Splurge vs. Save: Lighting
We’ve all been there, for some reason lighting is intimidating. Maybe it’s the electricity element, the fact that some fixtures are hardwired, or just that you’ve always rented and never had to even know the difference between a sconce and flush mount fixture. But spending more money doesn’t necessarily mean you get a better result. What’s important is that you end up with gorgeous fixtures that don’t blow your budget, that are appropriate for the space you’re filling, and you LOVE LOVE LOVE them when it’s all said and done. Here are a few of the most popular styles – and a splurge or save option for each. Some of these I have personally installed at my own projects. Please note, there are affiliate links in this article, and if you follow certain links and end up making a purchase, I could receive a commission.
Sputnick Chandeliers
These have sprung up everywhere lately. They manage to elegantly combine midcentury playfulness with the rustic and serious feel of the steampunk vibe. Sputniks were everywhere in the 1950’s and 60s and they are back! A good sputnik doesn’t have to break the bank, however…
Splurge: Braggs 20-light Sputnick Chandelier
Available at Wayfair for $799.99. Originally $1347.00, 41% off.
Save: Brooklyn Bulb Co’s 16 -light Medium Sputnik Hanging Chandelier
Available on Amazon for $269.00
In this case, I chose to save. I actually bought and installed this Sputnik fixture from Brooklyn Bulb Co. in my stairway and I love it! If you’re worried about using Edison bulbs and not getting enough light, don’t. With 16 bulbs, it’s plenty bright. Alternatively, and to go green, you can buy a super bright, 700 lumen round LED bulb here that has the Edison bulb look but still saves on energy.
Nautical Exterior Fixtures
Like the Sputnik, these have grown in popularity recently as well. A staple on ships, commonplace at Coast Guard buildings, and frequently found on Cape Cod style homes throughout New England, these ocean-inspired outdoor lights are beautiful and waterproof. Don’t they kind of make you want a cup of clam chowder?
Splurge: Restoration Hardware Starboard Sconce
Available at Restoration Hardware $399.00, or $299.00 for members. Antique Nickel, Bronze, Antiqued Brass, Polished Nickel.
Save: Marlowe Galvanized Outdoor Metal Cage Wall Light
Available from Amazon for $39.95 plus Free Prime Shipping! Galvanized or Oil Rubbed Bronze.
I’ve been eyeballing the Starboard Sconce from Restoration Hardware for years. Every once in a while I’ll show Jason a picture of it and be like, “Honey isn’t that so pretty?” But I haven’t met a project yet where I can afford them. The problem may lie in the fact that as an outdoor fixture, if you want to install more than one light, you need to buy multiples of these. I chose to save in this case. And I chose that option twice. First, at the trailer project, I chose a slightly different variation of this Galvanized sconce for our front entrance, and then just last year, during phase one of the Farmhouse renovation, I bought this version for our front porch. I liked it so much that just last weekend, my father and I installed a second one next to our side door. I’m telling you, these do not rust, you don’t notice that pattern on them at all, and the price. is. right.
Telescoping Table Lamps
These beautiful lamps are a little bit serious and a little perplexing. They make me think of architects and engineers, remind me of the 1920s and the industrial revolution. They are refined and will complement a lot of spaces.
Splurge: Illusion 30″ Table Lamp by Theodor Alexander
Available at Wayfair $806.47. Originally $1110.00, 27% off.
Save: West Elm Telescoping Table Lamp – Black
Available at West Elm $149 plus 20% off with code THEBEST. (Limited time offer).
Ok, seriously. These don’t even look that different. Same shade, same black circular base. Alright, Alright, yes, that is real marble on the one from Theodore Alexander. And the illusion element is lacking in the West Elm version. But I still say save! With an enthusiastic hand in the air. I own this West Elm lamp in white and I love it. It’s in my upstairs guest room at the Farmhouse. See it in the Farmhouse tour here.
Vintage Barn Sconces
Barnboard, barnwood, barn lights, it seems like everyone is going barn crazy. But it’s for good reason. These fixtures bring a rustic feel and have that all-American vibe. They conjure up thoughts of middle American homesteads at the turn of the century, when hard work and manual labor were a part of daily life. They represent a back to basics mindset that is catching on. It doesn’t hurt that the big gooseneck arm has a pleasing shape and these aren’t a struggle to gaze at…
Splurge: Restoration Hardware Vintage Barn Outdoor Sconce
Available at Restoration Hardware $329.00, or $246.00 for members. Matte Black, Weathered Rust, Weathered Zinc.
Save: Design House Mason 1 Indoor/Outdoor Wall Light, 8-10″
Available from Amazon for $29.99 – $41.99 plus Free Prime Shipping! Black, Forest Green, Galvanized, Navy Blue, Oil Rubbed Bronze, Rustic Red, White.
Ok, so I know you think I’m going to say save again, but this time, I’m going to encourage you to splurge. On an item that has a larger surface area like this, I really think the beauty of the patina on those Restoration Hardware sconces is worth it. Also, The shape of the neck is prettier, and the connections have more detail. I have to admit I’m torn between the Weathered Rust and the Matte Black but if you told me to choose right now, I would go with Matte Black. But IF you happen to be reading this post to find ways to save on lighting, I can’t say anything against this Mason light from Amazon, and who doesn’t love free shipping? I do prefer the 10″ version, which is not available in my favorite finishes of Navy Blue or Rustic Red. However, if you go for the Galvanized, which I always love the look of on the outside of a building, you can get the 10″ size for the $29.99 price. I think that’s a pretty screamin’ deal.
Midcentury Table Lamps
Who isn’t kind of awed by the playful lines of midcentury design? There’s a reason it keeps coming back and why an entire nation , ahem, Sweden, is known for the design. It’s fun, it’s interesting, it’s colorful, and it’s inviting. And if you’re a little unsure of switching your whole living room over to mod couches and chaises right away, what better way to experiment with the style than an innocent little table lamp here and there?
Splurge: Longneck 33″ Table Lamp by Barbara Cosgrove
Available at Wayfair $616.83
Save: Signature Design by Ashley Stacia Table Lamp
Available on Amazon, $78.00 & FREE Shipping, for — a SET OF 2!
So, I think you probably know which way I’m leaning here. This I Dream of Genie shape is super cool and looks great in both versions, but I would go save this time. And I did. This gorgeous grey and wooden lamp is in my master bedroom, and also in my downstairs guest room at the farmhouse. I love the light it gives off. There’s something about that grey shade that makes a beautiful, muted light. I am sitting in the downstairs guest room right now as I write, and that lamp is the only light I have turned on. That’s how much I like it. Bonus that you actually get 2 lamps in this deal.
Kitchen Pendants
I’d be remiss if I didn’t include kitchen pendants in this post, but let me tell you, I think I could probably do an entire post on kitchen pendants, there are so many to choose from. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t spend at least 2 weeks worth of evenings searching through kitchen pendants on multiple sites and saving all my favorites. But once again, I will give you one splurge and one option that I actually used.
Splurge: Feiss Fronte 10″ W Satin Nickel 1-Light Glass Mini Pendant
Available at Lamps Plus for $225.00 + FREE Shipping.
Save: Purcell 1-Light Mini Pendant by Trent Auston Design
Available on Wayfair for $38.99.
If you’ve checked out my posts on the trailer kitchen remodel, or looked at either of our home tours or rental pages, you’ll already know which way I went on this one. It was save all the way. At first, I chose these for the trailer. We were doing a flip, so I needed something inexpensive. We also had a small space and I loved the clear glass shade. It felt at once modern and antique because of the Edison bulb within. The small size of these lights allowed us to comfortably fit 2 above the trailer island. In the farmhouse, I honestly ran out of time and couldn’t decide on a splurge option, so I went with these again, having been happy with them at the trailer and feeling that they were a good placeholder while we waited to expand our kitchen. I also liked that they combined the black and antiqued brassy bronze color. I felt that it would make it easier to mix hardware finishes in the other kitchen elements.
I hope this post has been helpful, and has allowed you to make some easy decisions about lighting. Whether to splurge or save is always a tough decision. Remember, if you save, you can always splurge later on, but if you splurge and don’t love your purchase, often you are stuck with the item for a long time. Happy shopping!
