Let’s talk about the infamous “boob light.” You know the one — the standard, builder-grade flush mount light that graces many homes with its less-than-stylish presence. If you’ve ever looked up at that bulbous glass dome with its nipple-like cap and thought, “There has to be something better,” you’re absolutely right. The good news? Upgrading to a stylish flush or semi-flush light fixture is one of the easiest, most cost-effective ways to transform a room, and it’s a project even beginners can tackle.
And keep reading if you’re a person that has a light switch in the most inconvenient location in your room. Like you have to walk clear across a room to flip a switch on for a light and roll your eyes every single time, but have just settled because you don’t want to pay an electrician to fix it? Yep, been there. Don’t worry! I’ve got you.
Why Ditch the Boob Light?
Boob lights are functional but lack personality. Replacing them with a modern or vintage-inspired fixture adds charm and character to your space. A new light fixture doesn’t have to break the bank, making it a budget-friendly way to elevate your home’s interior design.
Another benefit is the simplicity of the project itself. Swapping out a light fixture is a straightforward DIY task. With a little patience and a few basic tools, you can easily complete this upgrade in under an hour. It’s an excellent opportunity to add a personal touch to your home without requiring professional help.
The Options Are Endless
One of the best parts of ditching the boob light is the variety of alternatives available. Whether your style is minimalist, industrial, farmhouse, or mid-century modern, you’ll find options that fit your vision and budget. Here are a few popular styles to consider:
- Flush Mount Lights: These sit close to the ceiling, making them ideal for spaces with lower ceilings, like hallways, bedrooms, or entryways.
- Semi-Flush Lights: With a slight drop from the ceiling, these fixtures add dimension and elegance while still being practical for most spaces.
- Statement Pieces: If you’re feeling bold, opt for a fixture with unique shapes, colors, or materials to create a focal point in the room.
Lowe’s is a fantastic destination for anyone looking to update their home lighting, offering an unbeatable combination of variety and value. With an extensive selection ranging from stylish chandeliers and modern pendant lights to practical LED fixtures and cozy table lamps, Lowe’s ensures you’ll find the perfect piece to match your aesthetic and functional needs. Plus, their competitive pricing means you can elevate your space without breaking the bank. Whether you’re tackling a full home makeover or simply refreshing a room, Lowe’s gives you access to high-quality lighting solutions that fit any style and budget.
I rounded up my favorite options for a flush or a semi-flush mount light in your home below. You can shop the options HERE!
The Beginner’s Guide to Installation
Don’t let the idea of electrical work scare you. Replacing a light fixture is simpler than you might think. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Turn Off Power: Safety first! Flip the breaker for the room you’re working in to cut power to the existing fixture.
- Remove the Old Fixture: Unscrew the glass dome and remove the light bulb. Then, unscrew the base of the boob light and disconnect the wiring.
- Prep the New Fixture: Assemble your new light fixture according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Connect the Wires: Match the wires from the ceiling to the wires on the new fixture (usually black to black, white to white, and green or bare to the grounding wire). Use wire nuts to secure the connections.
- Attach the Fixture: Secure the fixture to the ceiling using the provided mounting hardware.
- Install Bulbs and Test: Add your light bulbs, turn the breaker back on, and flip the switch to admire your handiwork!
If you don’t feel confident, don’t stress. I get it. There are things I still will not touch in my house and still leave to the professionals because I don’t like the risk involved. You can have an electrician or a simpler handyman to come change out lights for you for a minimal expense.
Wireless Light Switch Hack
After I put in my new DIY kitchen dry bar area to my home, I really wanted a light to hang between the cabinets (and maybe floating shelves? What do we think??), but I couldn’t add another switch to the bank of switches on the wall. The junction box is completely full and butted up against the stud. To add a new switch, I’d have to have it about 3″ to the side of the bank I have now and I didn’t like how that would look aesthetically. Too many switches separated by a space wasn’t going to do it for me.
To solve my issue, I found a wireless light switch and receiver on Amazon. A quick explanation is that the receiver is wired directly to your light fixture and then the wireless switch can be placed anywhere within 100 feet, even through walls, doors, windows, or even through exterior walls. You can attach the new switch to your wall using the included screws, or do as I did and use 3M adhesive strips to attach it to your tile. The switch does not get wired. It simply takes one battery that can be easily changed.
This allowed me to wire the receiver to the light fixture and place the switch right along the tile to give a cohesive, meant-to-be there-all-along look to it. This would also work if you have a switch that is ill-placed (thanks, builders) and you’d like it to be moved. Instead of spending the extra time to ALWAYS have to walk across the room to turn on a light, you can place your new switch in the more convenient location to better suit your family’s needs. Wire the receiver to your light fixture and you can attach the new switch (no wires necessary for the switch!) to the wall where it works better for you.
You can see this done in my Instagram Reel where I show you exactly what this looks like!
This wireless switch also works with multiple receivers. If you’d like a series of your lights to turn on at the same time, you can hook multiple receivers up to the fixtures and program them all to one switch.
It’s been a saving grace for me and I am contemplating getting all my basement lights hooked to one switch to help the issue of flipping multiple, MULTIPLE switches to get all the lights on in that space. What do you think? Could work for difficult spaces in home, too?
A Project Worth Doing
Ditching the boob light is a small change that makes a big impact. It’s an affordable, beginner-friendly project that enhances your home’s style and shows off your DIY skills. Plus, with so many beautiful options online, you’re sure to find a fixture that fits your taste and budget. So, what are you waiting for? Say goodbye to the boob light and hello to a brighter, better-designed space!
Are we friends on Instagram (@growingupkemper) or Pinterest (@growingupkemper) yet? Follow along for all the attainable DIY projects, tips, tricks, and inspiration!
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[…] carry out tasks such as replacing light fixtures or installing dimmer switches. For instance, upgrading from an outdated ceiling light to something more modern is a simple yet effective project that can significantly enhance your […]