No. 42
Finding the right light fixtures for your home
We bought a place! Which means as an interior designer, my wildest dreams just came true. Anyone who has been in our old San Francisco apartment can contest that I have no qualms about painting, installing light fixtures, adding moulding, and doing about everything I can, even in a rental, to make a place feel personal. But there is another dimension to home ownership: we look around and realize EVERYTHING can be changed. Of course, I’ve made huge changes throughout the years in clients homes, but there’s something really special about the blank canvas for your own space.
As my husband and I are knee-deep in the process of making a beautiful space (and before the lengthy articles summarizing our plans, the process, and the finished results), I wanted to first talk about one of the most surprisingly simple things you can do to change the entire feel of your home (and, coincidentally, one of the first areas I focused on in our new home): light fixtures.
Light fixtures are often overlooked, particularly in rentals but even in purchased homes, and I think there are a few reasons for this:
People think it is MUCH harder and more time intensive to hang a light than it is
It’s really easy to get stuck picking the right fixture for your home
People often don’t realize the impact good lighting has
Lighting is expensive
For context, my dad collects antique light fixtures so there’s a little bit of a love of the game in my blood. He, of course, was terribly offended when I told him I was going to buy fixtures (he believes I should never buy and only use the ones he has collected throughout the years). Finding the right light fixture is a very fun process, but one that is easy to mess up with a few rookie mistakes that you can avoid.
Height
Measure the height of the room and the height you want a fixture to sit at. Consider how you use the space: perhaps a fixture is high enough that you won’t hit your head, but if every time you make the bed, you jostle a chandelier, perhaps it’s not the right fit for your bedroom.
You can always go lower and more dramatic over a table that won’t be moved, unless you plan on table dancing on a regular basis.
Light quality & brightness
Different rooms require different types of light. A dining space requires ambient light on a dimmer, while bathroom lighting requires a bit more brightness (lest we use the wrong shade of foundation). Test out different shapes and, importantly, different wattage bulbs before committing.
Installation
Unless you are me and have my father (or someone else you trust with electricity), do hire a professional. Nobody wants to install a grounding-necessary fixture to a non-grounded wiring and end up electrocuted (don’t know what I’m talking about? EXACTLY. Hire a pro).
Painting
Especially when removing an old fixture, make sure you have extra paint handy. The diameter of ceiling medallions differ dramatically, and you want to ensure you don’t have a ring of dingy paint around your newly installed fixture.
Miscellaneous pieces of advice
Go vintage! One of the best ways to avoid spending $10,000 on a light fixture is to scour antique fairs, Chairish, or 1st Dibs. Though some of your favorite pieces may still, in fact, be $10,000, these places serve as a great opportunity for inspiration.
Don’t be afraid to let your lighting do the talking. Your light fixtures of choice can completely transform your space, let them! Whether it’s how they project light (is it linear? Diffused? Warm? Reflective?), the scale as compared to the rest of the room, or object location, lighting can be a beautiful way to make an impact without taking up any floor space (which also makes dramatic lighting a great option for small spaces).
Get inspired! I have pulled lighting inspiration for our home from all across the board, including the Orient Express, Sweden in the 1800s, Murano Italy, East Coast Victorian sun rooms, and more. Lighting has the opportunity to elevate your space with a touch of international charm and history.
Without further ado, some beautiful fixtures for your consideration:
Achille Castiglioni Taraxacum Hanging Pendant circa 1960 - someone needs to buy these or I’ll be much too tempted and keep them in storage
Large 1950s Italian Perforated Brass Double-Cone Pendant - stunning crown-like design feels more art deco than mid century to me
Barbara Barry Linear Chandelier - we don’t have a good use for a linear chandelier, but this one is a simple favorite
Scalloped Shell Silver Wall Candle Sconces, 1930s - I have been obsessed with vintage Swedish candle sconces from various time periods (1800s, early 1900s, mid century)
Baroque Swedish Sconces - another beautiful option (hint: you may see some similar items in my home soon…)
Julie Neill Alberto Linear Chandelier - another beautiful linear chandelier
Mid-Century Tripod Floor Lamp with Rope Shade, 1960s - I love how modern and textural this piece is
Kelly Wearstler Wrapped Pendant - she is svelte, she is chic, she is sultry
Currey & Company Collection Malvasia Brass Wall Sconce - everything about this is perfect: the vintage feminine shape, the patina!
Vintage Italian Pink Glass Pendant Lamp - I love this honeycomb shape that feels both midcentury and organic
Ralph Lauren Small Globe Pendant - this ceiling medallion would fix me
Thomas O’Brien Large Pendant - to me, this screams tastefully updated kitchen island.