After more than a year of navigating dark mornings and evenings in key living spaces, we’ve finally brought much-needed illumination to another bedroom: Teddy’s room now boasts a brand-new ceiling light fixture. This upgrade is far more significant than it might initially sound. Homeowners who have experienced the inconvenience of living in a house where upstairs bedrooms, save for the bathrooms, lack overhead lighting can truly appreciate the transformative power of a simple ceiling fixture. It’s not just about light; it’s about enhanced functionality, improved ambiance, and the sheer joy of effortless illumination.
The journey to this brightened space began with an inspiring discovery. While browsing Joss & Main, I stumbled upon a distinctive “stick light.” Its design immediately captivated me – a delightful blend of whimsical beach-inspired aesthetics and clean, modern geometric lines. Despite it being marketed as a plug-in table lamp, my creative vision instantly re-imagined it as a captivating ceiling pendant. To ensure I wasn’t simply indulging in a flight of fancy, I shared my unconventional idea of converting this table lamp with John. Thankfully, he was enthusiastic about the concept, immediately joining me on the “stick light” conversion train.
Once the lamp arrived, our first step was a thorough examination to understand its construction and identify the components we’d need to modify. We carefully turned it over, revealing the underside. The initial obstacle was a small screw, strategically placed to secure the power cord and allow the lamp to sit stably on a table. This was the very first element we removed, signaling the true beginning of our DIY transformation.
With that initial screw out of the way, the internal mechanisms became more accessible, paving the way for the next phase of the conversion.
This critical step allowed us to access a specific bolt that was holding the existing cord kit and the lamp shade securely in place. We paused here for a moment to consider our options. One possibility was to retain the original plug-in cord and simply hardwire it into the ceiling’s electrical box, a common technique where the cord of a plug-in fixture is cut to expose the internal wires for direct connection. However, we quickly realized a significant drawback: the original fixture featured a very small bulb socket, designed for miniature bulbs. Our goal was to provide ample, functional light for Teddy’s room, requiring a standard-sized bulb for better illumination. This practical consideration ultimately led us to decide against keeping the original wiring; it was time for a complete overhaul.
To fully remove the original wiring system and prepare the fixture for its new life as a ceiling pendant, we proceeded to unscrew the bulb socket from below. This step was crucial for freeing up the internal components and ensuring a clean slate for our modifications.
Once the socket was successfully detached and removed, the lamp’s structure was liberated from its original electrical constraints, leaving us with a clean, empty shade. This was a pivotal moment in the transformation process, as the shade was now ready to be re-envisioned. Its design, specifically a sturdy ring on the bottom, proved to be perfectly suited for easily accommodating a standard light kit – one that would house a standard-sized bulb, providing the bright, functional lighting we desired for Teddy’s room.
With the shade successfully stripped down to its essential form, our next task was straightforward: acquire a suitable pendant light kit. We opted for one of the readily available white pendant light kits from Home Depot. These kits are specifically designed for ceiling installation and come complete with a standard-sized bulb socket, ensuring compatibility with our desired lighting output. Their accessibility and ease of installation make them an ideal choice for DIY lighting projects of this nature.
Integrating the new pendant light kit with the repurposed shade was a surprisingly simple yet ingenious process. We carefully threaded the pendant cord upwards from below the shade, guiding it through the small white ring located at the top of the shade’s interior. This allowed the fixture’s internal components to rest securely on the curved white bulb holder, perfectly positioning the light bulb right in the very center of the distinctive arched stick shade. This precise placement ensures even light distribution and highlights the unique aesthetic of the converted fixture.
Now, a critical question inevitably arises when dealing with a light fixture crafted from materials resembling kindling: isn’t this a massive fire hazard? This is an excellent and entirely valid concern. However, it’s important to understand that paper lampshades, fabric lanterns, and even basket shades are commonly and safely used in home decor. The key to preventing a fire hazard lies in several crucial design principles. Firstly, there must be ample space for heat to escape both from the top and bottom of the shade. Secondly, the light bulb itself must have sufficient clearance, meaning it should not be super close to or pressed directly against the shade material. To further enhance safety and efficiency, we specifically chose an LED bulb for this project. Unlike traditional incandescent bulbs, LEDs produce significantly less heat buildup, making them a safer and more energy-efficient choice for enclosed or converted fixtures, though proper ventilation remains important for any light source. This careful consideration ensures both aesthetic appeal and peace of mind.
With the conversion complete and safety measures in place, Teddy’s room is now wonderfully illuminated with a warm white LED bulb. This modern light source not only provides excellent lighting but also boasts an impressive lifespan of approximately 25,000 hours, meaning replacements will be few and far between. A charming, unexpected detail that John particularly enjoys is how the bulb appears to be cradled by the fixture, resembling a robot eagle clutching its prize. This quirky visual adds a unique character to the room, blending modern technology with a playful design.
The satisfaction of finally having a stylish and functional overhead light in Teddy’s room is immense. Beyond its primary purpose, the stick design of the new fixture subtly echoes other design elements already present in the room, creating a cohesive and thoughtful aesthetic. The natural, linear elements of the sticks gently reference the driftwood mobile hanging nearby and integrate seamlessly with the white lines characteristic of our T-wall. This thoughtful integration demonstrates how a single DIY project can elevate the entire room’s design narrative, making it feel more complete and intentionally curated.
When fully illuminated, the fixture casts a soft, inviting glow across the room. The effect is simply “glowey,” as we like to say, echoing the playful tone one might use for “so meaty.” This warm and even distribution of light enhances the room’s overall comfort and makes it a much more inviting space, especially during darker hours.
If you’re particularly observant, you might have also noticed a charming new addition alongside the impressive lighting upgrade: a quaint side table that adds both functionality and character to the room. This delightful piece was a lucky yard sale find, embodying the spirit of thrifting and sustainable decor.
The irresistible price tag of just $1 made this acquisition a true bargain, proving that enhancing home decor doesn’t always require a hefty investment. Sometimes, the most charming pieces are discovered through patience and a keen eye for potential, transforming overlooked items into beloved household treasures.
What makes this yard sale find even more special is its perfect color match with our cherished, old-school rocking horse – another fantastic secondhand acquisition of ours. The harmonious pairing of these two items adds a cohesive and nostalgic touch to Teddy’s room, making it feel complete and thoughtfully designed. With the addition of the new light and this charming table, we consider Teddy’s room to be largely finished for now, embodying a sense of warmth and playfulness.
Of course, no update on Teddy’s room would be complete without mentioning Clara, who spends an inordinate amount of time enjoying the rocking horse. Her spirited play often makes it look like the horse might catapult her right out the window, but thankfully, despite her energetic sessions, there have been no rocker-related injuries to date. We’ll definitely be knocking on wood to keep that streak going! This lively interaction adds a layer of cherished family moments to the newly enhanced space.
Oh, and speaking of beautiful lighting, we had several requests to share our own bedroom fixture illuminated and glowing at night. So, here it is, showcasing the delightful ambiance it creates once the sun sets. It’s another example of how thoughtful lighting can profoundly impact a room’s character and comfort.
What we particularly adore about our bedroom fixture is the way it casts intricate, soft shapes and patterns onto the ceiling. This creates a mesmerizing visual effect that adds depth, texture, and a soothing atmosphere to the room, transforming it into a peaceful sanctuary. It’s a wonderful illustration of how lighting can transcend mere functionality to become an integral part of a room’s artistic expression.
UPDATE! We’ve finally transitioned our entire house to modern LED lights, and the benefits have been incredible. These energy-efficient powerhouses save tons of energy and money on electricity bills, and for anyone who appreciates minimal maintenance, they are a true best friend – you truly never have to worry about changing them for years. For those curious about our top picks, these are our favorite interior LEDs. Their glow is consistently warm and natural, completely free from the weird, blueish tint that some other LED bulbs unfortunately produce. In fact, these are the very bulbs you see beautifully glowing in all the images throughout this post; they are remarkably similar in appearance to traditional incandescent bulbs but utilize around 90% less energy, making them a smart and sustainable choice for any home.