Day 6: Non-electrical lighting updates

I don't want to spend time and money updating a landlord's house.  I do want to like my home though, so working with what is here, these simple projects changed my perspective on my dated lighting.

Updating 35-year-old light fixtures can be done without a big budget or electrician, and even without asking your landlord.  Only one of the updates is permanent (painting the chandelier), and all were fun and easy.  

Layer up with a new shade.

$4:  This old metal desk lampshade sits imperfectly on the glass bell-shaped sconce.

Update with vintage glass.

$2:  Pineapple-shaped globes add charm to the hallway.

Be intentional. 

$1:  Combine the utilitarian garage-style light with utilitarian accents like chicken wire.

Decorate the ceiling.  

Free:  Inspired by ceiling medallions, simple handwritten recipes lend some whimsy.

Take advantage of cool-to-the-touch fluorescent with paper decor.

The cost of 20 sheets of copypaper:  Hang paper over the light.
My kids and I had so much fun with post-Christmas winter decorating.

(Other ideas ... DIY wax paper/faux capiz shell chandelier,
recipes, book pages, pennant buntings, doilies ...)

 Splurge on an Edison bulb.

$8:  Like candlelight, the warm light sets a festive mood.

Cover the ugly light.

$3:  Hang a shade using cup hooks screwed into the ceiling.

Paint it black.

Free:  The center spindle was a dark stained wood, but matches the wrought iron now.  

(Some landlords might care if you paint their 35-year-old chandelier spindle;

I wouldn't paint a chandelier a bright color or totally change its look without asking.)

It helps to take some ownership of a house even if its a temporary address.  For less than $20, these updates have given me a brighter outlook on my house because being creative naturally means being positive and productive.  

Emily A Clark