Young House Love

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How To Hang A Pendant Light In The Closet

Looks like I’ve once again been wrangled into one of Sherry’s schemes. This time it’s her “Dude, Get On That Already” challenge (apparently the “dude” applies to me also) where she’s trying to actually do something with some of the items that we’ve been collecting hoarding in our spare room. It’s a use it or lose it challenge if you will (well, more like a use it or donate/craigslist it challenge). This week’s victim: the light fixture that we rescued from a thrift store in Delaware nearly an entire year ago for a mere $19. That guy just sat on the floor of the playroom since then, and it was high time we actually allowed him to do the whole illumination thing again.

Closet 1 Light On Ground

He’s made of some sort of resin and basically looks like a big glowing ball of clear spaghetti… but in a cool, kinda ’70s way. Update: we’ve learned form a savvy reader that it’s actually called a spaghetti lamp and it’s made out of spun lucite. Our plans back in Feb 2011 were to ORB the gold finish and hang it in our master bathroom nook. Fast-forward to now and the plan has shifted slightly. Instead, we’ve given him a new home in our closet.

Closet 2 Before Outside

The closet seemed to be the better choice because (1) the bathroom nook is visible from the bedroom and we figured this big round fixture might compete visually with the other big round fixture in the room. And (2) the bare bulb in the closet was Yawn City.

Closet 3 Exposed Light Befo

 Ahh, much better:

Closet 14 Light After Full

We got on that! Oh happy day! Gotta love using what you have and upgrading a naked old ceiling bulb. We’ll dive into more light-related details in a second, but there were some other closet happenings that went on as well…

Closet 17 Light Closest

When you last saw our closet a few months after we moved in April, it was looking mighty clean and organized.

Closet After1

Closet After4

These days, well, let’s just say it had gotten a bit derailed thanks to a certain chihuahua we all know and love.

Closet 4 Floor Problems

It’s actually unfair to place the blame solely on Burger. Sure moving his crate into our closet from the playroom closet meant our laundry basket got displaced from it’s nice little nook. But Clara was actually the main reason for the move. We too often found her playing with Burger’s food, water, and crate – much to Burger’s dismay – so we decided to tuck it away in our room where she doesn’t go that often. For some reason Burger enjoys small spaces, so he feels most comfortable with his crate and even his food/water tucked away in a closet or nook (it’s just dry food, so there’s not any odor and we thankfully don’t have any ants/pests that bother it). So after a year of nook deliberating we declared our closet: The Best Nook For The Job.

Closet 5 Floor Problems 2

To make a long story long, even though this project started because of a light – we couldn’t ignore the other less-than-satisfactory situations going on in here too. And fortunately there was an easy answer. See how much spare room I’ve got on my side of the closet?

Closet 6 Johns Shoes

Unlike the lady wife, I don’t use my entire shoe rack left here by the previous owners. Yes, I know, I’m such a typical guy – I have one pair of brown shoes and one pair of black shoes and my flip flops and sneakers live in our shoe bins by the door. Meanwhile, on the other side of the closet, Sherry has enough shoes for the both of us. Not that I wear hers. I actually don’t think I could walk in any of them.

Closet 7 Sherrys Shoes

So after a bit of couple’s brainstorming (aka: Sherry encouraging me to allow Burger’s crate to pilfer some floor space from my side), I plucked out my shoe rack. And after completing the exhausting task of removing both pairs of shoes from it (sheesh, talk about backbreaking DIY) we got down to business.

Closet 8 Rack Removed

Sherry pried it apart and I cut down the two long shelves by about 14 inches and…

Closet 9 Apart N Cut

…we nailed it back together, thereby creating a John-shoe-collection-sized rack.

Closet 10 Shorter Rack

And the smaller rack made space for Burger’s crate in the corner. So we’re glad we got on that. Why it took us 13 months of living here, I’m not sure.

Closet 11 Rack Back In

But you know what, I really should let Burger give you the tour – since it’s kinda his domain. And yes, this means this post is about to be pretend narrated by a dog.

“Welcome to my bedroom people of the Internet!”

Closet 12 Burger Tour 1

“Here you will find that my crate has been replaced by a clothing receptacle. Apparently my family finds it more important to have their dirty clothes closer to them than their beloved canine.”

Closet 12 Burger Tour 2

“But that’s okay, because now I get more privacy back here in my master suite. Hello? Do you see me here in the back giving you the peeper?”

Closet 12 Burger Tour 3

“Conveniently located next to my sleeping chambers are the dining facilities. Why thank you for asking – yes, I do live the life.”

Closet 12 Burger Tour 4

“Speaking of my delicious cuisine, allow me to indulge myself for a moment.”

Closet 12 Burger Tour 5

“Actually, I’d much prefer my culinary assistant to hand feed me right now. Oh tiny human! Come hither!”

Closet 13 Clara Feeding

Okay, tour’s over. It’s John again. That Burger’s feisty, isn’t he? Anyways, you can see above what we mean when we say that Clara likes to get into his food (don’t mind the sticker covered monkey/sock/floor). It’s not the worst thing that she likes to feed Burger his food piece by piece… if only she didn’t feel the need to swirl each piece around in his water dish first. She gets her strange-ness from her mother I think.

Anyways, this post was supposed to be about a light, right? Sidetracked much? Back to that…

Closet 14 Light After Full

Installation was pretty easy. We cut the plug/cord off and exposed the wires to make it hardwire-able. Then we picked up a kit at Home Depot that would allow us to attach the chain to a crossbar (though we had to hunt down a canopy at a specialty lighting store that would fit). We left everything gold because we figured since it was in the closet it didn’t have to match the other fixtures in the room, and we kinda dig the retro gold look for the closet. We can always paint it down the line if we get “the bug” but for now we like him just the way he is.

Closet 15 Light Closer

The room isn’t really this dark with the light on, I just turned down the exposure on the camera so you can see the texture of the light a bit better. And these pics don’t even do it justice. It’s super cool looking when it’s on. Sherry actually wants to make a video since she says it’s so much better in “real life” so you have that excitement to potentially look forward to…

Closet 16 Light Still Close

One of the coolest parts are the little streaks of light it casts all over the wall and ceiling. Like little party streamers or something. We almost feel like we should have installed some mechanism to make it rotate like a disco ball. Okay, not really. But that could’ve been fun…

Closet 17 Light Closest

It’s kind of a shame that the light spent nearly 12 months in a pile in our playroom. But at least it’s hanging up in all of its glory now!  Oh and as for how we figured out the right height for it, I just stood under it as Sherry hung it at different heights and we picked one that gave me a little room – so it hangs around 6’4″ from the floor (our ceilings are 8′ high).

Closet 18 Light As Sun

Oh, and if you’re at all curious as to what happened to all of the excess chain that we didn’t use (it had like 8 feet for swagging) – you can see Clara get her Jersey on with it over at Young House Life today. And yes there’s a video. And fist pumping. Predictably, I’m mortified and Sherry’s elated.

Chain Clara 1

So did any of you guys cross something off your “Dude, Get On That Already” list this week? Did you reorganize a closet or otherwise rope your husband into a challenge? How about ghost writing a blog post for a chihuahua? Just me?

Comments

  1. Kathy says

    One time I went on a 30 day throwaway challenge. Just had to toss one thing every day for 30 days (other than ordinary gargage) from the house, car, office, storage. Some days it was big, some days just a magazine. But it felt good at the end of the 30 days.

    Is there another Pinterest Challenge in the works yet?

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Oh yes, we’re talking about one! We did a winter one already so we thought we should wait a bit longer for it to feel spring-ish before jumping the gun and launching the spring challenge in winter. Haha.

      xo,
      s

    • heather says

      If you lived in New England, particularly Maine (and maybe other northern snowish areas) you could definitely get away with a Mud-Season Post.

      It’s true – we have 5 seasons. Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter & Mud Season which is from approximately March 1 – April 15th when everything is…you guessed it – covered in mud. Cars. Shoes, floors from said shoes. It’s a delight. Just try wearing jeans twice – I guarantee you’ll have mud flung on them somewhere after the first time.

  3. Katherine says

    You may have started something with Burger’s dialogue {I actually read it with an accent going on in my brain}.
    Little dogs like little tucked away spots. BTW – Don’t tell Burger he is little.

    Reply

  4. alex says

    Uhm, am I the only one who feels the need to comment on HOW LONG Clara’s hair is getting?! I mean, its not long, long…but it’s def. starting to really come in…its going to be crazy how much older she will look. She’s so cute. And I love burgers little fortress of solitude.

    Reply

  5. Susan says

    I finished a set of American Girl doll clothes for my niece. I cut the pieces out a year ago LOL. But soon they will be in the mail to her. Hooray! I love that light also also the food swisher. So funny. She rocks!!

    Reply

  7. Krista says

    My mental thoughts while reading this post:
    Hmm, a light in the closet? I don’t really need one of those..skim..skim..skim..skim…ooh, shoes…ooh, Burger…ooh, Burger commentary :D
    Love the Jersey Girl video too!

    Reply

  8. Vivian says

    Design question – would it have been globe overload to put this light fixture in the cozy fireplace nook next to the kitchen? Or could it have “related” the two spaces? (I know you commented that a big drum shade might go up in the nook which would look awesome as well.)

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      We think it would have been overload, just because it’s not significantly bigger, so it sort of looks like a third mismatched one – ya know? If it was a lot larger it would have looked good layered in there I think!

      xo,
      s

  12. Kelly says

    As I had posted yesterday, I too, wanted to finish a lighting project for my bedroom. But alas, I am coming down with a cold, so I zonked out early.

    However, I DID reorganize my closet on Sunday! (Because I seem to develop ADD only when I’m trying to clean the house and that’s never a good time to stop in the middle to organize a closet.) But I did, so I’ve redeemed myself somewhat for this week’s challenge!

    I will get to that chandelier shortly.

    Love the globe, love the closet redo for Burger and LOVE the new Jersey girl in da house!!! Go Clara! Go Clara! Go Clara!

    :-)

    Reply

  13. Linda says

    This post pretty much defines why I read this blog day-in-and-day-out.

    1) You find something on the cheap and make everyone see how awesome it could be.

    2) You are real people with real problems….like too many shoes. Or not enough shoes.

    3) You are willing to lay on the floor just so you get an awesome picture of a lamp.

    4) YOU NARRATE IN THE VOICE OF YOUR CHIHUAHUA and make him sound like Robin Leach. (What? Was it only me that gave Burger a Robin Leach voice?)

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Hahaha, I love it. And I think it’s hilarious that you realized what sort of contorted positions it takes to get those weird shots. Sometimes even I look at them and forget how weird it was to snap those pics. Haha.

      xo,
      s

  15. Rachael B. says

    First time I laughed out loud today. Burger narrative was hilarious. And the little human part. Ah the joys of pet love…

    Reply

  16. Val says

    Oh, Burger. You cad, you. The spaghetti light is a fabulous addition to his swinging bachelor pad.

    In the realm of getting stuff done, we finally got the nursery painted and the mini-chandelier for that room is ready to be spray-painted as soon as this rain clears out. So yay for progress!

    Reply

  18. Erin says

    Love the light! As an aside can you tell me if you guys put in the closet organizer, I really like the cubbies up the side and the storage spot for the hamper. Plus, I like that it is wood rather than the typical builder grade wire. Thanks!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      That actually came with the house! We did remove a shelf to make room to slide the hamper in there though, but that was as simple as popping it off and sliding the hamper in (oh and we removed the lid of the hamper so it’s easier to drop things in). Hope it helps!

      xo,
      s

  21. Senora H-B says

    The crate in the closet is an ingenious solution! My Greta puppy lives for crate time. She goes there when there’s bad weather or when someone gets out the vacuum (horror of horrors). She also disappears into her crate at about 10 every night. She’s such a lovable weirdo.

    Reply

  23. Amanda says

    Just finished a half bathroom redo (pending delivery of etsy pictures for the wall – because every bathroom needs art, right?) and a mini makeover of the hallway closet. But there are still four piles of picture frames on the livingroom floor waiting for permanent homes… Do you guys change around your frame placement much? One of the walls in the dining area is starting to look like swiss cheese (not all of the old holes are covered by the pictures) and I’m already contemplating moving those frames again (third time in three months – it just hasn’t hit that picture sweet spot yet!)

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Oh yeah, I’d say that we swap things like art and pillows out pretty regularly, but I love that caulk in the red can that’s lightweight by Dap. It’s the kind you don’t have to sand so it’s so easy to fill holes!

      xo,
      s

  25. Sara says

    I laughed so hard at this post. I actually really dig the light and the shoe rack shortening was a genius idea.

    My own “Dude get on that:” finally finishing scraping and repainting our stairwell trim – that got scuffed up FOUR years ago when we moved in. Boy did it feel good. If only the window still needed to be finished. Stripping paint sucks!

    Any tips? The prior owners didn’t prime and the paint comes off in huge sheets and then we can’t get the last bits up. It is a very dark color.

    Reply

  27. [email protected] says

    The light fixture looks amazing! A wonderful change. :-)

    Also, I just wanted to let you know about a new movement I’m trying to start for Valentine’s Day. I’d like to make Valentine’s Day the new Random Acts of Kindness Day. I think Valentine’s Day would be a great way to give love and kindness.

    To read more: http://www.vintagemauve.com/2012/01/26/random-acts-of-kindness-day/

    Thanks! I’d love for you to pledge what kind act you’ll do this Valentine’s Day.

    Cheers,
    Jessica

    Reply

  28. heyruthie says

    hilarious that you REALLY are on an “I like big globes and I cannot lie” kick! you’ve installed, what, 4 of them in the house now, including the two new ones? I LOVE every one of them. Now I need one! I put up a drum shade this week, does that count?? Now, to attack those 7 ugly ceiling fans…..

    Reply

  29. Mehgan says

    That’s hysterical that you mention Clara likes to swirl Burger’s dog food in water then feed it to him, my 3-year-old nephew does the same thing! My sister is always getting after him for it, but the dog sure loves it! Wonder what the appeal is..

    Love the new light, too, by the way!

    Reply

  30. Amanda S says

    Hey guys!!! I have been waiting for the right entry to post a comment!! I love reading your site and taking advice from you guys, one because you have great taste, two because you have fun and are so thrifty, and three because we have so much in common. I was litterly laughing out loud at this post, because burger is so funny!
    We have a chiquaqua toy fox (also known as a taco terrier), named Izzie, she likes the same things burger does that includes burrying herself at the foot of the bed, laying on pillows, and eating in small covered spaces! We actually call HER, the BEAN! I’m not exactly sure how it happened, but I think we used to call her Izziebean and then we shortened it to Bean.. So when I started to read your blog a little over a year ago, I was amazed how much we had in common!!!! We also have a brick ranch house, so I use a lot of your ideas! We actually live in Delaware (the northern part) and I love reading about when you visit then beach because it really is a secret gem!!! Anyways, enough rambling on… just wanted to share with you how much I enjoy reading each day and can’t wait for your book!!!!

    Reply

  31. Nancy says

    So cute! And the light isn’t bad either:)

    I hope you don’t mind an off topic trip down memory lane. In your old (first house)den you had ceiling tiles that look very similar to what we have in our den. Did you remove them and sheetrock or just paint them? I can’t tell in the after picture.

    Thanks!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      We painted the heck outta them! Haha. They were really spongy so they soaked up so much paint but looked so much better when they were a crisp white color!

      xo,
      s

  32. Aurora says

    FABULOUS!! (btw,I’m addicted to you blog!) Where did you guys get those shoe racks? DIY?? I’ve been following your blog for almost two years now and I don’t remember a shoe rack post. Please share… I need one desperately!!

    Reply

  36. Erica @ Erica's Inspirations says

    I don’t know why it takes us so long to do some of the most simple tasks that can change a space! The light looks great in there! I recently had a “GET IT DONE” moment and totally cleaned and organized my office and master closet. You can see my office before and after here: http://ericaharless.blogspot.com/2012/01/closet-organization-part-1-office.html

    Master closet post is coming soon. Thanks for the inspiration! I especially enjoyed Burger’s tour of his digs :)

    Reply

  37. Adrienne says

    The Burger narrative was awesome. You need to have a monthly superlative for Best Anthropomorphism so that we can laugh at this one again.

    Reply

  38. Stacey says

    Crop out the clothes/shelves/doorway in the picture taken in the closet (from-the-floor-angle) (second to last pic in the post) and you have a piece of art! The light looks like the sun and some scattered light rays… love it.

    Stacey

    Reply

  39. Cathy says

    I had this EXACT light fixture that I got at a Church rummage sale a few years ago — I knew it was a find, but I wasn’t creative enough to do anything with it. I ended up selling it at a yard sale. Happy to see yours being used the way that it should!

    Reply

  40. Kelley says

    A year ago we moved out to the farm house that my husband grew up in (which included 70’s paneling AND wallpaper in EVERY room), I have FINALLY peeled the last of the wallpaper off the wall in the entry way, primed and painted it!

    It looks so much better–good-bye 1980’s wallpaper with geese, rocking horses, & country blue words saying “friends welcome!” Ahhhhh…. :)

    Reply

  43. Heidi P. says

    Oooooh I love it! That shot from underneath is way cool.
    And that first picture of Burger’s tour is pretty funny :). And of course, Miss Clara is totally swank in her gold chain bling :). Jason loves watching videos of her. He points to the computer and says “Tara vid-eo!” (he can’t say hard C’s) ;)

    Reply

  44. Kat says

    Awesome! Y’all have the most amazing thrift store karma. All I ever seem to score is tiny glass cups that I make into votives. Sweet, but not gonna get funky new lights up in the new house.

    As to John’s question: I declared today a sick day, because I was sick of looking at half-painted window framing in the kitchen. It’s now decked out in semi-gloss white glory and I in my paint pants am moving onto the spare bedroom.

    P.S. My bully sounds just like Burger. Must be a canine thang.

    Reply

  45. Heidi P. says

    Oh yeah, and I just finished a light project too. Part of the Get-On-That-Already thing. I wrote on a lampshade w/ colorful sharpies. :D It was so much fun!! I’ll have to show you when I post about it. Now I want to write on EVERYTHING!!

    Reply

  46. Tonya says

    I noticed that the closet rods (the poles that you hang your clothes on) are brown wood. We have the same ones in our home. After taking notes on your site, I decided to redo my daughter’s room. I painted the inside of the closet and these brown rods looked out of place. So, I took them outside and put 3 coats of glossy white spray paint — what a differenced it made. The white rods with white shelving against colored walls, really looks great. I guess you could always oil them darker if you wanted contrast. It may make for an easy blog post if you wanted to give it a try.

    Reply

  48. Milly says

    OMG! I totally miss Burger’s blog! I thought I used to read random posts where he talked about his bugs and rolling on the grass!

    Reading this post was excellent!

    Reply

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