Excessive lights in master bath
Old to new lighting and recycle
by
Jewellmartin
+13
Our 1990 house came with the ubiquitous bathroom strip lights with the big bulbs. For most of the 13 years we have lived here, we don’t turn these lights on except when I put on makeup. Too many lights! That’s 16 of these bulbs in the master bath! And 8 more in the guest bath. What should I change to? How do I remove the gold bases? What’s hiding behind the bases? As the bulbs burn out, I’m using them for crafts, but I’m almost out of ideas. I would like a big basket of some kind to fill with craft straw, painting the bulbs to look like huge eggs, to go with my country theme. So how do I deal with the old and use some of it for something new? Thanks!
I had some just like this which I hated. When you take them down a regular light fixture will fit. Trash them as they are just tacky, ugly, outdated. I guess you know I do not like this style.This is what we replaced them with
Take it down and paint the fixture with matte white spray paint. I don’t personally like these style fixtures either, but painting it white makes it look retro and clean. And it disappears into the wall color much better. I spray painted gold towel bars, toilet paper holders and they look good. Just make sure to use several very light coats. also replace the bulbs with white LED bulbs vs the clear and it looks much more modern.
I have these as well and have gone back and forth as to save and paint or replace. Personally, I don't like commitment so I can't decide on one that I want to live with for who knows how many years. So my advice to you is this, have a budget and then decide if you can do what you truly want within that budget. Those darn light bulbs are expensive on there own. But your bathroom is large so you can't necessarily go with something too small. And like you said you use them for applying makeup. See what I mean it's got pros and cons. If you have a style you are going for and these just won't cut it then go for it because in the end replacing each bulb will probably pay for the electrician. At this time because our master bathroom is a joke I just unscrew 4 of them otherwise it is blinding. The guest bathroom is larger with it own linen closet so there I need the light. Go figure I have no idea who designed this place.
I have smaller versions of these in 2 bathroom that we have not redone... yet... I replaced the bulbs with 25 watt ones to bring the light level down a notch.... when I redo the baths I will replace them.... since I am putting up round mirrors.... I will probably use a track type light... that I will form around the circumference of the mirror top.
If it's within your budget to do so, by all means, replace them! I did in my master bath - with one similar to the one Barbara is using (very nice, Barbara!) - I promise you'll be glad you did - and there should be very little repair - maybe patch a couple screw holes (unless mounting bracket is not located in appropriate spot - this will take a little more "consideration"). My husband did ours himself, so I know it doesn't need a licensed pro - but if you're not handy and into d.i.y., maybe watch a youtube video first (seriously - my go to place b4 most others nowadays), hire a handyman with references. Like Eroque said, old style is very bright, also very warm, we only kept 2 actually screwed all the way in. Evidently when that bar style of fixture was popular, everyone could afford the cost of replacement bulbs, and their energy bills...ahh, the memories.... Anyway, got ours a while back at Home Depot for under $50. OK, I'll shut up now.
Thanks, friends. At least I know what lies behind if I take the fixture down, and how to freshen it if I decide to keep it. And Eroque022810, I think that for every 5’2” woman in the kitchen, there’s a 6’6” male designer laughing at us as we try to stretch to reach the second shelf in the cabinets. I think these were called Hollywood lights, but I just think of the bright lights, big city. Nothing but trouble. 😁☺️
I have one very similar. I painted my 'oil rubbed bronze', then put in white LED lights....looks nice.
This is what I replaced mine with but I also added the wood trim to the large mirror and built a tower to divide the mirror into "his" and "hers".
More wonderful ideas! Thanks, friends. I think maybe that perhaps I am almost nearing a possible decision. Definitely, maybe. ☺️
Take the old fixture to a Habit for Humanity Restore and donate. If you have one in your area.
I replaced mine right after i moved into my new home. Why builders continue to use these I have no idea other than they are cheap. No big issues behind it other than the electrical and it was easy to just install a new fixture I liked. The old one I used for a while outside on my covered patio by just dropping in those battery operated tea lights. Mine was nearly as long as yours.
Cheap and showy. Las Vegas Glam!
Thanks, Lisa S and Janice. I have so many great ideas now that I think I find a place for my three lighting fixtures when I take them down. ☺️