So, with a bit of nesting energy around the house this fall, I decided it was time to fix a lighting choice that had bothered me for years. You might recall my posts about the so-called flying goblet lights. One hung over the dining room and we eventually replaced that with an outdoor-style lantern.
We also replaced coordinating stair wall sconces with matching outdoor lanterns.
Lighting is one of my favorite ways to create atmosphere, and over time I’m swapping out the builder’s standard choices for fixtures that better suit the mood I want in each space.
This week I finally tackled the fixture in our entry — the lone flying goblet light that hung there like an odd little spacecraft. To be fair, these lights aren’t terrible; many people have them and like them. I’m just being playful with the nickname. We all live with things we don’t love, and sometimes you change them when you can.
For me, the time had come. I wasn’t attached to the old light and I found an option that matched my taste and budget, so we went for it.
The new fixture came from a home improvement store — not a high-end lighting boutique, but also not a thrift find. Sometimes you get lucky with vintage or outlet bargains, but this time I picked something new that fit the size, shape and finish I wanted.
My dream was a very expensive crystal fixture I’d admired online, but at $2,800 it was out of reach. The light I chose felt right for our home and allowed room for a few personal touches.
To add sparkle, I strung inexpensive beads from Michaels on clear fishing line and attached a strand of crystals we already had from a previous chandelier. A few blue beads add a subtle pop of color, but most of the accents are clear or crystal to catch the light.
We also wrapped the white plastic candle sleeves with strips of burlap for a rugged, intentionally imperfect look. I like the mix: the elegance of crystal, the quirky hint of blue beads, and the homey texture of burlap. It reflects my somewhat indecisive, eclectic style.
The fixture now sets a welcoming tone in the entry and coordinates nicely with the lanterns on the stairs and in the dining room.
We hired an electrician to remove the old light and install the new one because we don’t own a ladder tall enough and we didn’t want to risk doing electrical work two stories up ourselves. I took a few photos with my phone while the electrician worked — I probably amused him by snapping so many pictures.
With a little embellishment, the fixture feels unique and personalized.
Piece by piece, the entry is coming together.
So far we’ve painted stripes and walls, added black trim to the railing, installed a gallery wall, removed carpet in favor of hardwoods, and updated the lighting. It’s been slow but steady progress.
One challenge I still face is photographing a hanging light well, especially one beneath a skylight. The photos rarely capture what I see in person — another photography skill I need to work on.
In short: the new fixture is pretty, my photos need improvement, and there are more projects on the way. I’ll share updates as we move along.
Do you have light fixtures that don’t set the right tone for your home? Even renters might be able to swap a key fixture or two with permission and then rehang the originals when moving. It’s worth asking if the lights bother you.
Don’t let small, changeable details keep you from enjoying your home. When you can’t change something, focus on the updates you can make — even small changes can transform a space.
The Fall Nesting sale at Joss & Main runs through the weekend — there are good deals and fun finds if you want to browse. Thanks for taking a look!
