I have the same problem and use to have the same lights.
When I replaced them it left my shower area quite dark.
(Nothing lights up a room better than those old "Hollywood" lights.)

The way I plan to solve it is to replace my vent/fan with one that lights.
They make then really nice now.

Just thought I would throw that out there..

I did think of that, but I would have to find a light/fan that fits the current cutout and vent setup - I don't feel up for a major install!

What style are you looking for? Some general thoughts would help.

I'd definitely look at fan/light combos. If you have a normal looking fan, it shouldn't be hard to match. Or even get one that needs a slightly larger opening, easy to cut a little ceiling out as long as the duct stays put. Between changing to a curtain and putting in the light/fan combo, our shower is finally bright. We also had those round bulbs, which we replaced with a shaded fixture.

I'd also check your local independent lighting stores. The one I stumbled upon here was fantastic. Apparently there is some large trade show in June, so they had a bunch of things on sale and clearance to make room.

I was just checking out overstock.com and found this one for 66.00 not sure what style you are going for but you could always remove the shades and buy some to replace them at Lowes for very little money.

Am I on the right or wrong track?

This one is also from overstock and 98. It is less traditional than the above posted fixture.

This one is from build.com It is 95.

Do you know how many outlet boxes you have behind the current light fixture and where they are? This will determine what you can easily attach, e.g. if there's only one outlet box, it may not be so easy to attach two fixtures, or if it's on one end of the fixture, you need to fish a cord over.

I have no idea what type of light would look good in here really, all of them posted look much better than what we've got! I am 99% sure there is a single box in the center of this fixture, based on what's in the other 2 bathrooms which is the original 4 bulbs with frosted glass cover. I actually prefer the originals the PO "upgraded" this light fixture!

Overstock has lots of fixtures in your price range. I like your idea of constructing something of translucent material to diffuse the light from the existing fixture but that sounds like a tricky project! Our main floor bath is smaller, maybe 5 x 8, but a two-light fixture provides plenty of light (including the tub/shower). Our fixture overhangs the mirror so the light seems to be amplified. I'd think that either 3 or 4 bulbs would provide the light you need.

Maybe looking at photos of baths can help you decide what style you like. For example, do you prefer something linear or something with curves, as shown in this example?

Here is a link that might be useful: Another Overstock option

I think you first have to decide what look you're going for.
Here are some more unusual light fixtures.
{{!gwi}}
{{!gwi}}

Thanks for all the ideas, it has helped me narrow down what I like... I guess I prefer a more traditional or slightly transitional look. I have picked out a bunch under $100... most are similar looking - but I'm not sure whether they should point upwards or downwards.

light 1
light 2
light 3
light 4
light 5
light 6
light 7
light 8

This post was edited by tinan on Fri, Jul 19, 13 at 0:05

Out of your selections I really like light 8 from overstock. I think that would look fabulous in your bathroom.

I like 6 or 8 because they are the most straightforward and because they can point either up or down. Have you checked what length you need? Also, there's an additional 12% off on Overstock with a "special" link if you join Club O.

Also, off topic: How do you embed several links?

I like the first one aktiillery posted, and #8 that you posted. I think #8 is more adaptable to any style. (really really nice)

6 or 8. The rest look builder basic.

I just replaced a 4 light Hollywood light fixture with a 3 light downward facing light. I have 75 watt bulbs in it and the light is bright in my 5' x 10' guest bath.

I am going to order #8 really liking it after looking back and forth. Thanks!

To embed multiple links you need to use HTML code with a href for links.