Personally, I'd start by looking for the lights I really want and see what they cost. Lighting fixtures are items that are, in theory, in place for a long time, so I think they're something worth spending a bit more on to get the one(s) you love, esp. if you plan to be in the house for a long time.

I also love sconces by beds, but I don't think they're such a great idea because they really restrict the ability to change the furniture arrangement, including going from a queen to a king bed, for example.

Go for the look and functionality you want. You can try to find knock-offs or on-line deals. But if you can't, and love the look, then you'll just pay more.

I have a fairly expensive overhead light in one of the bedrooms...I love the look, but hate the light as we have it at max output and it's still not bright enough for the room. So I'm sorry I didn't focus more on functionality in that instance.

OTOH, I have the wall hung fixtures on either side of my bed and I really love the function, though they are cheap and not so attractive. They are touch on touch off so I can wake up in the a.m. and just reach up and touch it anywhere and it goes on. If I could find a better looking replacement, I would, but most don't have that function.

For easy on/off, you can always get those Christmas tree light foot things that turn the lights on and off. Christmas Tree shops sells them cheap. Plug the lamp into it, attach it to your bed or on the side of your side table, wherever, and just push the button to turn the lamp on and off.

Yesterday I had three Rejuvenation schoolhouse flush-mount fixtures installed in my hallway. They are simply beautiful. Since I have 9-ft. ceilings and tend to not look up that much while walking through my hallway, I suspect I would have been okay with the HD version for about half the price. Nobody's going to be looking at these up close to appreciate the nice finish. I don't regret buying them at all, but I think this type of fixture is where you might be able to economize.

ETA: I wanted maximum possible wattage for my lights. The ones I bought are 100w max. I have the *new* 100w equivalent in them (71w I believe) and they shine like the sun through the milk glass. I could have gone with less, but don't fancy changing bulbs right now.

Linelle, glad to hear you love them. I remember your thread asking about those lights. Do you have a pic? Might even help crl since she's considering that style.

No need. I have rejuvenation school house fixtures in my hall and kitchen. I do

like them a lot. But I also seldom notice them and I'm sure no one else does, unlike say the pendants over my kitchen sink run.

I am not hearing anyone saying that cheap fixtures don't last as long, which would be a major reason to spend more. I feel sure I can find something I like the looks of at a lower price point for this particular application.

Thanks!

the house we're in has some pricey lighting... several relatively new FA chands have needed the sockets replaced!! not a big deal to replace them, but i've never had a chand need that before!

as long as 'the look' is the look you like, i think HD lights are fine!!

But, is there some quality/durability reason I should spend more for the ceiling fixtures?

Probably not. A less expensive light fixture that is bright enough is probably going to continue to work safely for as long as a higher quality one.

However, you have to pay attention to light output. When I was shopping for a simple overhead light fixture for my kitchen, I found lots of attractive ones that didn't have enough bulbs in them to adequately light my small room.

I'm here to say that cheap, ugly lights will last as long as you can stomach them.

Light output is important to me.

This Home Depot schoolhouse light is cute and a bargain price. However, it's a maximum 60 watts which might not be enough for some situations.

My super ugly hallroom lights have three light bulbs, so not so easy to replace with something attractive.

Lighting is, in my opinion, something that can be fairly quickly changed out by a competent DIY'er, so I would focus on lighting placement and type, not necessarily lighting fixtures. I am always on the lookout for interesting vintage fixtures, and have changed out a few of ours with CL finds quite easily.

I just installed a smaller version of the HD schoolhouse light that @linelle posted above. It's great! I bought the larger one too for another spot and then got sucked into installing a snazzier semi-flush light that I found at Pottery Barn (a different look). It's installed so there's no going back, but honestly I wish I'd just used the HD one. It was lighting upgrade week here - new overhead lights from Ballard, PB, Shades of Light, HD and Ikea. I don't think the HD one looks cheap at all in comparison to all the others.

[Something like this from Houzz[(https://www.houzz.com/products/12-inch-bronze-schoolhouse-semi-flushmount-ceiling-light-fbs-220-ga12-prvw-vr~16582723) takes a 100 watt bulb and is $59.95 and would save me around $300 total for three fixtures over a similar fixture at Rejuvenation. If there isn't a durability difference, it seems like it would be worth the savings, no?

Ceiling fixtures that you don't touch? Go cheap if they look right and produce the appropriate amount of light. I do like Rejuvenation for the ability to customize the socket (and the finish, I guess!) which is important if you're trying to meet CA energy code.

You'll probably have to spend extra on the reading sconces to be sure they are easy to use and adjustable and everything.

So yeah, pretty much I agree with your thinking on lights. :)