Bathroom Updates:  Lighting

Bathroom lighting is best left to the professionals unless you are experienced.  It is possible to change an existing recessed can light fixture.  You will need to find the appropriate adaptor kit at your local big box store.  But if you are doing a new lighting plan that requires adding new recessed lights where there were none before you will want a licensed electrician.  Many of the major lighting stores will have people who will come to your home and help you decide what and where to place recessed lighting or your electrician would be a good source for this information. 

Updated lighting is as easy as going to your favorite lighting store and finding something that will catch your eye and fit in with your new décor.  Remember to keep in mind the metal finish that you using on your cabinet hardware as well as your sink faucets and towel bars.  In other words, keep the same metal and style for a more cohesive look.

If you are looking for something more unique like a chandelier make sure you have adequate task lighting first.  While the chandelier will give your bathroom an elegant feeling and provide some ambient light, you’ll not want to rely on this for make-up or getting a splinter out of your finger.

I had a great idea for a new light fixture for the shower area of our master bath.  I wanted a chandelier type light and didn’t see any that suited me for under $400, so my husband and I made one.  I went to a discount home store and bought several crystal vases with broad flat bases and took them to a glass repair store and had them drill a 3/8” hole in the bottom.  I actually took two vases and asked them to try my first choice and if it broke, to please drill the second one.  They felt confident that the second choice would be no problem; fortunately, my first choice worked and I returned the second vase.

We bought the parts to adapt the vase into a hanging lamp by searching on-line for the various parts.  I remember when these parts were readily available at lamps stores or home improvement stores, but we were not able to get ‘all’ the necessary parts without going on-line.  So in the end my ‘bright idea’ turned out great, thanks to my husband who can’t let a puzzle best him.  Thanks honey.

Next time:  Flooring