When I was looking for lighting above the bookshelf that I had painted, I wanted something different. I actually tried using something that I had bought online and I didn’t love it. I knew it was something that I would get tired of, so the search continued.
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I had these vintage plug in wall lights in my garage from a thrift store and while back. I love the design and shape of them so I decided to cut off the cord and flip them upside down to use as hardwired lighting.
The single light was a table lamp that we turned into a hardwired light as well. Our electrician used the existing wires and made a couple of holes in the table lamp to attach it to the wall. The other two lights already had holes that were usable for the hardware to connect them to the wall.
Initially, the color of the lights was very different with it being two different types of lights. One was a very brassy gold color and the other was a more muted antique look. I decided to paint all three of them to look the same. I first used this self etching primer after I sanded them a little with steel wool.
After the self etching primer, I used a matte black primer so that if any of the paint would show underneath my final coat of gold, it would look more antique. I then brushed on a mixture of European and Grecian Gold Rub n Buff. I love both of these colors separately and I think they worked great when mixed together as well. I tried to make sure that I had more of the Grecian Gold on top to give it a little shine and bling. In my experience, brushing on the Rub n Buff leaves less streak marks than when I try to rub it on with a cloth or my finger.
I absolutely love them! They are exactly what I was envisioning and I love that they’re different!
Initially, I thought I might use a shade but I love them with just the lightbulb showing. They are on a dimmer so it’s easier to make the light not as bright if we desire.
The mismatched style makes it even better, in my opinion! I love that the middle one is different!
The lighting that they give to the bookshelf is so pretty, the photos don’t even do it justice.
The two lights on the outside are adjustable with the rod that moves side to side. I love that! The light in the middle is adjustable on the light bulb area.
The holes still need to be patched underneath and to the side of the lights. When the electrician initially added holes above the bookshelf, we weren’t aware that we were using these lights, so the holes had to be moved up a little.
I love when the light shows through the side window. It’s such an amazing glow. Even though the entire house is in disarray, this one corner is starting to come together and I love it! Would you use a “different” kind of lighting in your home? I sure do love these!
Simply elegant! I love the color too. Way to go! On to next project in line!
I love it that is totally something I would do. Find new ways of using things❤️❤️❤️❤️
Looks great! Having it not be all matched actually fits with the design you have going in the library area. Seems like it was meant to be. 😊 And it’s amazing how a little paint will make a big impact when you’re trying to make everything cohesive.
Oooo. They look super!!!!
They are the perfect compliment to the shelves and collected booked, etc that you have.
OH. MY. Goodness. These are the absolute coolest!! Once again, Natalie the visionary comes through with the most brilliant design! The finish off this library wall so creatively and uniquely! Bravo! Bravo!
The lights look great. Much better than what was previously there.
They turned out great lights!!!!!
I have to say this is my most favorite up-cycle you have thought of to date! When you first shared the idea, I was mind boggled! Brilliant! Then, adding the mismatched one, the perfect color of soft gold, and the right light bulbs….You outdid yourself!!!!!!!
Those are gorgeous!. I love your diy, thanks for sharing all the goodness.
Love the lights, great vision and job as usual. With all the books and old paintings – transforming the room. Love love.
I love them!!!!! !they go together so well. PERFECT.. like they where ment to be there ❤️❤️
Oh wow! I. Love. Them!!! I believe anything you do comes out gold!!! So great, just so great!!!
Mismatched and upside down makes them uniquely you. I love how you see things differently. It’s inspiring!
Wow!! Those look fantastic!! Looks like they have been there forever, I mean that in the best. So perfect!
So fantastic!!!! Really unique. And I love that they dont match.
Once again…your vision amazes me! Simple gorgeous!
Your vision neber ceases to amaze me. They look so pretty and so perfectly you!!!
You’ve done it again! This is so cute and so clever! Thanks for sharing. You are so creative and inspire me so much! I sure hope they find what Chester needs! He’s such a cutie!
What a great redesign with those lamps. I love it.
Perfect! I love seeing your visions come to life.
They turned out so well! And I also love the mismatched look!!
Absolutely love following you in IG! Love how you share your faith without hesitation and with confidence. Thank you for standing for Christ!
LOVE your new home and how you are creating it to be yours.
Kathy
Oh my goodness! That looks amazing! I love it. Your library was is stunning!
absolutely fabulous! Love love love your blog. So glad I found you. You have exquisite taste!
That corner is truly special. And with the evening glow even more so.
Well done!
I love them!!! They look like a mismatched, matched set with each having a curly cue on it ❤️ They are the perfect lights for that space!
Love the lights, but the artwork on the wall is great. Did you find old pieces and glaze them to give them a similar tone? What is your aging process for artwork?
I love the lighting, the way you styled the bookshelves, the whole thing! Great job!