While searching for a fixture for my kitchen sink, some recent favorites came to mind:
The Vintage Barn Light from Restoration Hardware costs $299-399
The Vintage Streetlight from Restoration Hardware ranges from $329 to $549
Because those pictures were in my thoughts, I felt bold enough to purchase one at our local Restore, a Habitat for Humanity building supply thrift store.
(I neglected to photograph it before disassembly; picture a gold chain and gold wire) The price was $8.00
I carried this item when the electrician visited; his reaction was quite funny. His eyes brightened, and I could imagine what he truly wished to convey. Instead, he remarked, “It is not a bad light…”. We all shared a laugh…
He recommended installing new wiring and a porcelain socket. An inscription inside noted, “porcelain socket replaced 1983,” indicating it needed updating.
As my husband handled the electrical components, I took my spray paint outside. (A helpful tip: Use paper taped over the hole to protect the interior. I covered the entire white inside with paper secured by painter’s tape to prevent paint overspray.)
It was amusing to see the full exterior view mirrored in the gold hood. Furthermore, I suddenly felt I had long legs for the first time! tee hee!
I rested the components on a glass jar and a coffee tin, which served as excellent spraying platforms, allowing me to spin the piece without touching the fresh paint.
I applied thin coats of “oil-rubbed bronze” in a satin finish. I risked skipping primer, unsure if it was necessary, and it appeared to work well without it.
It is now finished and properly hung.
For those interested in the cost breakdown, here is the summary:
Restore Light: $8.00 Spray Paint: already owned Electrical Components: $8.25 (including all taxes)
Total Cost: $16.25. Hmm…a bit less than the other options on my list!
