...because home doesn't happen overnight.

Now that the master bathroom is done {from a renovation standpoint}, we’ve made a shopping list of what finishing items are left to purchase. One item on the list is a ceiling light for the master bedroom. I thought it sounded like a fun item to start with. More fun than register covers, that’s for sure.

{view of master bedroom from master bathroom}

Yes, I finally got around to deep cleaning all the bedrooms over the weekend. No more construction dust! We can actually see out the windows now, too. More details on that coming in a separate post. Back to the lighting issue…

So far the rest of the Underdog’s lighting is simple – even industrial. In the bedroom, though, I’m thinking of something a little more dreamy. But still simple. Since we’ve been frugal with our lighting options elsewhere, I’ve set the master bedroom ceiling light budget at $200. Not outrageous but I consider it a splurge for us. {The cost of the boys’ bedroom, nursery and dining lights was less than $80 total.} I’ve just started browsing and put together a roundup of my favorites to date. Of course, I may end up buying a light that’s not even on this list but I thought I’d share my search for those of you who are curious about my thought process.

master bedroom lighting

1 – Dandelion Chandelier {$200} This chandy features thin brushed steel wire wound into a sphere. I like the feathery texture and think it would put off a warm glow when lit.

2 – Star Chandelier {$196} Twinkle, twinkle little star. I imagine the rays of light and shadows this starlight puts off are amazing.

3 – Golden Bronze Criss-Cross Pendant {$200} The mix of bronzed metal, fabric shade and crystals is unique. I especially like the ‘X’ pattern of the metal.

4 – Capiz Pendant {$70} This shimmery chandy may look familiar. I hung it in the master bedroom of our previous home and it stayed there with the sale of the house. It’s the least expensive option I’ve found so far but a lighting kit has to be purchased separately as the chandy doesn’t include one. As much as I dig it, I kinda feel like ‘been there done that.’ It would totally work but I’m itching to switch things up. I don’t want the Underdog’s decor to be a reproduction of our last home. Still, it’s a great piece.

5 – White Cloud Pendant {$150} Sleeping under this cumulus-like pendant would feel like sleeping under the open sky. It has a very organic aesthetic that I’m lovin’ too.

6 – Zig Zag Acrylic Pendant {$177} This is probably the most modern option I like. The frosted acrylic zig zags are arranged in a way that gives the light a woven appearance. This pendant is also one of the smaller options so I’d have to double check measurements before saying ‘yay’ or ‘nay.’

A few other thoughts I have about lighting for the master bedroom…

  • The placement of the bed will be beneath the window seen above, directly across from the bathroom. That means the centered ceiling light will hang just above the foot of the bed so a hanging pendant/chandy will work – as opposed to a flush mount light – since there won’t be anybody walking around under the light.
  • The wattage of the ceiling light doesn’t have to be super powerful. For one, I like a dimly lit bedroom. Second, I really want to hang two wall sconces bedside for reading. HH and I are both bedtime readers. Between the ceiling light and two wall sconces {not to mention mounted lights in the closet}, I think the lighting will be sufficient for what we need. Ambience.

How does Handy Hubby feel about the possibilities? He likes them all – some more than others. Like with any other decorating decisions, he’s leaving the search up to me. I narrow the options down, show them to him and then we make the final decision together to ensure it’s something we can both live with. Over the years, we’ve found this is the best way for us to make home decor choices together.

Narrowing down the possibilities to a select few is key. HH isn’t good at making decisions when there’s a huge playing field to choose from. {Unless you’re talking about girls, that is. He did make a pretty good choice on that one. Ha!} For example, HH has been looking for a new pair of shoes for months now. Zappos has him corn-fused with their huge selection. He’s easily distracted.

What about you? Any lighting purchases recently? Any in your future? Any thoughts on bedroom lighting? Any other ideas on how to make joint decorating decisions?

images: Dana Miller for House*Tweaking

63 Comments

I love the cloud pendant, it’ so unique! But I’m really drawn to the criss-cross pendant. Its like the perfect mix of industrial and romantic!

29.March.2012

I vote for the cloud! I also love the capiz chandy, but I am like you Dana. I didn’t use many of the same colors or features in my second house as I did my first. Like your two houses they are such completely different styles! I like all of these options, but I like the cloud the best!

29.March.2012

The star is my favorite of the bunch.

29.March.2012

Love the Dandelion! We’re fans of lamps and bedside lighting so I’m right there with you on dimmer lighting in general. Can’t wait to see what you will pick.

29.March.2012

I vote for #3 or #6. :) What are you going to do about the vent being underneath the bed? My hubby has OCD issues with covering vents with furniture….Thoughts? Suggestions?

29.March.2012

I vote #2 or #4! They’re both lovely. Although based on price I’d go with #4 :D

29.March.2012

The last lights we purchased were for our bathroom. We went the sconce route after seeing it in your blog but with a less industrial look (more shiny and ornamental). We had to light a little corner in the bathroom as well and we chose something a little unusual (as in a “flexible” light). We actually have a faux capiz in our bedroom (white though) so I sure love that one ! I like them all, but I think the star is kind of cool ! Take care !

29.March.2012

Ooh – I love #3. That one stands out the most to me as a marriage between masculine and feminine, industrial and classic. And the x’s make it modern. We have lighting choices to make on the new place that we’re buying and moving into in May. Each bedroom MUST have a ceiling fan since we live in a hot climate. I usually go for classic and understated so the fans will most likely be a nickel finish with cherry wood blades. I prefer the three light attachment as opposed to the boobish bowl attachment. I need to purchase sconces for either side of the fireplace – the ones there now are straight out of 1979. The dining room chandelier is already covered – my crystal chandelier is making the move with us.

Anyway, while my husband has an opinion on just about everything, he seems to trust my decisions when it comes to design. I’m quite practical and understated in my choices and he likes that. I force him to think outside of the box on occasion and ask him to just trust me if he doesn’t see it. 100% of the time, he likes what I choose. I think he’s a keeper. ;-)

29.March.2012

I love no. 3 and 4. The others are too fancy for my taste. I love the capiz one and we have one like that in our downstairs bathroom. I like the sounds they make when the window is open and the single shells are shaken a little. I absolutely adore no. 3. I think it also matches the rest of your house. I have recently bought new lighting for our dining table and my daughter’s bedroom, but you cannot compare that. Had I had the chance to get one like no. 3 for our house (lamps like that are not available here in Germany yet), I would not have minded even a higher price tag. I mean if you love something, you will probably keep it for a long time and it’s okay to spend a little more.
Jule

29.March.2012

I like 3 or 6 the best!

29.March.2012

In my next house I will have a Moravian star light somewhere – so that would be my pick! Can you put it on a dimmer for even more ambience?

Tell HH that the floors & master bath are amazing! It really shows his dedication to a job well done. You two make a great team.

29.March.2012

The White Cloud Pendant is definitely my favorite of the bunch for the room! Whatever you pick will be gorge though.

29.March.2012

#1 or #4.

I have a larger version of #6 in my library and I love it, but it doesn’t really give me a bedroom vibe. It also doesn’t diffuse light coming out the bottom, so depending on the placement of your bed that may be an issue.

29.March.2012

I love #3! I have problems placing our bed in front of a window & can’t wait to see how you do it!

29.March.2012

I think I like option 1 and 3 the best. I know, they are kind of opposite sides of the spectrum. I used to not like drum shades but I’m starting to love them. I posted about one on my blog that I found at the Habitat ReStore. It was only $45 and I think I found the actual retail price on another blogger’s site – $169. I haven’t bought it yet but I think I’ll have to go back this weekend and if it is still there that baby is mine.

29.March.2012

#3 and #6 would be my choices…love them both!

29.March.2012

I vote for #2, I think the shadows it will cast will really enhance the room’s ambiance!

As for floor registers, there are some very pretty register covers with great designs at Lowe’s & Home Depot! It might make the task a bit more enjoyable. :)

29.March.2012

I know you like a good DIY project, so I thought I’d pass this your way…
http://www.younghouselove.com/2011/08/320-pins/

29.March.2012

I love all of your options! Whichever you choose will be fantastic. I absolutely love your style.

29.March.2012

I love 3 and 5. They’re both unique and would definitely add the ambiance that you want in your bedroom.
As for making design choices in my home, I do the same as you for the most part. I narrow it down to a few choices then get his opinion. He tends to like whatever I do anyway, so he would be fine with me making all of the choices without his input. His only request is that I don’t get anything pink, ha!
I love how “the underdog” is coming together. Actually, I don’t even consider it an underdog anymore :)

http://MyersMaison.blogspot.com

29.March.2012

I love the star light! I’ve been wanting one of those for at least a year! I just can’t pull the trigger because of the price!

29.March.2012

A quick note on #2…if it’s anything like mine, it takes ONE chandy bulb, and puts out very little actual light. My room is a tad smaller than yours, too, and has natural light, and the star is really just decoration, it provides no usable light, really. I think #5 or 6 is best. #6 seems to tie into your bathroom a bit. But, since I don’t know the # of bulbs or wattage, can’t really say!

I have a very similar light to #2 in our guest bedroom and I LOVE it.. see it in action at http://whatthevita.wordpress.com/2011/06/22/make-a-wish-on-this-star/

It doesn’t give out TOO MUCH light but just right. And yes the shadows on the ceiling at night is beautiful. It gives the blank-slate guest room a great oomph and I love it. Highly recommended!

Your new house is looking great so far! What you’re doing – downsizing, reno-ing an older home, etc – is something we’re seriously considering doing in a few years. For now, I’m happy to follow along on your adventures :)

29.March.2012

Elisa – Ooooh! Lovely!

29.March.2012

Melissa – You know I love me some YHL! Their laundry room clothespin light is fantastic!

29.March.2012

I love #5! It is so different but not loud or showy.

I am in crazy love with number 3!

29.March.2012

J – My preference would be not to place the bed in front of the window but it’s really the only spot that will work for proper traffic flow. I have seen some really great images of beds in front of windows on Pinterest and DecorPad, so maybe it won’t be all that bad. One thing I’ve decided not to do is hide/disguise the window. I want the natural light!

29.March.2012

I love #2 and #3 but you really can’t go wrong with any of these choices!

29.March.2012

Carrie – Honestly, we haven’t really thought about the floor vent being under the bed. We may get one of those extenders to guide the air out from under the bed or we may just leave it as-is if heating/cooling seem to be unaffected by it. We’ll see…

I really love the cloud one – it’s not one you see all the time. I think you could create a really great space around it! -Kristen

29.March.2012

I know you didn’t necessarily ask for our opinion, but #2 and #3 are my favorites! I l-o-v-e the look of #3, but for some reason I feel like #2 would fit in the best with the look of the master bathroom. Anyway, I like all of your options! :)

29.March.2012

My fave’s are #3 and #2 (in that order). It just depends on the style you choose for your bedroom. You have to live with it!

29.March.2012

Someday my dream house will have a moravian star pendant light. Until then, I encourage you to get one so I can drool over yours! /grin

Your decor decision making process is exactly how we picked out a name for our daughter. I came up with a list of acceptable names and he picked the winner. When we picked names for our first child I made the mistake of letting him choose his own list and got names like Ney. He said it was the name of a general in the Napoleonic war(seriously??). Needless to say, our son is not named Ney.

29.March.2012

I VOTE #3. Love Love Love it!! Perfect blend of masculine & feminine and I am all for the bronzed metal looks. I hear the brushed gold is coming back in. It would add some warmth to your cool tone room.

29.March.2012

Ha ha. My first thought when looking through your choices was that I loved number 4 the best – and then I read what you wrote about it and laughed. Well either way, that one gets my vote. I love the star chandelier too but it just doesn’t seem ‘bedroomy’ to me. All great chandys though!

I like all of them, but my deciding factor would be the wattage of bulb. Some of those decorative lights only allow for one 60 watt bulb, which wouldn’t cut it for me.

30.March.2012

I’m surprised at how many people are drawn to the same ones I was drawn to. Number 3 is a classic choice, but I love that number 6 mimics the pattern/texture of your bathroom tile.

I love star lights – so my vote is on # 2.
If I lived in the US I would get this one:
http://www.shadesoflight.com/moravian-star-ceiling-light.html
(slightly cheaper than your option, and 10% off using code YHL0811 (thru May 31st))
All I ever found here in Germany was this small version that I think looks great in my guest bathroom:
http://heim-elich.blogspot.de/2012/03/makeover-gastebad-accessoires.html
and
http://heim-elich.blogspot.de/2012/03/makeover-gastebad-das-ergebnis.html

30.March.2012

My vote is for # 3 and 6. I’m still searching for a great bargain regarding a chandelier that speaks to my partner and I, but there’s one that has been constantly on my mind. I can understand about some apprehension in placing the bed in front of the window, but it really works! A few years back I was trying to think of better furniture placement and moved the bed in front of the window. Not only does it look nice, but it has elongated our bedroom (which makes it look much bigger).

30.March.2012

HI!! I’VE BEEN READING YOUR WEBSITE FOR A LONG TIME NOW!
RECENTLY WE BOUGHT STH TO COVER THE LIGHT BULB :)
AFTER 1 1/2 YEAR OF LEAVING IN OUR HOUSE (IN GREECE), AND AFTER MILLION OF HOURS OF SEARCHING, WE FINALLY ENDED UP ON ONE FROM IKEA.
THE NAME IS “LERAN” CODE: 90112705 WITH A 60cm DIAMETER! IT’S SO COOL BECAUSE NOT ONLY IT’S BIG AND IT IS AN ACTUAL STATEMENT FOR OUR LIVING ROOM, BUT IT ALSO GIVES A GREAT AND ROMANTIC LIGHT!!!I LOVE IT!!!
FROM YOUR LIST, I PREFER THE 4th ONE, THAT LOOKS LIKE YOUR PREVIOUS ONE!!
LoVe
NaTaLiA

30.March.2012

for sure I would go with the cloud pendant #5- I think it’s modern & fun!!

30.March.2012

Speaking of clouds… We replaced all the builder-grade (really awful!) ceiling lights in our 1980s house with these http://www.ylighting.com/m342.htmlhttp://www.ylighting.com/m342.html
They are probably too “plain jane” for you, but I love their simplicity. The catalog photo doesn’t do the beauty of the Italian glass justice. To me they look like simple, puffy clouds.

30.March.2012

#3 all the way. I could imagine this light working with different types of decor. But of course it’s not my house :) All of them are pretty awesome.

30.March.2012

My vote is for #3. Just gorgeous!!

30.March.2012

I love love love 3 and 4. I bet they will trow around some very beautiful and romantic light patterns. I think the rustic softness of them will be a great balance to the dark floors and bright walls. LOVE how the house is coming BTW. I’m trying to convince my husband that we should do vaulted plank ceilings and your home is my main support.

They are all great options, but I just LOVE #5! Can’t wait to see what you choose :)

30.March.2012

My favorite is the fist one dandellion looking one. Can’t wait to see wut u choose.

30.March.2012

I come here every day looking for that baby! When you have it just post us a picture. You don’t need to blog right away. just post the picture.

30.March.2012

Yesterday on the blog “Parlour” she had a moodboard with a star light – when I followed the link it took me here – http://www.directfrommexico.com/starlights.html. The cool thing is they come in different sizes and with frosted or clear glass – I personally love the 20 inch frosted glass, but they come smaller as well. There are also some cool ceiling medallions or whatever they are called, one is a mirrored star – check them out!

30.March.2012

Love your choices! I have always loved this light as well:
http://www.lampsplus.com/products/solaris-collection-3-light-modern-pendant-light__k4945.html
It is also available in bronze. Can’t wait to see how the bedroom comes together…the house is fantastic so far! My husband and I hope to take on an “underdog”, too.

30.March.2012

I like #3, personally. As far as lighting for our house goes, we recently relocated from Indianapolis to Phoenix with my hubby’s job. We opted to downsize (not easy to do with 5 kids!) and decided to rent until we knew the area better. While I’m sure I will soon tire of light fixtures that I didn’t pick, I’m honestly enjoying NOT picking anything for a change! Thank goodness for so many lovely design sites (like yours) that allow me to browse without having to commit or pay for anything!

30.March.2012

#3 is BEAUTIFUL!! Droooool :)

31.March.2012

I know everyone is showing interest in the lights, but I am mostly wondering if you are off having the baby. I worked in the Mother/Baby unit, so perhaps that is why I am so excited about your baby, but I bet we’re all super waiting to hear your news. Anyway, now when you click my name it doesn’t go to hotel spam, it goes to my blog where I told the story of how to have a baby when you are ready. Hope things are going well!

I love the Moravian star – it’s such a great look and I agree with you on the ceiling pattern it would create. We just started installing our lighting and the foyer light creates a great pattern – which I like better than the fixture itself!!!
http://sopocottage.blogspot.com/2012/03/let-there-be-light-and-kitchen-sneak.html

But I’m completely stuck when it comes to picking out the bedroom lights. It’s so hard to find something that ties to our 1900 Victorian that doesn’t cost a fortune!

I can’t wait to see what you decide on!

Laurel

02.April.2012

I love #6. Not a popular one I guess but I think it goes with the modern look of your house, a little romantic, and yet still a little masculine which I know is a requirement for sharing a bedroom with my DH. ;P

02.April.2012

Just coming on by to see if there was a baby update!!

I love all your lighting options, but my favorite would definitely be number 2! So fun!

02.April.2012

Laurel – Your kitchen is so beautiful!

Thanks so much – I’ll post some more pics in a few weeks when we get it finished. But I have to tell you, the victorian pendant that’s over the island was an unbelievable bargain – $29!!! I found it on the back of a shelf in the clearance section. And it really fit the period of the home, so I couldn’t pass it up!! I do love a bargain!!!

02.May.2012
02.May.2012

Mary – Never too late for more lights!

15.May.2012

did you decide on a light for you bedroom?

15.May.2012

Check out the end of today’s post to find out. Hint: no!