Since I’ve been deep into fall nesting around the house, I decided it was time to fix a lighting gripe I’ve lived with for years. You may remember my posts about the so-called “flying goblet” lights the builder installed. One in the dining room was replaced with an outdoor lantern, and matching sconces on the stair wall were swapped out for lantern-style fixtures as well.
Good lighting creates atmosphere, and I’m slowly changing the builder’s default choices to fixtures that match the mood I want in our home. The one fixture I still hadn’t tackled was the lone flying goblet hanging over the entry like an odd spacecraft.
To be clear, these builder lights aren’t the worst things ever—if you love yours, keep it! I’m only sharing my experience because I wanted a different look. After almost four years of living with it, I was finally ready to make a change when I found a fixture that fit my budget and taste.
I found the new light at a home improvement store—not a fancy boutique, but not a thrift find either. If you’re lucky you might score something excellent at an outlet or thrift shop, but this time I opted for convenience and the right look. The new fixture had the shape, size, and finish that worked for our entry.
My dream chandelier was a high-end design I adore, but at $2,800 it didn’t fit the budget. Instead, I embellished the affordable fixture to make it feel special. I added a few inexpensive strands of beads from the craft store, stringing them on clear fishing line. We also reused a strand of sparkly crystals from an old chandelier, and the result catches the light perfectly. A few blue beads introduce a subtle pop of color, but most of the accents are clear crystal to keep the look bright and airy.
To soften the plastic candlesticks, we wrapped them in strips of burlap. The rough texture contrasts with the crystals for a look that’s intentionally imperfect and cozy—part sparkle, part rustic charm. I like how the mix of crystal, blue accents, and burlap reflects my eclectic taste.
Because the fixture hangs two stories up, we hired a professional electrician to remove the old light and install the new one. We don’t own a ladder that tall, and I wasn’t about to attempt electrical work suspended in the air. I documented the process with my phone—I’m sure the electrician wondered why I kept snapping photos.
With a few simple embellishments the fixture became unique and personal. It now complements the lanterns on the stairs and the dining room light, helping the entry feel more cohesive and welcoming.
Step by step, this entry is coming together. We’ve already painted stripes and walls, added black trim to the railing, installed a stairway gallery wall, removed carpet in favor of hardwoods, and updated lighting. Small changes add up and transform the space.
One challenge I still face is photographing a hanging light, especially under a skylight. The camera rarely captures the glow I see in person. Photography is a skill I’m working to improve—lights on or off, the images never quite match reality. Still, the fixture is lovely even if my photos fall short.
I have more projects planned for this room and others, and I’ll share updates as they happen.
Do you have light fixtures that don’t set the right tone for your home? If you rent, ask permission to swap a key fixture or two—you can always rehang the originals when you move. Small changes like updated lighting can make your home feel more like you.
Don’t let fixable details keep you from loving your space. When you can’t change something, focus on the things you can: little updates can make a big difference.
The Fall Nesting sale at Joss & Main continues through the weekend—there are good deals and fun finds worth browsing if you’re looking for new pieces for your home.
