If your ceilings are white, and you have rustic type beams that do not touch the ceiling, you can install bounce lighting that reflects upwards. You can use flood type fixtures on existing beams, or construct wooden U shaped beams and place the lights inside of them facing up.

http://hocuskocis.blogspot.com/2011/12/diy-m... please check out this website. So many ideas and inexpensive too.

Maryanne, what about something really unique and vintage. A large outdoor lantern can be converted with a light kit and you could keep it close to the ceiling and also adapt one for a wall sconce. I've also seen people take the metal part of the flower baskets that have the lining, removing the lining and turn them upside down with a light kit for a fun open light fixture. People are using mason jars, bottles, all kinds of things and adapting them for lights. You can also make your own ...»

If you want to stay with the 30's look, try lighting from Restroreration Hardware. Additionally, I like to add a comtemporary rail or cable light system to highlight artwork or architectural features in the room. For a center light, I can see a large (12 - 15 inch) school house globe either flush mounted or as a short pendant

Have a nice 4th holiday

Gary