From moment one of seeing this house, something about the view of a series of three lights all in a row(ish) in the upstairs hallway made us inexplicably excited. Just call it “the tri-light zone” effect. We just knew that arrangement had serious potential. You know, once we looked past the old carpeting and the blue trim.
The existing lights were a little undersized for us (pictures don’t do it justice, but this is a 33 foot long hallway!), so although we considered spray painting them another color (oil-rubbed bronze? red? navy?), I worried it’d make them look a bit more gothic cathedral than we wanted. Plus, all three of them were crooked, one of them had a broken stem, and the middle one was actually bigger than the other two.
I’ve had these fixtures mentally bookmarked for years. Ever since we saw them in a House Crashing that we did in Portland, OR in 2012 I’ve wanted to work them into our home somehow. I like that they’re a mix of classic and modern, and that their dark finish offers some nice contrast but isn’t too heavy looking thanks to all the glass. The good news is that Sherry was with me (we don’t always agree on lights, so sometimes finding something we both like takes a while). The only issue was that the $250 price tag was a bit much for us since we’d need to buy three of them.
We hoped to find something similar at a local lighting outlet that we frequent (and even checked craigslist and the ReStore occasionally) but coming by three identical fixtures was tough. Then Sherry got an email alert about a World Market sale (25% off orders over $150) which lead her to these puppies – and we realized that after the sale they’d be $75 each, which means we could buy all three for less than the price of our single inspiration fixture!
Normally I wouldn’t take you through the installation process again, since I feel like I’ve done lots of posts like these – but I actually picked up a couple of tricks (albeit small ones) from observing the electrician work his magic at the showhouse. Trick #1 being leave the protective packaging on during installation. I guess I’ve always been so eager to unveil our new purchases that the first thing I usually did was strip away all of the plastic, cardboard and styrofoam. But I had a “well duh!” moment watching the electrician leave it all on (well, whatever didn’t interfere with installing it) to help prevent any damage while he worked. Of course he took it off before firing up the power and adding a bulb, but just hanging them with the added protection felt a lot better than rushing to strip it before manhandling things into place.
Obviously I would’ve loved to let these babies hang down on their chains a bit, but our 8ft ceilings weren’t gonna let it happen. So we had to shorten the chain by prying the links open with two pairs of pliers, the tips of which I wrapped in masking tape to keep them from scratching the finish off.
The previous lighting had been a bit low for my 6-foot self (well, the middle one outside of Clara’s room was – since that lantern was inexplicably larger than the other two), so we decided to hang the new lights by just one chain link – which would put them all a couple inches higher than that old middle light (it hung about 75″ from the ground). So even though these are larger scale fixtures, the bottom of each lantern ended up being 77″ from the floor after installation.
But back to the single link method. I kept one link handy, but left a longer string on the fixture for the time being. More on that in a minute.
In addition to shortening the chain, I had to shorten the cord. So using my wire cutters I cut open the wire cover, pulled it off, and then stripped the ends of the white, black, and green wires.
With Sherry supporting the fixture, I connected the wires to the matching ones in the ceiling. Sorry for the grainy pic, but we had the power off so lighting was limited up there.
The second trick I picked up was to hang the fixture low and then raise it to your final desired height. With most light fixtures it’s much easier to raise them (by removing chain or feeding more wire into the ceiling) than to make them lower, especially if you’ve already cut your wire. So not only is this an easier way to get your perfect height, in our case it made installation much easier because Sherry didn’t have to hold the light as high and I wasn’t wiring in such a cramped space between the fixture and the ceiling.
Once everything was secured, I swapped out the long chain for the my single link and pushed the excess wire up into the canopy. You can see my screwdriver tightening the screw that pinches the wire in place.
It still took a fair amount of time to get all three installed. Maybe 3 hours? I always have a tough time guessing since I’m slowed down by photo taking and, in this case, fielding showhouse calls. But in the end we love the result.
Just like the light in our foyer downstairs, we really like the high contrast look that these add. Even the way they tie into the dark door hinges, doorknobs, and the stained stair rail and runner that lead downstairs seems to make things feel more deliberate. They’re a bit oversized for the space, which may bother some folks – but it’s kinda what I dig most about them.
Adding some substantial wainscoting, interesting art, and other hallway updates should definitely bring more balance. So here’s our remaining to-do list:
- Reinstall & maybe modify the doors in front of the laundry area
- Add crown molding (not looking forward to those angles!)
- Add some nice thick wainscoting (it’ll bring more substance to the bottom half of the hallway)
- Get some art going on
Just for fun, here’s a hallway before shot for comparison.
In the function column, I feared that it might be a little darker (going from three 3-bulb fixtures to three single bulbs), but these take a higher wattage (60 instead of 40) and somehow the glass seems to reflect so much that it actually feels brighter. Could also be that half of the old bulbs were burned out too, so there’s that.
Here’s how things look with the clear bulbs that came with the fixtures when they’re on. They throw some angular shadows on the ceiling, but if we want less of that look we can switch them out for frosted bulbs (eventually we’d love to get LEDs in every fixture).
UPDATE! We’ve finally transitioned our entire house to LED lights (they save tons of energy & money, and they’re a lazy person’s best friend because you never have to change them). For anyone wondering, these are our favorite interior LEDs. Their glow is warm & natural (not weird/blue like some of the others we’ve tried) and they use around 90% less energy.
*This post contains affiliate links
kirsten says
Ohhhh, I remember that lovely Portland day when two of the nicest folks EVER came to visit our little bungalow:)! Love the new hallway lights – they truly transform the space and make a statement. So fun to see your new house take shape – it’s looking FABULOUS!
Bethany H says
I just got to tour George Washington’s house, Mt. Vernon, last week and they had lights very similar to those. Its fun that some things that were popular in the 1700’s are in style now too!
YoungHouseLove says
Love that!
xo
s
Karen says
I want to see a picture of one of you standing next to/under them for scale. I too have 8 ft ceilings and would love to find 3 good looking ceiling fixtures (boob lights be gone!). But these look like they would hit you in the top of the head (obviously they don’t), but I’d love to see how much clearance you have.
YoungHouseLove says
We’d love to work a picture like that into a future post! In the meantime, if you compare the light outside of Clara’s room to her doorway in this shot, you can get some sense of scale (doorways are 80″ from the floor and you can see their relation in that pic). I’m 62″, John’s 72″, and the bottom of the lanterns hit at 77″ from the floor :)
xo
s
Katherine says
It’s amazing how much bigger and open the hall looks after – that before shot makes it seem so dark and tiny!!
If there is one thing that I have picked up the most from your blog it’s a total and complete love (obsession) for lighting fixtures – it’s something I never gave any thought to before except for functionality but it’s absolutely amazing how the light alone can make the entire room!
Sayre says
I really like the line shadows on the walls, but once you get around to putting up some art, I can see why you wouldn’t want them. They do add a lot of visual interest!
Daree says
Found a picture of your book sitting on this night stand on http://www.wayfair.com/DENY-Designs-Iveta-Abolina-Feathered-Arrows-Duvet-Cover-Collection-16900-duw-NDY10680.html
You have to use the magnifier to see it, but it’s there!
YoungHouseLove says
No way! That’s so funny.
xo
s
Maddie Davis says
Looks great! Would love to do something similar in our hallways, but was wondering how tall are your hallway ceilings? And what’s the size of the lights? They look pretty big! Thanks so much.
YoungHouseLove says
Our ceilings are standard height (well, they’re 8’2″ thanks to the quirks of an old house) and if you click through to the listing on World Market they have a bunch of measurements for ya. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Caroline says
In the link to the Eldridge pendant, you actually linked to the mobile site which makes it look really wonky! Just switching the m.ballarddesigns to http://www.ballarddesigns will fix it! Just wanted to throw it out there :)
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Caroline! All fixed :)
xo
s
Ally says
I was just looking at that pendant this morning since World Market has them on sale for $80. I love the look of it. The pictures make it seem a bit oversized for the space, but I bet it looks great in person.
Darcy says
LOVE these lights! Just gorgeous!
Sherry — how are you feeling these days? With my 2nd, I was so tired in my last 4 weeks, and he was so low it was just so uncomfortable! So, I am wondering how you are doing in your final stretch!
Also — so exciting to see KB’s little man yesterday! Bet it made you even MORE excited to meet yours!!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks so much for asking Darcy! I remember really slowing down in the weeks before Clara arrived, but this guy seems to have dropped so I’m breathing more easily and still able to run around and get stuff done – which is a good thing because we have a bunch of showhouse things swirling around for the next two weeks. It’s crunch time, baby!
xo
s
Stacy says
Have you seen the LED light bulbs at IKEA? I just saw them on my last trip. The regular 60 watt LED bulbs were less than $8! I got three for lamps and they are awesome! I’m planning on picking up more on my next trip. They had chandelier sized ones as well.
YoungHouseLove says
No way! I missed those the last time we were there. Thanks for the tip!
xo
s
merlin513 says
The shadows they throw are the best!!!
Ashley F says
These lights are actually on sale right now on World Market for 79.99! If you are not already signed up for their email updates, you can sign up and receive an additional 10% off, bringing them down to $72! I’d say that’s a SCORE!
Absolutely love your page, and all that you have done to your homes! Keep rocking!
YoungHouseLove says
That’s awesome!
xo
s
Mandi says
The tri-light zone! haha genius!
I love, no ADORE those lights. It’s so crazy to see the before and then the after… makes you feel like it’s not the same house. You guys amaze me.
Bravo!
Robyn says
Sooooo pretty! I just can’t handle it, I lovvvvvvve you guys style! Side note, I am waiting on pins and needles for your hook collection to show up in my target :). I’m picking some out for my laundry room, which I’ve recently updated!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks so much Robyn!
xo
s
Ashley@Biggerthanthethreeofus says
Love this update. The before/progress shots are just stunning. You should consider adding chrome tipped bulbs in the lights. We bought ours off of Amazon for our hallway and love the little ‘extra’ they give.
YoungHouseLove says
Ooh that’s fun!
xo
s
Kristin C. says
How pretty! Love =)
Lynn @ Our Useful Hands says
Ooo swanky but not too swingy…I really like it. This middle of the phases update is one that I can actually visualize being pulled together by outside elements already. The art, the wainscoting should really balance out the scale. Oh and way to score on the price! I’m off to add World Market updates to the list of things my robot phone needs to start doing for me. Immediately.
My best, Lynn
*one baby down, one to go – woop woop! :o)
MonW says
Nice! Isn’t it amazing what s change can do for an area? We’ve been switching from CFL to LED bulbs here. The big project will be all those dimmable indoor floods in the bonus room here (6). The outdoor fixture was so much better with LED.
FYI, there is a 3-way lamp LED bulb out now at Lowes only.
For those pendants, I’m curious which LED bulbs you’ll go with. Some are, um, odd, if they aren’t hidden by lampshades.
Will be fun to see what you do with the walls in that hall now.
Mandi @ Living for Pretty says
WOW What a before and after. Who knew that hallway could look so good. -Long time reader, rare commenter :)
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks so much Mandi!
xo
s
Christine says
Thanks to John for the smart installation tips. I show my husband John’s posts, so I’ll throw in a thanks from him, too! Your hallway looks like your own personal show house!
Diane says
My very favoritest thing is comparing your before and after photos at the end of each post. I am completely fascinated when I go back and forth (and back and forth and back and forth) between the two!! The changes are enormous and stunning. So here’s my question: Have the previous owners of any of your homes followed your posts and/or come back to see their homes again after you have changed them up?
YoungHouseLove says
We heard from the original owners of our first house and it was awesome! They sent us pics and a letter and everything. It’s one of our favorite posts in the archives! We also recently heard from the original owners’ kids from this house, and they’re sending pics and letters (even heard from one of the grandkids). It’s so awesome and we can’t wait to put a post together about it!
xo
s
Danielle says
Love those fixtures! What a great bargain too!
rachel @ thesunnydispositionhome says
Love it! Sherry your look is like, get this bad boy up there and this baby boy outa-me!! hilarious! Your almost there!!:)
cynthia leslie says
I’m thinking that the old light fixtures would make cool terrariums! Little DIY craft project maybe?! p.s. Love your crisp clean colorful cozy style!
YoungHouseLove says
That’s fun! We were just going to donate them, but I’ll have to stare at them for a hot second to make sure…
xo
s
Allen says
I LOVE the shadows cast on the walls/floor/ceiling!
Jessica R. says
I LOVE this update. And I’m actually kinda diggin’ the angular shadows the fixtures throw up on the walls and ceiling…
Stacy says
That is an amazing before and after. I love it. It’s amazing how some paint, getting rid of the rug and new lighting have completely transformed the space. It seriously looks gorgeous as is.
Sara says
DUDE, these are awesome. I wish you guys made house calls. I’d like you to do a survey of my house, make suggestions, and I’d then do the work. You could then post it like a house crashing. Your eye for this stuff is great. Love these lamps.
Debbie C says
I love how the hallway looks now, great job! Normally I’m not a fan of exposed bulbs in light fixtures but these look so bright and clean. Love oversize light fixtures, it’s like statement jewelry. Kendra Scott for the hallway!
Bethany @ Dwellings by DeVore says
they look soo good!! It’s amazing how much brighter the hallways looks with the new paint and fixtures. World Market has been killing it lately!
Anne says
Holy smokes, what a great addition! So bright and modern….love it over those shiny, pretty wood floors. I always underestimate lighting!
Carla says
I love those fixtures, but there are just too many angles in your long hallway to make them feel like they belong there.
Something rounded and not so strong and angular would have created some much needed balance. They also feel heavy and would make me feel apprehensive walking under them; not from any concern that they could actually fall and hurt me, but more from a feng shui, flow of energy perspective.
Sora says
Just wondering, ever thought of painting that tiny piece of wood in the railing? I know it wouldn’t match the rest but i feel like it sticks out too much.
YoungHouseLove says
It leads to a high contrast black and white stair runner, so it sort of ties into that in real life. Hard to tell from these pics though!
xo
s
Briseidy says
oh my! I totally love it! it looks amazing! you work magic on that hallway!
Sydnie F. says
Those look fantastic! I feel like the fixtures instantly brought your upstairs into 2014, which I would have never expected from such a simple update. I also LOVE the shadows they cast, they are so beautifully structural (if that makes sense).
Sandi says
Did you get the email from Fab today titled Ëntering the Tri-light zone? Great punsters think alike?
YoungHouseLove says
Isn’t that funny?! A few other folks told us and forwarded it. It must be some sort of brain bermuda triangle…
xo
s
Kaija says
Those fixtures look amazing, I love the simple, yet high contrast, look!
I’ve been looking for fixtures for my living room and bedroom and this made me think of the possibility of making the shades of clear glass myself. I have all the tools for stained glass.
A says
Am I really the only one who thinks that these are (comically) too large for this space? I didn’t read every single comment but I skimmed them and I just don’t understand all of the praise. They’re enormous! And girl, what are you doing on ladders handling obscenely large light fixtures at this (or any) stage in your pregnancy?
Jamie says
i like the fixtures, just not sure if i like them in the space. maybe if they were a bit more square? they just seem a bit long for the height of the hall and perhaps a hint wide for my tastes. i think i would like these better from a higher height or over a dining table.
can these be used outdoors?
YoungHouseLove says
I don’t think they’re listed for outdoor use, but maybe if you call or email World Market they can confirm?
xo
s
Julianne says
Ooooo..this post would have been so helpful before we struggled with our chandelier not too long ago!! Love the lights. They’re stunning!! :O)
Alaina says
I LOVE how they bounce the light all over the hallway walls, and the shadows! ugh so jealous. This is probably my favorite “room” in your house LOL!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks so much Alaina!
xo
s
Susan V says
You guys amaze me with the amount you get done. I know it’s a full time gig but you seem to have multiple full time gigs going on. Nicely done. I like the look. Did you consider a flush mount or did you always picture a hanging fixture because that is what was there?
YoungHouseLove says
You’re so sweet Susan! We definitely looked for any and all lights that we liked – so flush mount wasn’t out of the running. Although I think we leaned towards something that hung since the previous fixtures did that and it made the hall feel sort of lofty that way :)
xo
s
Emily @ DavenportDIY says
I love World Market!! Those lights are beautiful!! I bought roman shades from World Market a few years ago and I so wish they still carried them (or similar styles)- they are gorgeous and were such a great price.
http://davenportdiy.com/2014/03/feelin-haze-y.html
Lisa says
Those shades are a nice!!
L x
http://workingmumy.blogspot.com
Emily @ DavenportDIY says
Aren’t they great Lisa? Sigh- I have tried so hard to find more like them but nada- unless I want to pay $$$$ :P
David says
Add me to the list of those thinking the new ones look great in your hall! Weird coincidence about the old ones–we have the same style of lights in our entryway, same product line and color, probably original to our 1967 house. Our upstairs hallway and landing have non-matching flushmount lights I’ve been wanting to replace, especially if I could add a pendant to the stairs to match the entryway. I’d figured it would be impossible to find a match, but, um, would you be willing to sell the two better old ones? I’d send a pic back of them fixed up in their new home!
YoungHouseLove says
We were just going to donate them, so feel free to email me for info! Are you local? We can try to get them to you!
xo
s
Jacqueline says
Edison bulbs would look cool in those light fixtures or maybe a specialty bulb like: http://ifitshipitshere.blogspot.com/2007/11/product-pick-of-week-shadow-bulbs-by.html
Seems like with the clear fixture the bulb could really be a statement piece. Not sure what kind of shadows or light they would caste but they would be a nice aesthetic. Anyway, I like your choices. I think I need to replace the cheap-o boob lights in my hall now:)
Anne says
I really like the look of a hanging light in the hallway, but my husband is 6’5″ so hanging lights are no bueno in our hall… or really anywhere! I will just have to admire yours from afar :-)
Ashley [7th House] says
We just posted today about a very similar light fixture in our dining room (pretty much the same, just larger). http://bit.ly/1o59ZCH I love that type of fixture in a hallway though! It looks fantastic!
YoungHouseLove says
Ooh I love yours! And that table under it!
xo
s
Cindy says
Beautiful!! :-) We got this same light a couple of years ago for our entryway and I still admire it all the time. :-)
One thing we felt was that a regular bulb was just really bright and hard to look at directly with the clear glass, so we went the Edison Bulb route and haven’t regretted it. I don’t know if that is an option or if you guys prefer energy-saving bulbs. Not sure of the wattage of our Edison bulbs, but I think they aren’t too high.
I love how much progress you have made in such a short time! Your house is looking great!