How can I fix up my bathroom lighting without replacing the fixture?
niquelynne asked:
I live in an apartment in which we cannot replace fixtures n’ stuff. The lighting in my bathroom is hideous. It has a long metal panel on the wall above the mirror with three light bulbs screwed into it. CFL bulbs aren’t exactly pretty to look at. Is there something I could get to kind of cover the thing up with? I think it’s the silliest thing ever! Who want to be staring into three lightbulbs anyway?
I live in an apartment in which we cannot replace fixtures n’ stuff. The lighting in my bathroom is hideous. It has a long metal panel on the wall above the mirror with three light bulbs screwed into it. CFL bulbs aren’t exactly pretty to look at. Is there something I could get to kind of cover the thing up with? I think it’s the silliest thing ever! Who want to be staring into three lightbulbs anyway?
Hook your car battery up to it. [who] Terry
I would ask the land lord to replace the fixture, tell him you will purchase the new one if he will allow you to make the change. You would need to leave it when you move but could enjoy a nice fixture while you are there. [who] Julie
Seperate bulbs are a very common bath fixture. The simplist thing to do is put clear round bulbs in place of CFL – why would you even think of CFL in this application. It ain’t the fixture – it’s you. [who] M R
There are newer CFLs that are more stylish. They may offer something that you find more attractive. You could always use a valence or add a frame to the strip, but both of those will reduce the amount of light that gets into the bathroom. [who] tinman97prn
there are some very pretty bulbs now that can be used in those lighting strips. I believe mine were called “reveal” bulbs and instead of being round, they had lots of facets cut into them, giving the appearance of cut glass.
Second option – change the fixture anyway as long as the base is the same size so you don’t have to worry about repainting the exposed area. Store the old fixture away carefully, and then replace when you move out. [who] DeeDee
CFLs come in many shapes and sizes. Perhaps you can find one that looks more like an incandescent bulb. Also I am sure there are special covers which go over the light bulb itself. It’s just a matter of finding them. Maybe try a store that sells fixtures and ask a salesperson. [who] kari_wonder
The best thing to do is go to your local lighting store, or home improvement stores like Lowes, Menards, Home Depot, etc. They have employees who are willing to show you your options and give you ideas. [who] Jaimie
These were very popular fixtures back in the 1980s and I’ll have to agree, they are downright ugly. If memory serves me correctly, the “proper” bulb was frosted white and and was perfectly round in shape. So, the panel you’ve got was never designed for CFLs which is why the whole thing is hideous looking. One solution is to buy the right style of bulbs from a lighting center and use those instead.
As far as covering them, anything you put over them will dim the room ~ which is not something you’d want in a bathroom anyway. There are small lampshades available that “clip” over light bulbs; I have a few of these in my house, but they do not clip well to CFLs which means you’re basic to putting in traditional bulbs. These shades are also available at lighting centers.
Final solution is just to buy a whole new fixture and replace it. Let the landlord know that the glare is too much for you, gives you headaches, whatever, and that you’ll return the old fixture when you move out. New bathroom fixtures can be found for less than $50 with careful shopping. [who] Jeanbug
Get the round bulbs.=&h=288&w=210&sz=7&hl=en&start=14&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=HH5Hb0_i6tD_IM:&tbnh=115&tbnw=84&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dround%2B%2Blight%2Bbulbs%26hl%3Den%26rlz%3D1T4TSHB_enUS265US265%26sa%3DX%26um%3D1 [who] chicagirl51