My Home Office Lighting Plan (+ Lamp Makeover)
Things are moving right along with my home office renovation. Emmett has been making awesome construction progress, and I’ve been working behind-the-scenes to get everything ordered (lead times are kind of crazy right now). This week has been focused on ordering lighting for the space. Luckily, everything I ordered is in-stock, so fixtures should be to us within 3-4 weeks. Per usual, I did a little splurging and saving in regards to the lighting plan. You know I’m all about mixing high & low. Click through to check out my lighting design plan, as well as a fun floor lamp makeover. I feel like I’ve painted a lot of lamps lately, but this one might be my favorite yet.
*This post is sponsored by Krylon. All content, ideas, and words are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that allow us to create unique content while featuring products we actually use & enjoy!
First up- the quick lamp DIY. I actually included this floor lamp in my Tips for Layering Lighting Like a Designer post, and couldn’t stop thinking about it. It fit the budget, but the color didn’t work with my office renovation vision. I’m guessing you can predict what happened next. I bought it anyway and painted it! It has a gorgeous designer shape with a tapered shade, and I feel like it looks far more expensive than it actually is.
I’m primarily sticking with oil rubbed bronze fixtures, and antique brass. You already know it’s one of my favorite classic combinations, and that’s the direction I’m headed in my office. The only problem? Replicating a high-end oil rubbed bronze finish that looks convincing is easier said than done. I felt like painting the lamp matte black wouldn’t have that same metallic effect that nice, higher-end lighting usually has. I ended up testing a few different paints and landed on Krylon’s Fusion All-In-One spray paint in Metallic Oil Rubbed Bronze. The color is really good and I’ve used Fusion in the past and know that it’s super durable and includes rust protection. I also knew that it would easily bond to the surface without priming or sanding, saving me some time… so it was an easy pick!
I sprayed (well technically I asked Emmett to spray for a couple of photos- insert man hands instead of my own) the lamp in VERY thin coats because it has a sliding mechanism- as in, the height is adjustable. I wanted to ensure the paint wasn’t so thick, that the slider would scratch into it. Spoiler alert- it still functions great and hasn’t scratched the paint… just apply multiple thin layers and be gentle when sliding, if you’re planning to tackle this project.
Another good tip for spraying thin, even layers… I refuse to spray paint without my snap & spray handle. Go grab one of these handy $8 tools and thank me later. It’s much more ergonomic, making it easier to spray consistently, without getting a sore index finger.
Back to the paint- it’s a nice dark black, with a metallic bronze undertone… that looks just like oil rubbed bronze. It has some sparkly bits mixed in, without looking glittery or cheap. It just gives it that iridescent color that true metal light fixtures have.
This is how the floor lamp looked after it dried! I’m really liking the high contrast, that helps to show off the thin shape and subtle curve beneath the swing arm shade.
For $115 and a can of spray paint, I’m quite thrilled with the outcome. I think this will be perfect in my home office, although it’s currently living in our basement while things are under construction. Which version do you prefer?
Ready to see my lighting design plan? I ordered a stunning chandelier that will hang above my desk, as well as some picture lights that will live on switches and act as sconces. This is how things are currently looking…
01: chandelier // 02: ceiling medallion (check out this post for an installation tutorial + more options) // 03: picture light // 04: task lamp (click here for the designer version) // 05: floor lamp (+ krylon bronze spray paint) // 06: plaster pleaded lamp DIY
This space had zero hardwired lighting when we moved in, which was kind of depressing given the amount of hours I spend in my office. I knew when working through the design plan, I had to incorporate overhead and wall mounted fixtures. I work late hours and I’m never motivated to push through when it’s dark.
Of course, I also integrated some plug-in options, like the budget-friendly floor lamp, and I’m hoping to use a table lamp or two that I already have on hand. Speaking of… I bought this $30 task lamp a few years ago, pictured above. I’m thinking it will live on my desk once again. The designer version cost $570! Can you tell the difference, below? Any guesses which is which?
Ok, ok- I’ll tell you… the designer version is on the left, and the budget version is on the right. Did you get it right?! Have any questions or thoughts for me? You know I loving hearing all the things in the comment section below! I’m also happy to answer any spray paint or lighting questions you may have. Things are starting to feel real in my office and I couldn’t be more excited! For more Krylon inspiration, click here.
