Since it’s fall nesting season, I decided it was finally time to replace a light fixture that had bothered me for years. You might recall my “flying goblet” ceiling lights—one hung in the entry like a tiny UFO and others were mounted as sconces on the stair wall. Over time we’ve been swapping out the builder-grade fixtures for options that better suit the mood I want to create in our home.
Lighting sets the tone for a home, so I’ve been slowly replacing fixtures to achieve the ambience I prefer. The stair sconces were replaced with outdoor-style lanterns, and the dining room fixture was swapped for an outdoor lantern as well. The entry light remained my main annoyance until recently.
To be fair, these builder lights are not terrible—many people like them. But if a small change will make you happier and it fits your budget, why not update it? I had lived with the original for almost four years, so when I found an affordable fixture I preferred, I decided to go for it.
The replacement came from a home improvement store—nothing boutique, but a solid, attractive option that matched the size, shape, and finish I wanted. While it looked fine straight out of the box, I wanted to personalize it to create a unique focal point for the entry.
I added several inexpensive strands of beads from a craft store, stringing them with clear fishing line to create draping accents. We also repurposed a strand of sparkly crystals from a previous chandelier and introduced a few ocean-blue beads for a subtle color pop. The clear and crystal beads catch the light beautifully and add just the right amount of sparkle.
To soften the look and add contrast, I wrapped the white plastic candlesticks with strips of burlap, keeping the edges rough and slightly imperfect on purpose. I like the interplay between the chandelier’s elegant crystals, the quirky blue beads, and the homey texture of burlap. The result fits my eclectic, slightly indecisive style.
The new fixture now complements the lanterns on the stairs and in the dining room, helping the entry feel more cohesive. Because the chandelier hangs two stories up beneath a skylight, we hired an electrician to swap the fixtures rather than attempting the job ourselves. I snapped a few photos with my phone while the electrician worked—I’m sure he wondered what I was doing, but I couldn’t resist capturing the process.
With those simple embellishments, the fixture became one of a kind. It brings a little sparkle and personality to the entry without breaking the bank. Small, thoughtful updates like this can transform a space and make it feel more like home.
We’re slowly finishing the entry: the walls and stripes have been painted, the railing received black trim, a gallery wall was installed on the stairway, the carpeting was removed and replaced with hickory hardwood, and now we’ve updated the lighting. Progress is steady and each change brings the space closer to the look I envisioned.
Photography of hanging fixtures is tricky—especially under a skylight—so I still need to improve my photo skills to capture the fixture as it looks in person. Regardless, I’m pleased with how the entry is shaping up and I have more projects planned in this room and others.
Have fixtures that don’t fit your style? If you rent, consider asking permission to swap a key fixture and reinstall the original before you move. Small changes you can make will help you love your home more. And when something can’t be changed, focus on the updates you can do—little improvements add up.
