Replace recessed light with a light fixture
September 25, 2020
Share this
I've been having fun with the small hallways we have in this house. Our home
is very open but has a few of these little spots that I want to make
special.
I feel the same about smaller spaces like powder and laundry rooms
-- they are the perfect spot to do something dramatic and fun!
I've already given the
hallway off the kitchen a makeover:
You can read all about that at the link above. I LOVE that wallpaper and am
so happy with how that space came together.
I shared another "hall" last week that's next on my list:
This post may contain affiliate links for
your convenience.
See my policies and disclosure page for more information.
It's an area off our foyer that transitions to the basement stairs and
bathroom. Our foyer is a calm and pretty spot and I want to continue that
feel into this area.
I showed you how I added the
art light without electricity:
And the next step was to add another lighting hack to dress up the space a
little.
I've shared this easy adapter before when I worked on the hallway pictured
above. Did you know you can easily change up a recessed can light to hang a
pendant light? You just need
this light converter:
You just unscrew the existing light bulb, then screw in this instead. You can
adjust the length of the cord to whatever you want.
Then you use this white part at the bottom to attach your new pendant cover:
If you want a heavier or bigger light fixture that's what you'll want to
use.
I've always loved the look of basket pendant lights and found this one at
IKEA:
But when I got it up, it just didn't work. This space is small, but it still
needed something more substantial. I think going small in a small space only
emphasizes the smallness. Got that? ;)
This is the second time I've tried a basket light and I'm realizing it's just
not my thing. I tried though! So instead, I went to the basement for the lamp
shade I have from IKEA.
It used to hang in that wallpapered hallway I shared above, but I hung the
white version there instead. (Both are from IKEA.) I've always loved the color
on this one and the cut outs are so pretty! It worked SO much better!:
I just love these shades! I just remembered I also have
one above our tub!:
I love the detailed cut outs -- they're slightly different for each
color.
I also really like the gold lining -- it's a beautiful detail, especially when
the light is on:
You can use a regular bulb, but I find bigger,
globe bulbs like this one
look better in a shade like this.
You may notice I also painted the ceiling in this small area. It's a light
blue called North Star, at 50 percent:
If you love a paint color but would prefer it a little lighter or darker, they
can adjust that for you at the paint store.
This is the same color I used on the foyer ceiling right next to this
space:
The light shade is a really pretty grayish green color that works perfectly
with the art in the hallway:
The next step for this little makeover is the biggest one! I hope to share
that one with you soon!
These converters are an easy way to add a little flair to a space with a
recessed light. No electrical experience needed. :)
This lamp shade trick for ceiling fans is another great hack!:
Did you happen to make the art? It's quite nice and great in the space!
ReplyDeleteNo, it was from Target, but I don't think they sell it anymore!
DeleteWhat brand is the North Star paint? Thanks
ReplyDeleteSherwin-Williams
DeleteWhat color is that lamp shade? I don’t see that color on ikea’s website. Also, what size did you choose?
ReplyDeleteIt's a gray/green color in the smaller size (I think 17 inches?). They may not sell this color anymore.
DeleteI stumbled onto your blog. Now I am going to do these things.
ReplyDeleteWe are still living in the big house and really I am ready to shape this place up and hopefully sell in a year or two.
I love the black hardware. I see you did door hinges and handles too? or were those purchased? Well done.