It’s Wednesday and I’m in the middle of an ongoing project. Well, to be truthful, I’m in the middle of several ongoing projects, enough to make my head spin in that Linda Blair/Exorcist way. The crochet is ongoing:
Note how quickly the desk has become a catch-all. Need I add that I didn’t stage this photo?
As to the project at hand: I’ve had this idea for a while. The kitchen has recessed lighting in the ceiling and a little lamp on the countertop. I’ve always thought it would be nice to have a hanging lamp over the kitchen table that would illuminate the room without the constant use of many high-wattage bulbs. I know there are convertors that make recessed lights into pendant lights but I can’t use that option because none of the lights are over the kitchen table.
A while back, one of our table lamps bit the dust. As I took the shade off, I started to rip the fabric from the framework. I was left with an industrial looking, slightly rusty wire cage. Hmmm. Now there’s an idea. But how to do it? It would have to be a swag pendant light because the table is in the middle of the room, the socket is on the wall by the bench, and I’m not paying an electrician to install a light.
I found Susan and her shop, Shandell’s, and a neat kit consisting of a cloth-covered cord, light socket and instructions for putting it all together. If I was going to have a cord swagged across the room, I thought it should make a statement, so I chose the red cloth-covered cord. To go with the red in our kitchen.
I am kind of leaning toward the industrial look. The fabric is gorgeous but I love the openness of just the wire shade. Looking forward to seeing what you choose. Very clever idea. Patty
I also like the look of the industrial no shade. But if I look at a light bulb when it’s on I’ll see spots for an hour. So I’d go with fabric mostly because I need to. Best of luck in whatever you choose.
I don’t like to look at a bulb as it affects my eyes. I’m not crazy about looking at a cage for a shade either. But, that’s just my opinion. I like the industrial look in small doses. Could you not use see through fabric, like a sheer, that would shade the glare of the light? It seems to me you would have the best of two worlds if you did that!
Maybe a sheer fabric? I have a shade with a sheer lace covering and it lets lots of light through, but diffuses the glare. If you use a molly screw you won’t need to find a stud, if you keep the fixture light weight.
nancyr
OOh! Smart ladies here! I like industrial in tiny doses, but it might be a tad stark for your cozy kitchen (I agree the bulb is hard on my eyes though so that may affect my thoughts on it)…I love the idea of a sheer fabric (not as in netting, but not a heavy cotton/duck type fabric.
Can hardly wait to see what you choose…and the molly is agreat idea…
Love the fabric! I would cover the cage.
I don’t even think I need to say anything as all of your ladies that posted said it all! What smart women and i really admire how much effort and time you put into your home and also sharing it with your readers!! That takes time too…Love coming by here and can’t wait to see what you do.
If you put a “butterfly” hook on it you don’t have to worry about finding a stud and can put it exactly where you can it. That’s what we did to several hanging things in this house and they have held very well, sweetpea. I would use fabric in your case. I think it would jazz up the kitchen a bit, plus it’s beautiful and RED!
xoxo,
Connie
how about spray painting the cage a glossy red?
I like the fabric idea. I can’t look at a bare bulb for very long or I will see spots. Love the cord for the plug.
Carol
Well, I have to agree that I like the industrial look in small doses too, so if I was doing it then I would look for something to cover it. The red is perfect but I would have to see it done and hanging before I could judge. Looks like everyone is in agreement about not using the cage look but I think you will have to figure out what is going to look best in that room when it comes to the fabric. I know you will make the right decision.~Hugs, Patti
I love the idea of sheer fabric or lace. I see that you follow Dottie Angel. What do you think of her lamps with the frames wrapped in fabric?
Can’t wait to see where you end up!
Dawn
My vote is for no fabric, but would like to see it hanging to get a good look. Can’t wait to see what you decide.
I am normally not an industrial look kind of person, but I am a look out the window kind of gal! So, I might paint the frame red, or cut the fabric into strips and wind it around the frame. It would add more interest and maybe soften the look a little. You could always cover just drape the upper portion of the lamp with a large hankie, napkin or other piece of fabric — maybe something lightweight or lace trimmed. There are also decorative round or globe lightbulbs. The hanging fixture over our kitchen island uses that type of lightbulb. They are frosted and do not bother my eyes as much as an ordinary bare lightbulb.
I know you don’t have enough of the fabric, but I’m still drooling ocer it! Maybe find something similar in the same shade?
I would use the fabric. I agree with other comments about the glare of the light without a cover. I think the fabric adds a cozy look to the finish.
I love the fabric! And a bare bulb can be really harsh lighting…. Can’t wait to see how it looks!
I love all of the ideas everyone has given you!
It would be nice to be able to have it both ways. One for cold months..the red covered..and maybe industrial for the Summer months.
I LOVE the idea!
Stay warm and cozy!
Oh another thought..you could put one of the sad light bulbs in it for Winter too.
I have one and love it.
http://www.bluesbuster.com
You may be able to get it local too. I bought mine from a local version of Whole Foods.
I like the red fabric. It would really look well with the colors you use……but you already knew that since you choose it.
I don’t know if it would block your view. Can you move the table…….just asking.
I can’t look at bright bulbs…..migraines…….is there a bulb that they make that doesn’t glare for these kind of cages.
Hmmmmmmm, deicisions, decisions.
Seeing just the bulb with nothing in between would be for me like overhead lighting. I LOVE the fabric!
Brenda
You are in a creative mode, Claudia! Love your projects! For me, I need a shade… I don’t even like to see a bulb under the shade, just too glaring for my eyes. Just wanted you to know, I really like befunky…thanks for the heads up about that…and I received my first year of my blog book today! Thanks for all the inspiration!!
I was going to suggest the butterfly hook and round white bulb, others already mentioned them. Also I like rusty, so I would leave it rusty, or paint it glossy red or plain white.
The round white bulbs are mostly used in bathroom vanities. For some reason they are several dollars each at the home stores and such, but I find them for $1 each at dollar stores; don’t know why the price difference, but the dollar ones work fine.
I say fabric of some sort.. not sure that the fabric you are showing would be the way to go… something plain perhaps, oh crap… what do I know?
Claudia, Hang it bare for a few days…then you’ll know if you want that look, before you cut the fabric. Good luck. Toggle bolt it anywhere you want it, it’s not going to be that heavy. Smiles, Susie(She Junks)
I’m sure whatever you decide will look great! Remember you can always change it.
~Sandy
First of all, your desk looks great crowded with all that creativity! Second, I would try the bare shade first, because I want to try that myself! Ann
Hi Claudia, I would paint the shade frame with a high gloss white then put in a frosted globe bulb–the glare of a bare light bulb would be very harsh, I think, especially considering that an over-table fixture is not far off from the sight line of many people. Also, you might think about the effect of red fabric on the kitchen. The light will definitely cast a red glow if the the fabric has lots of red in it. That might be okay in a corner for atmosphere, but probably not what you want in the middle of the room. Otherwise, that fabric sample is fabulous!!!! Use it on a chair or table cover! Linda
Claudia,
No fabric! If it was a blue or light green yes. Red, no!! I don’t think it goes but, that’s my thought. I love the shade left alone. Also, have you seen on Pinterest the shade with random lace tied around it? That would go! Some ideas to think about. Time for tea! See ya ;)
xxx Liz
PS. I just put those examples for you on FB. Enjoy!
Liz
I love that fabric. The red and white is awesome and will look so great lit up at night. Go fabric!!
Claudia,
both ways are so pretty. guess i will vote for no fabric. anything would look great in your darling kitchen
xo,stacy
Hello Claudia,
Love your project and thank you so much for the mention. You have a great blog and wonderful group of readers. Looking forward t the finished project and I will post it on my site.
Susan
…if you use the fabric idea, how about making it like a sleeve for the “cage” with elastic at the top and bottom of the fabric. So, if you change your mood or change seasonally, you can change out the shade cover to suit your mood in many various fabrics!… like your beautiful red for February to brighten it up for Valentines. Spring floral for Spring, Easter… Christmassy one for December and maybe Shamrocks for March… Oh so many choices!!!!
I love the red cord! Have you thought of using rice paper? There are several websites that sell it. It is transparent and does come with designs on it. It would cut down on glare and,if you purchased plain rice paper,you could always embellish it to match your kitchen.
Hugs…
Oh goodness I love that fabric! To be honest I like the look of the industrial bare light fixtures BUT…I DON’T like that bare look when it’s on. This is only my opinion but I think it would fit right in with your beautiful cottage and decorating with that fantastic fabric on it. BUT…that’s just me and I know it will look good which ever way you decide to go. Who cares what we think anyway…you’re the one who has to live with it ;)! If you haven’t created already…have fun!
Maura :)
I’m not a nekked shade type of girl and I really like your fabric. My very small kitchen is red, white and black and have a small track light on the ceiling. I would love to have a light over the table but too pricey to have the electrician come over.
I am lovin’ your cheery red swag cord and think I made need one too.
Thanks for the link to the shop. Lots of great items there.
Have a great day!
Hmmm, I am having to think about this. In a really industrial kitchen I would go for the uncovered look, but in a cottagey type kitchen I would say cover it. I know that bare light bulbs tend to bother my eyes. Also, something to keep in mind is they have stopped manufacturing these bulbs and they are going to be going away. That would change the look.
Laura
What a fun project Claudia! I love it both ways. I would hang it up without the fabric first, then if you love it, great!, you’re done! If you don’t, you can easily take it down and cover it with the cute red fabric. I can’t wait to see what it looks like hanging up.
My vote is for the industrial look. If you hang it high enough, it won’t be in your sight line or hurt your eyes. If you do want to use fabric, then I agree something sheer would give you the best of both worlds: letting the “spine” of the shade show through whilst softening the light. Perhaps a white dotted swiss?
I like the wire industrial look with the Edison bulb.
If you want it to be a bit more, uh, fancy, how about a band of red feathers or beads around the bottom? Just for a little glam?