During my time as a home stager, one of the most common recommendations I made during the staging consultation process was to update light fixtures. Outdated builder-grade light fixtures do nothing to enhance the appeal of a property.
Homeowners were often reluctant to follow through on this recommendation because they don’t want to spend money hiring an electrician to install new fixtures or deal with drywall patching and the other minor repairs that often go along with the process of replacing a fixture.
Fortunately, there are a variety of relatively pain-free DIY options for dealing with outdated light fixtures.
Let’s explore some options for how to update your outdated light fixtures.
Four Ways to Update Your Light Fixtures
This post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience (which means if you make a purchase after clicking a link I will earn a small commission, but it won’t cost you a penny more)! Click here to read my full disclosure policy.
1. Updating Light Fixtures with Spray Paint
If your outdated lighting fixture has chipping paint or is not the most attractive color BUT has “good bones”, then spray painting it may be your best option.
All you have to do is head on over to Pinterest and do a quick search for light fixture painting tutorials, and you will have all of the information that you need to pull off this easy DIY project. For instance, check out HGTV’s step-by-step guide.
2. Update Your Light Fixtures with New Shades
If you have a chandelier that screams 1993, it may simply be time to change out the chandelier shades. Replacing traditional bell-shaped shades with a more contemporary drum shade in a neutral color such as the one featured below can make all the difference.
3. Updating Light Fixtures with a Conversion Kit
Many home improvement stores now offer various lighting conversion kits that make changing the look of your light fixture a snap. For example, take a look at this conversion kit that enables you to easily transform a recessed light into a pendant light:
Got “Hollywood-style” bathroom fixtures?
Despite the name, this type of fixture is anything BUT glamorous! Just use a vanity light refresh conversion kit to remedy this common eyesore:
4. Updating Light Fixtures by Replacing with Wireless Light Fixtures
Another option for adding on-trend lighting in your home is to use a wireless fixture that can be installed anywhere (no wiring = super simple).
Remove your old light fixture and simply place the new one on top of the fixture mounting plate. This option is also great for creating additional lighting in a room that receives little natural light.
This type of fixture is powered by batteries and typically includes a remote control wall switch to enable you to turn it on and off just like a standard light.
And look at some of the gorgeous wireless lighting options that are out there:
The bottom line is this. If you are selling your home (or just want to freshen it up a bit), there’s no need to be intimidated by the process of updating those dated light fixtures any longer!
Which option will you try in your home?
While you’re at it, why not update those dated exterior light fixtures too!
More Ways to Level Up Your Home:
Got plans to sell your home?
I’ve created The Home Selling Tool Kit, a free resource for helping you sell your home fast and for top dollar. Click on the image below to learn more about it and to download the Tool Kit for yourself!
Pin It
Sharon says
I have Holywood lighting in my bathroom it is rusting how do i fix it?
Natalie Gallagher says
I would use a conversion kit to upgrade it (see the ones I feature in this post)
Cindy Illig-Lum says
Hi Natalie,
I just wanted to say thanks for this piece on swapping out light fixtures. I caught it in my news feed which led me to surfing around your web site and learning more about you, Dr. Gallagher! Nice work, nice informative web site and great serving at Northcoast Ohio NAPO with you. I plan to take the time to get to know each of my colleagues a bit better because I had so much fun learning about you and Refined Rooms.
Natalie Gallagher says
Thanks for the feedback Cindy! Glad you found this post valuable.