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Please help me with replacing light fixtures... many questions!!

13 years ago

I would like to replace the flush mount "boob" light fixtures I have in my home. I have looked at about a zillion sites online. Anyone have suggestions for great bargains?

I have found several small chandeliers that I like for my dining room. Are there any general rules for how big the chandelier should be in proportion to the table and the room? It's going to have to be swagged from the junction box, which I am not happy about.

My real frustration is trying to find some other type of flush mount for the other areas. I don't think I have the ceiling height for something else. I haven't found anything that I like very much. I think I would just go with recessed lighting, if it didn't mean tearing apart the ceiling, which definitely won't fly.

Can anyone show pics of what they have?

My house is sort of relaxed traditional/cottage/farmhouse, if that makes any difference.

Thanks :)

Jen

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Comments (5)

doonie
13 years ago
LOL! I hate those obscene "boob" lights!
User
13 years ago
I just put in a Kichler mini-chandelier in the bathroom near the tub. It is on a chain, and I really wanted it to swag. I think with a swagging light on a chain you don't feel limited to one height for the light or one location for the table. I plan to cover the chains with fabric.

In our other house, I have a wrought iron chandelier with 5 arms using little candle bulbs and small shades. The ceiling is so low in the dining room that DH had to remove all the links to hook it directly to the ceiling plate. That house is more traditionally furnished and the wrought iron is perfect for it.

I also just had the Olivia star pendant from Pottery Barn installed in my walk in closet. It is a bronzy finished metal with clear bubbled glass in the star points (like a Moravian star). And I had the electrician leave a long tail on the chain so I could swag it from up high to a hook mounted above the chest in the closet. I'm very pleased with its appearance. Actually, I bought it for another spot and discovered it was too small for there, but perfect in the walkin closet.

Do not despair over lack of choice with flush mount fixtures. They make things called semi-flush mount. They are sort of a cross between chandeliers and fush mounts. I considered them for the spots that would not take a swag.

In my case, if I make a bad choice, I have the option of using them at our second home, before I have to think about returning something. Nowadays, I consider the second option for an item before I buy it.
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kathleenca
13 years ago
I've been looking for ceiling fixtures for a bathroom remodel, & found excellent prices at FaucetDirect.com (who knew?). I like the look of semi-flush mounts - see the link below.

The Bathroom Forum had a good thread about buying from FaucetDirect & other online retailers:
http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/bath/msg0820532131282.html

Here is a link that might be useful: Single Light Semi-Flush Mount Ceiling Fixture
User
13 years ago
Faucet Direct has a couple of sister stores w/same pricing,
www.LightingDirect.com and www.ImprovementDirect.com. The light fixture we wanted wasn't available in Faucetdirect, but Improvementdirect had both the light and faucet we wanted. The pricing and service was the same but it allowed us to buy both in one transaction.
jlc712
Original Author
13 years ago
Thanks so much. I will go take a look!

I would love to see pics of any nice looking flush or semi-flush fixtures....if anyone wants to share!

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