A pendent light that is. A little while back when I introduced you to my good friend Kitchen, I told you about a little lighting switch-a-roo I made over the sink. So here’s the 411 on just how easy-peasy-rice-and-cheesy this little project was. I mean it was so easy it really doesn’t seem right to even call it a project. Basically you can call it a project if you think changing a light bulb is a “project.” It was really that easy- scout’s honor!
I just love the way a pendent light looks over a kitchen sink! Since we already had a recessed light there, I knew adding a pendent light wouldn’t be an issue. I just needed to find “the one”. When I saw this
in the Ballard Designs catalog I fell in LOVE. I went crazy over it because, while I have no fear of commitment issues, when it comes to decor I do occasionally like to switch things up a little. With this type of pendent light that just screws right into the light bulb socket I figured if I ever got tired of the “pendent light look” I could just take it down just as easily as it is to change a light bulb. No electrician required. The only problem was I didn’t LOVE the price at $39 for the adapter and another $45 to $65 for the shade. Also I was kind of wanting a glass shade (preferably in red) and not a fabric shade. I love me a big drum shade, but I felt like a glass shade would coordinate better with my kitchen style. So I decided to keep shopping. I mean don’t get me wrong, I love me some Ballard Designs, but I love me some “bargain designs” even more!
So, I ran into Lowe’s to see if they had anything similar to this adapter; and lo and behold there it was a recessed light conversion kit for get this – $17.97! Angels sing! There was also quite a few glass shades to choose from in the $15-$17 range! All-in-all about $33 for a pendent light- saaaawwweeeeeet! I bought 2 different red glass shades and held on to the receipt, so I could easily return the one that didn’t make the grade. This is so much easier than standing in the store trying to make a decision while you have 2 kids that are ready to skidoosh it on out of there (meaning out of snacks, climbing the walls, and just plain ready to leave). Plus things always look different in a store then they do at home.
When I got home here’s what I did – step-by-step:
1. Unscrewed the light bulb from the recessed light.
2. Opened the box to the recessed light conversion kit.
3. Skipped over reading the instructions, and just looked at the pictures.
4. Screwed the pendant light into the empty socket, and tightened the “twisty thing” at the base to make it flush with the ceiling. (As previously mentioned, I didn’t read the instructions which is why I have no idea what that “twisty thing” is actually called.)
5. Then I tried out both shades – stood back- and decided to go with this one.
It was literally that easy. Well, OK, later that night the hubs re-tightened that “twisty thing” to make the base even more flush with the ceiling. But that’s it! Like I said easy-peasy-rice-and-cheesy!
The next day I returned the shade that didn’t make it to the finale.
I just loooooove this red pendent light! Sometimes when I flip the switch to turn it on….I sing in my head – Carrrrrmmmmmel, you don’t have to turn on the red light. (Who doesn’t love The Police?) What can I say? Everyone – should – embrace – their – inner – dork.
So how do you let your light shine? What kind of lights do you like in a kitchen? Do tell!
That is a handy little gadget!