DIY Schoolhouse Light Fixture

So I’m surprisingly moving along pretty well with my house list goals for the year.  I’ve checked the entry foyer off the list, I’ve got a plan in place for the master bedroom and I’m starting to get a plan in motion for my girl’s room; so of course I’ve decided to go ahead and tackle the powder bathroom.  It’s a pretty small space, and it’s need of a little personality.  I shared the inspiration for the space a few weeks ago.  Over the weekend I tackled an idea I’ve had in my head for awhile.  I’ve long loved the look of schoolhouse style light fixtures, and I thought with a little spray paint I just might be able to create that look using the fixture we already had in the space.

before light fixture

(This light fixture had two frosted glass shades that I removed before snapping the above picture.)

The light fixture in this bathroom wasn’t bad at all; it just wasn’t exactly my style.  Though the thought of replacing it seemed silly since I did like the size and the overall shape but just wasn’t crazy about the brushed nickel finish.  To give it more of that classic schoolhouse style I picked up two white, bell-shaped glass replacement shades and some gloss black spray paint (Rustoleum brand is my favorite) at Lowe’s.  I already had painter’s tape (really love that 3M Safe Release tape I used to make the striped wall vases in the entry).  I measured and marked with a dry erase marker where I wanted to tape off the stripes.  The trick is to press the tape down firmly around the edges and spray multiple really light coats.

diy schoolhouse style light fixtures

Then you want to remove the tape before the paint is totally dry so that if there is any leakage you can easily scrape it off with a fingernail.  This project will probably end up ruining your manicure. #worthit

knockoff schoolhouse style wall sconce

The stripes aren’t totally “perfect” but that just gives these shades character right?  😉  It definitely gave this standard builder grade fixture some of that classic schoolhouse style I love so much and for very little money or time spent so I’m calling this project a win.

diy schoolhouse fixture

Now to finish up with the rest of this bathroom makeover.

schoolhouse style light fixture

I’m hoping to share more progress very soon!

diy schoolhouse style light fixture

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  • Super cute! There are so many ugly, outdated lights out there, and usually my first thought is to replace the darn things. Just goes to prove what a little paint can do!

  • Thanks! I bought them at Lowe’s. They carry a bunch of replacements shades ranging in price from around $3 to $10. Really affordable and lots of different styles to choose from right from what they carry in stock.

  • Lighting is one of the most personal design elements in a home. I tend to replace a lot of the time too because there are so many good affordable options out there, but whenever I can salvage something I go that route first. It just leaves more room in the design budget for other details.

  • Thanks doll! I’ve long loved your fixture in your kiddos bathroom and since the one we inherited here in this bathroom had similar lines I figured why not give spray paint a shot? Really, really love that painter’s tape by 3M – it’s the best I’ve ever used! Worked so well for these stripes!

  • Thanks Janet! I’m really pleased with how they turned out – I attribute the success to that awesome 3M painter’s tape! I’ll never stripe anything wihthout it. 😉

  • That is so cute! I have a feeling if I tried that those lines would not be straight 🙂 Can’t wait to see the whole bathroom.

  • Awesome idea! This project is going to be another standout! I’m particularly interested in your paint color choice. I’m painting my powder room next week, and still haven’t chosen a color. Such a challenge with the small space and low lighting. That and my procrastinating nature;)

  • This bathroom doesn’t have any windows and has a very small footprint, so I’m going light on the walls and adding tile for dimension and interest. Excited to share more soon!

  • Thanks Katie! I promise you it’s all about the right tape and pressing it firmly down. Plus when you remove the tape before it’s completely dry you have plenty of time to clean up the lines. I just used a fingernail to scratch off any area where the paint leaked. Really pretty easy!

  • Great idea! I have sprayed several lamps and light fixtures, but never the glass shades. Very cute results! Thanks for sharing your step by step process. Now I have an idea for our bathroom fixture that is almost identical to yours. Does the light show through the paint now that you are done with them?

  • It shows through a little but no different looking than any colored shade would be. They really don’t look painted because with the spray paint there are no brush strokes.

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