From Fugly to Vintage Industrial: Brass Hollywood Strip Bulb Light

OnTheFly...DIY
by OnTheFly...DIY
6 Materials
$45
2 Hours
Easy
Remember them from the 80s and 90s? A row of bare bulbs reflecting the awful tackiness of its surrounding brass glory? While I may be extremely grateful it no longer holds the title of 'fashionable', I was hard pressed to see what new purpose this fugly thing could serve.
I visit our local Restore pretty frequently (or 'obsessively'...) and I think I've yet to visit without seeing one of these horrible light fixtures.  


Remember them from the 80s and 90s?  A row of bare bulbs reflecting the awful tackiness of its surrounding brass glory?  While I may be extremely grateful it no longer holds the title of 'fashionable', I was hard pressed to see what new purpose this fugly thing could serve.


I happened to have a few fabric chandelier shades that I'm also not crazy about.  
They collect dust and just aren't my style.  But the combination of these shades with the brass fixture and a little paint equal a totally new look!


Gather the materials and get started!


First, do a little demo work to your shades and get all that fabric OFF to reveal the inner metal cage.  Bend the inner part that attaches the shade to the light until it snaps off.
Stuff each light socket with a piece of paper towel to protect the electrical connections from the spray paint.


Spray paint the entire light fixture and each of the shade cages.  Remove the paper towel pieces when the spray paint dries.


Epoxy the smaller end of the cage and affix it around a light socket.  Repeat for each cage and socket pair.


Install your fixture - I've attached a small chain to hang the fixture so the bulbs face downward.  I preferred this look to the standard 'attach to the wall' mounting.


Place the Edison light bulbs into each socket for a cool, vintage industrial look!
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  • Kallie Kallie on Jul 03, 2022

    Apparently it does allow photos! Decided the caged looked best hanging at an angle. They are not actually mounted but not sure anyone would notice.

    Decided to replace the old fashioned ugly medicine cabinet but wanted something cabin rustic as it’s our ski condo so copied an idea from Pinterest. Mirror mounted on barn door hardware and shelves on the entire wall. Mirror slides back and forth. Plastic bins behind mirror to store medicine, makeup, toothbrushes out of sight and covered to be sanitary. I’m really liking how it’s coming together. Thanks for the inspiration on the light! Much appreciated!!

  • Kallie Kallie on Jul 03, 2022

    Sorry. It cut off the photo. Try landscape

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