Another great find from the weekend, this time at the Hell's Kitchen Flea Market on 39th, was this 1930s schoolhouse light fixture. I've been looking for something like this for my kitchen for quite a while. Problem is, they're always so expensive! When it comes to lighting, it's rare to go to a flea market and find multiples of a fixture. They're usually just onsies or, at the most, a pair. In my case, I only needed a single fixture anyway, so this one was perfect!
I love the white porcelain base, as well as the shape: it's vintage, but it feels modern at the same time. When you're buying an older fixture, just make sure that the mechanisms are good. This one was a little faulty, so on the way home, I did a quick stop at the hardware store to pick up a new porcelain socket. When I got home, I was quickly reminded of how ugly the one I have now is. It's the cheap fallback favorite of every New York landlord, and I couldn't wait to get rid of it!
Even if you rent, it's easy enough to swap out less-than-appealing light fixtures for something better. Just make sure you save the old one to replace it when you move. Now I've done this a few times (my father Walter is an electrician!), so I pretty much know how it goes. My advice is to do your homework first. Both Lowe's and eHow have pretty good explanations. Make sure you have everything you need ahead of time too, including electrical tape and caps. A professional electrician can cost up to $150 an hour, so as soon as you get the hang of it, so to speak, you'll save yourself a lot of money!
What a difference, isn't it? I love the white porcelain with all the ironstone china above the cabinets. So, even if you rent, don't settle for cookie-cutter fixtures! Lighting can make (or break) a room. Find a fixture you love—and if it's vintage, all the better (and greener!)—read up on how to install it, and I promise you'll be much happier with the result!
Have you conquered cookie-cutter lighting in your home? Need a suggestion for a fabulous new fixture? Be sure to leave a comment and let me know.
WOW! This are so beautiful for having as an accessories for a new home.
Deirdre G
Posted by: homes for sale philippines | February 17, 2010 at 01:21 AM
Eddie - I recently bought a 1951 brick bungalow that has been long neglected. Sometime in the 1970s or early 80s all the original lighting was replaced with icky very generic lighting. Im slowly but surely replacing every light fixture in the house trying to stay true to the original architecture - I have had some luck online with reproductions, but any advice you have about styles to look for - specifically for the living/ dining/ kitchen would be much appreciated :) btw, i thought you should have won top design!
Posted by: jenn | November 10, 2008 at 05:18 PM
What color paint is on the wall?
Posted by: Downtown | October 09, 2008 at 01:51 PM
I rent in an apartment in Toronto Canada. I found an old brass, tarnished vintage chandalier. Spray painted it white and hung crystals on it (found at a local garage sale). I installed it in my bedroom - it adds a sparkle and glamour to the room - total cost - $12!!!!!
Posted by: Mona | September 24, 2008 at 10:34 AM
i love the 3 platters on your wall. do you know where i could find something similar?
Posted by: Wendy | September 22, 2008 at 04:15 PM
What a great find! I live in a 1928 bungalow and have been searching for a new fixture for my kitchen. Any ideas that won't break the bank? I love your blog by the way!
Posted by: Ameleah | September 19, 2008 at 12:52 AM
Ick, we have the exact same fixture in our kitchen! What a lucky find! And your ironstone -- to DIE for.
Just found your blog and will be coming back EVERY day. Thanks for sharing all of your wonderful finds and ideas!
Posted by: Jennifer | September 18, 2008 at 11:50 AM
Glad you were able to find something great at HKFM! :)
Posted by: FleaSpeech | September 03, 2008 at 12:14 PM