Believe it or not I haven't posted anything on a kitchen light or lighting throughout this whole remodel process. I know that you must be dying to know all the juicy details (wink,wink), so today's the day I share it all. It's really not that exciting, but it does involve some 5 different lights and one frustrated husband.
We'll start with light #1, a vintage barn light. I really wanted one and scoured Etsy and Ebay for several weeks looking for a deal, they can be pricey and I was trying to not blow the bank.
I finally found a winner and, several days later it arrived...all dented and chipped. I contacted the seller, sent her pictures and she immediately refunded my money but I was left without the "new" light I had hoped for.
With no other light prospects and nothing to lose, I decided to try to fix it enough to make it presentable so I hammered the dent as best as I could, sanded the chips and painted the outside a navy blue.
I didn't have a lot of hope but light #1 went up and...I immediately knew that it wasn't going to make the cut.
Apparently the steel pipe was bent and, once the light was hung it was very noticeable. A dented, crooked light wasn't exactly the look I was going for, so the search was on for light #2.
Light #2 was found on one of our trips to our favorite ReStore. It looked like it had never been used before, and it was only $5, so we brought it home hoping it would be "the one".
This one was better but there was still something that wasn't quite right, so the hunt continued.
I found the next 2 failures fixtures online and felt confident that one of them would be a winner, but nope, neither one was the right fit.
Actually, one was way too big for the space and the hubs hated the other. Lights #3 and #4 were promptly returned.
The chrome ReStore light hung for several months as I searched for the right light and, just as I was about to give up, I found light #5, online and on sale at West Elm.
I think I've finally found "the one", and the hubs couldn't be happier.
I love the brushed brass of the hardware and the milky glass globe. We will also be adding recessed lights around the room, which is our next project, so this won't be our only source of light.
So, making a decision on a kitchen light...who knew it would be this difficult?
Kim says
I love it and think you chose the perfect one!
Kristi says
Thanks so much Kim!
Brenda, Florida says
Bless you for all your effort! I love the light. A great choice. Happy Thanksgiving.
Kristi says
Thanks so much Brenda, I'm loving it too! Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Kim says
Lighting has always been my nemesis. We have hi hats (pot lights) in our kitchen, family room, basement and baths. They are not terribly attractive, but they fade away, provide excellent lighting and remove the pressure of having to find something that works. You deserve giant kudos for sticking it out...it looks great!! 🙂
Kristi says
Thanks Kim. My problem with lights is that I find one and, instead of calling it done, I keep looking and usually end up finding something else. I really need to stop doing that, my husband would be so happy. 😉
dkhalcomb2 says
You are so lucky to have a husband who will change the lights out until you find the one. I can't find anyone to change even one. I am constantly looking for a new light for my dining area that fits the look of beach cottage. The one that was here looks like it belongs over a pool table in the 80s. I saw one this weekend in a thrift store that might work the other day for $6 but then I realized I would have a problem finding someone to install it and if it didn't look right I would have to live with it. I sure miss my husband, he was patient and handy like yours. Treasure your hubs while you can. Debbie
Kristi says
Are there no local handymen in your area Debbie? I could change the light myself but I don't do it when he's around because he watches me like a hawk and critiques my job. Not fun, so I just let him do it.
I know you must be missing your husband. Holidays are always the toughest when you are missing a loved one. I hope that you will be able to enjoy a bit of the holiday. Hugs to you my friend.
Jessica [Havok] says
So sad to hear about the blue one - it really does look like a fabulous light! I quite like the brass on the one you have chosen, though - a very nice contrast color! 🙂
I have never had to pick a light, cuz apartment living, but we've looked for a floor lamp recently and were underwhelmed. Probably because we were at Big Lots, ha!
Kristi says
I loved the blue one too but it just wasn't right for this space, and it was pretty beat up from it's trip to my house. Maybe I'll try it in another spot.
When we lived in an apartment, I used to change the lights for something that was my style (I always changed them back before we moved out). Drove my husband nuts. 😉
Happy Thanksgiving to you!
MaryJean says
I liked the blue one, but I like the way the white globe looks with your planked ceiling. I remember looking for something for my bathroom and couldn't find anything I liked until I thought I love the one I have, but don't like the brass, so out came the paint spray and now I'm very happy with my new/old light fixture.
Kristi says
Thanks MJ, I like it too.
Spray paint is an awesome tool, isn't it? You can change just about anything with it.
Happy Thanksgiving to you my friend!
Vel says
I truly love the West Elm one the most, and It goes well with the subway tiles you have too!
Kristi says
I love how it looks with the subway tile too Vel, thanks!
Aniket says
One or the other, one or the other can be so frustrating at times but sure it feels good to find the right one 😛
Kristi says
It does feel good to find the right one Aniket! 🙂
Nancy says
I really, really like your final choice, Kristi. It has that simple Scandinavian farmhouse kind of style that looks fabulous with plank ceilings like yours. Patience pays off! Are you cooking Thanksgiving dinner in your beautiful new kitchen?
Kristi says
Thanks so much Nancy, I'm really happy with it. No cooking in the new kitchen this year. Our girls are in California and it's just me and the hubs, so we will go out of town for a few days. We will break it in over Christmas though. Happy Thanksgiving!
Pamela-From My Front Porch To Yours says
Your light looks perfect!
Kristi says
Thanks Pamela, I'm loving this one! 🙂