.
And thus ends the tale of our not-so-quick, quick fix. All in all I think it took us around three hours (driving included) so it wasn’t that bad. But we thought it was going to be one of those five minute things. Of course it probably would’ve been a little faster had I not been taking pictures of myself in the mirror every five seconds. Look, I put a filter on this one. You know, because everything looks more gangster with a filter on it.
And yes I am wearing my Dr. Pepper shirt. How you like me now?
Have you guys ever had projects that were supposed to be quick turn into a little something more? Don’t you hate climbing back into the car to grab something that you never anticipated needing? Does your grandma have a sugar bowl that reminds you of the original shades of the fixture that we replaced?
Mine and Sherry’s both totally do.
Amanda says
We wanted to purchase a new fixture for our bathroom, but found it really tricky to work around the new environmentally friendly bulbs. Do you guys have any solutions? Do you use those bulbs?
YoungHouseLove says
We use CFLs for 95% of the lights/lamps in our house. For ones that you see the bulb a lot (like the seeded pendant in our old kitchen and this one in the bathroom) we just use clear glass 60 watt ones (since the vast majority of lights and lamps have shades that cover the bulbs). Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Kristin @ Chi-Chi Studio says
Never would I have thought of putting one large light up instead of two or three. How creative! Great job, guys, once again. :D
Laura says
I love your blog. I dream of the day I can redo a home to the extent you guys get to! So, not that you care, but I really loved the light WITH the “cage” a lot more than without. I usually don’t comment on stranger’s blogs, but for some reason I felt strongly enough to leave a comment. Thanks for reading my opinion. :) Have a great day!
Ann Marie says
I also have that Dr. Pepper shirt… Yeah, I occasionally shop in the men’s section @ Tar-jay. Holla. ;-)
YoungHouseLove says
You’re in the Soda Gang. Welcome.
-John
kathy says
Love the globe light with the cage…
To answer your Q about *quick* redos that tun into big ordeals: About 5 yrs ago, our bathtub faucet had a leak. This small repair led to tearing out a wall, and before we knew it, the little bathroom was gutted. My husband ended up replacing walls, fixtures, and we even added a tiled floor and tub surround! It was crazy—but was the start of a lot of great home reno projects that have led to the cozy little house we have now. haha!
Erica Martens says
That exterior light is actually the same one I have on either side of the entrance to my house! But in other news, I was at Pier 1 the other day and noticed a dog, similiar but different, to the white one that used to sit in your entrance(?)on sale (I did look at the price, but now I do not remember). Granted it is an odd shade of faux turquoise marble, but some white spray paint could easily fix that. So in case you were hoping to regain a white hallway dog, this may help. Pip Pip.
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Erica!
xo,
s
Erica says
I’m totally in love with the change!
Jackie says
I totally get you guys when you say NOT SO QUICK FIX. I often say yes to cake orders, thinking it would only take me a couple of hours to make, then one whole sleepless night later I realize I totally undercharged! I know it’s not exactly the same, but I totally get what you mean!
I love Jacob from twilight, lol.
Jerri C. says
Good Choice…. I think you should put the cage back on; I’m just sayin. But I don’t recall you asking my opinion. Love you guys.
Marlene says
Oh, no…
The mirror is not centered under the light! But since this is not your forever configuration that will be an easy fix! Love the new light!
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yeah- easy fix. Thank goodness!
xo,
s
Alisha says
A) I love the Dr. Pepper shirt. LOVE it.
B) My grandma definitely has those light covers in sugar bowl fashion.
C) Pretty sure none of my projects ever come together under my anticipated time.
Great post!
Nathalie says
This may be a stupid question…but is that a filter put on the actual lens oder in Photoshop?
Oh yeah…and I am an expert when it comes those quick-fix-jobs…sigh…but we will finish our reno one day :-)
YoungHouseLove says
In photoshop. John loves playing around with that stuff!
xo,
s
Nathalie says
Cool effect ;-)
Thanks for taking the time to reply- so quickly!!??Seriously you guys…how DO you do it??!!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw you’re cute! We just type as fast as our little fingers can go. Haha.
xo,
s
Fay says
Just this weekend, we replaced a light fixture near the back patio and ran into lots of “challenges” as well. We labouriously cut holes in the Dutch mount (I think it’s called) and then realized we didn’t really need to do that. Then we realized our cheap-o (but cute) light fixture didn’t come with the right size screws, and we had to dig around in the basement to find something that would work. Meanwhile, it was 90 degrees and humid! When we finally added the seeded glass globe, my husband announced that something was wrong with the glass. I explained that it was seeded glass, and he announced that he hated it! Needless to say, we put it up anyway, and I’m thrilled!
Anna says
I laughed when I read this. Just had a similar thing happen with kitchen shelves that should’ve taken oh 1hr or so and it took the entire weekend. Here was my saga…
http://foodfaithanddesign.blogspot.com/2011/06/proud-diy-moment.html
Gina says
It looks awesome! Maybe this will motivate me to fix up my half bath. We’ve had plans forever to paint the brass light fixture a black but haven’t gotten to it yet.
Question: Where did you guys get the clear light bulbs? Have you see the retro ones? So cool.
-Gina.
http://beatbeatheartbeat.com
YoungHouseLove says
We just get them where we get our CFLs (from Home Depot or Lowe’s usually). The retro silver tipped ones are so cool too!
xo,
s
Blair says
I’m really glad you guys shared this – we’re in the process of DIY updating our bathroom, and I’d already picked out the same fixture and seeded glass that you started with! I didn’t realize the threads would be so obvious. Any suggestions for covering these if we want to keep these fixtures?
YoungHouseLove says
Maybe get some brushed nickel spray paint and spray they so they blend? Or try sawing them off and just permanently gluing the glass covers so they don’t need to be screwed on?
xo,
s
Jeannee says
What an interesting choice for a light – I would have never thought of that! That’s the light I used to replace the outdoor light outside the front door of my former house – I think I love it even more in the bathroom!
Trude says
Every time I got to organize anything, it always turns into a bigger project than I planned. :) And bonus points for you bringing up Twilight and Glee in one blog post! :D
Gabrielle says
I love the new light fixture! I prefer it with the cage on but looks good without too.
Cecily says
I love the bathroom light – the new one. LOVE seeded glass! Amazing what a simple fix like a new light fixture can do for a room. I have to remember to think outside the box and check the outdoor fixtures and use them on inside applications!
Every project we undertake requires at least 2-3 trips to our local Lowes. I like to buy everything and extras the first time and return what we don’t need. My husband (imo) likes to make multiple trips. Our 2-3 day bathroom re-do has taken well over 2 weeks. It all started when my 7 year old son thought he could do a pull-up on the towel bar… Be glad the light fixture swap took 2-3 hours.
L says
Too funny! The first fixture you tried was the first one I used to update my hall bath! In my case, it turned out the bulb shades hung too far down and obstructed the medicine cabinet.
http://secretcityranch.blogspot.com/2010/12/hall-bath-finished-product.html
and the one I finally went with:
http://secretcityranch.blogspot.com/2011/01/new-bathroom-light.html
http://secretcityranch.blogspot.com/2011/03/one-for-life-list.html
YoungHouseLove says
Yeah- that one definitely hung down a bit further than a bunch of others. So glad you got your final one up yourself!
xo,
s
Erica says
I was halfway through reading this thinking, I would cut off the cage . . . and then in the next photo it was. Wow, they read my mind, I thought. Too bad in California incandescent light bulbs are not available so see though light fixtures are not the best thing for us since I’m not partial to the twist bulb look.
Christie says
I love the new light fixture! I think it is a great starting point for an industrial chic bathroom. I just purchased some photos for our bathroom on Etsy and I absolutely LOVE them. I think they would look great in your bathroom too. Check ’em out.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/62652406/hot-and-cold-8×10-set
YoungHouseLove says
Ooh those are super cool. Love them.
xo,
s
Melissa L. says
The light fixture looks fab! It’s cool that you have the option of doing a “cage on”, ‘cage off” look.
We bought the exact same bubble glass fixtures for our bathroom redo and had the exact same craptastic issue of the threads showing, except the threads on ours had some hideous warning stickers that could not be removed. So, we went with a Plan B. It’s nice to have options.
justine @ you're so martha says
love that light–i’ve been eyeballing it every time i go to home depot and thought it would be great inside too – and it is!
tracy a says
love the new light fixture…and the dr. pepper shirt. my husband has the same one and i think it is my favourite. gotta love a guy who can wear purple. or maybe it’s that i’m a dr. pepper addict (they need a 12 step program for people like me). great update…sorry it wasn’t as easy as you had hoped it to be!
Ana says
We have those same light fixtures outside in our backyard and decided to spray the interior of the glass with frosting so it doesn’t look so bright. They turned out great and you can actually look at them without being “blinded by the light”…
YoungHouseLove says
Such a smart upgrade!
xo,
s
Tiffany says
In case anyone else is curious how to get the filter John used his ‘gangsta pic’. Here’s a link to the download!
http://thepioneerwoman.com/photography/2010/03/actions-update-2/
:)
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks so much for sharing the link for everyone!
xo,
s
Courtney says
Y’all are my new best friends. I was going to purchase similar looking ones at pottery barn for $69. Thanks!!
Holly says
Love! So inspired by your clean, simple, and beautiful updates. I’m working on some now. This may be an unexpected question, but may I ask where you got your soap dispenser? I’ve been looking for a clear glass one lately (so many out there)…and many of the dispensers I’ve spotted have been pretty cheapy looking. Loving the simplicity of yours.
Thanks for any tips or advice you might be able to share.
Loving all your hard work!
Thanks for sharing and inspiring!
Holly
http://hallelujahsbyholly.blogspot.com
YoungHouseLove says
That’s from Target! And it’s made from recycled glass. I’m such a fan. Haha.
xo,
s
Holly says
Booyah! Just picked up a few. I saw them the other day, and they stood out as my fave, but I wanted to think on it. Glad to get a YHL recommendation. :) Hoping they will last a while. So classic and chic.
Thanks for the tip Sherry!
Big hugs,
Holly
Nikki says
Hey guys – Just wondering if this light gets really hot after being on for a while. I am considering using it as reading lights in my kids’ bedroom but want to make sure they don’t burn themselves on the hot glass. Thanks and keep up the good work.
YoungHouseLove says
Hmm, I think any glass light that’s on long enough can get hot, but if you use a cooler burning bulb (like a CFL or an LED) I think that can make it a lot cooler!
xo,
s
AviLynn says
My house is only 3 but so I felt bad/wasteful about changing anything- but I can’t take the builder blah anymore (this was a spec house) So in an effort to change out all things generic, I started with some of the lighting & dug up this oldie but a goodie of a post:)
Why did I think I couldn’t use outside lights inside? Is there any kind of risk with doing that? Thanks for the insight!
YoungHouseLove says
Nope, there’s only a risk when using inside ones outside (those aren’t made to hold up to rain and snow and moisture, so they can be dangerous).
xo
s
Aubrey says
I’m remodeling my bathroom, and found tons of inspiration on your website! Younghouselove is one of my daily blog reads :). I Love it! So, I stole your idea and went and bought the light fixture today at Home Depot, but I am a little worried the it’s not going to be bright enough. Has it provided enough light for your bathroom?
YoungHouseLove says
We haven’t had any issues with it since we also have a light in the shower and a window that gets some good light in that small room, but if you worry it’s too dim I would check that you’re using the maximum wattage that it allows and if you are perhaps you want to return it for a fixture with more lights/wattage?
xo
s
Alexa says
Hey guys!!
Just recently bought this light for my bathroom and love it, however I am in the midst of trying to actually hang it up. ha! So if you have any advice it would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks.
YoungHouseLove says
Hmm, other than what we mentioned in this post, our advice would just be to go slow and steady and connect things the same way (and be sure the power’s off). Good luck Alexa!
xo
s
lesli says
Just a question, but how do you get by with only 60watt bulb in the bathroom? During the day no problem since you have a window it looks like, but at night? We just installed this same fixture in our bathroom (no window) and it’s pretty much so dim that you might accidentally pee on the floor since you can barely see the toilet…Total bummer since I loved the look. It’s going back…
YoungHouseLove says
I don’t know… maybe because it was such a small space? We also had a light in the shower so it worked for us!
xo
s