Replace Your Builder-Grade Ceiling Lights for Under $50

Photo by Douglas Sheppard on Unsplash

Builder-grade is boring. I just needed to put that out there to start. Don’t get me wrong: builder-grade isn’t inherently bad. It’s just very basic and intended to be as inexpensive and non-offensive as possible. Is that really the look you’re going for? I didn’t think so.

If you live in one of these — as many of us do — it can feel a little overwhelming to figure out where to start. The cabinets? The counters? The door knobs?

No, no, no. There is one very easy swap you can make right now that will make a HUGE impact. Are you ready for it? Okay…

REPLACE THOSE AWFUL BOOB LIGHTS!

Before we get to the good stuff, I want you to be aware that I sometimes use affiliate links in my posts. I may receive a small commission if you choose to purchase through those links but it is never at any additional cost to you and I only recommend products I would use in my own home. Thanks for supporting Bloom in the Black!

Builder Basic Light Fixtures Kinda Suck

I would venture to say that nobody who wants a beautiful home would actively choose a boob light. They scream, “Yeah, these just came with the house and I didn’t care enough to change them.”

Listen, no judgment here. I still have a bunch in my house after a year and a half because we are working on things in stages. But every time I change one out it brings me pure joy. It took me 15 minutes to go from this to this:

Can I Replace The Light Fixture Myself?

Yes! It’s a very easy DIY, assuming you have common sense and follow instructions (i.e. go down to the circuit breaker and cut the power to the light fixture you’re working on).

If this isn’t you, please, for the love of cheese, hire a pro. Have them do multiples at once for the best bang for your time and buck.

I thought about creating DIY tutorial but honestly, there are so many good ones online that it didn’t seem necessary. Here’s a really approachable and thorough explanation from Building Our Rez.

But Aren’t Lights That Don’t Suck Super Expensive?

Not. at. all. The sconces above my library (dog den) built-in were under $50!

Sputnik Flushmount  //  Wooden Cage  //  Industrial Vintage  //  Brass Mid-Century Minimal  //  Black Wire Cage  //  Glass Semi-Flush Pendant  //  Black Metal Sphere  //  Simple Black and Brass Flush Mount

I hope this little PSA has inspired you to make this simple yet powerful home upgrade.

I’m curious: do you prefer to DIY or hire a pro?