DIY Vintage Farmhouse Light Upgrade Using Existing Fixture


Hi there, Friends! Today I'm sharing my latest DIY project. I had been wanting to upgrade my dated kitchen light fixtures and ideally, hoped to replace the shades without having to change out the entire fixtures. However, after hunting unsuccessfully for some time, I was beginning to wonder if this would be an option. That is, until I shopped in Round Top...


DIY farmhouse light fixture update


....when I found two of these for 

DIY farmhouse light fixture update


fixtures that looked like this. I could picture the farmhouse style baskets in place of the dated frosted light shades but the challenge had been finding the right size. You'd be surprised how many different sizes there are! In my previous searching, I found those deep enough to accommodate the existing fixtures either had openings that were too large, or none at all. 


DIY updated farmhouse light fixture


Since I'd hunted high and low locally, the light fixture update was the biggest priority on my shopping list during our recent road trip.  I not only took measurements but also brought a tape measure and most importantly, parts of the fixtures to make sure they fit with my repurposed finds. When I saw that the basket's opening was large enough for the fixture rod, but not larger than the round bracket, I knew I had a winner. 


DIY updated farmhouse light fixture


To complete the vintage farmhouse vibe, I also switched out the light bulbs from chandelier style to retro Edison types. These can be pricey, but I found better prices available online; see the links at the bottom of the post.


DIY updated farmhouse light fixture


Now I was ready to center the basket over the fixture,


DIY farmhouse light fixture update


add the round fitting and secure it all with the fixture's finial. 


updated farmhouse light fixture


Ta-daaaa! Two down--one to go!


DIY farmhouse light fixture upgrade









This vintage barn light shade that I found on the first day of the trip was just what I hoped to find for the fixture over my breakfast table.  

updated farmhouse light fixture


While this may seem like an obvious choice, I'd run into two obstacles that prevented me from buying previously. First, most of these included the whole light fixture which I didn't need and of course raised the price significantly.  Second, the size of the opening had once again been a challenge; most were larger than what I needed. I made sure to bring the round white fitting with me. It was the perfect fit that sold me. Incidentally, I didn't see any others during our shopping trip that were the right size or didn't include the fixture so I sure was glad I bought mine. 


vintage farmhouse light fixture upgrade


Here's the fixture ready for its new shade...


DIY farmhouse light fixture update
This post contains affiliate links for suggested supplies. See full disclosure here.


...which slid right over the grooves and just needed to be screwed on with the ring adapter. The most difficult task in this project was finding just the right pieces. 


updated farmhouse light fixture


Just as I envisioned! The vintage upgrades are perfect with the rest of my kitchen and I was able to update all three for under $50. 


updated vintage barn light




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DIY vintage farmhouse light upgrade


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  1. Those are so cool Cecilia! I can imagine it was some doing to find the right sizes you needed.

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  2. So creative and clever. Pinning and sharing!

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  3. Good job Cecilia ... bet it really changed the look in your kitchen. My favorite is the green barn shade for over your kitchen table. Such good condition. Most that I have found are chipped and rusted. I love that type of shade and have one over a fountain by the back patio. I think I may just need one over my breakfast table.
    Sunday blessings,
    Audrey Z. @ Timeless Treasures

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  4. I love what you did with your existing light fixtures. You are so resourceful!

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  5. Yay for finding the right-sized baskets and shade. They look great!

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  6. Your long hunt finally paid off...they look great!

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  7. They are amazing!! Love them!! Thanks so much for stopping by!!
    Hugs.,
    Deb

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  8. Amazing that you made them both...fabulous!! :)

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