I have to confess that I learned something new the other day…did you know you can put outdoor lights inside your home as well? I never even look in the outdoor lighting section when searching for indoor lights, but when browsing for an affordable replacement for some bathroom lighting, I came across some outdoor fixtures that were just what I was looking for! While the reverse isn’t necessarily an option (you can’t always use indoor lights outside), outdoor lighting usually has extra moisture protection around the electrical parts. So that actually makes them a great choice for places like indoor bathrooms or kitchens where you can run into water or steam.
This is the lighting fixture that came with the house in the master bathroom. The shape of the shade and fixture arm just didn’t fit the overall vibe that we were going for.
We are planning on installing a few globe lights throughout the house to compliment the mid-century design, so these simple outdoor hanging globes were just what I was looking for—and they were so affordable too!
This was the first light I’ve ever installed by myself, and while it’s a little scary to do the first time you try it, it’s actually pretty easy once you get the hang of it. If you haven’t hardwired a light yourself yet, just follow Mandi’s tutorial, and you’ll be a professional in no time!
I really like how simple and clean the globe lights look and the black base really helps to balance out the dark countertop. It’s certainly useful to know that you can use exterior lights as well when you are scouring the options for your own home. So next time you are looking for lighting, check the outdoor aisle as well! xo. Laura
Credits // Author and Photography: Laura Gummerman. Photos edited with A Beautiful Mess actions.
35 Comments
What an awesome idea!! I was a little hesitant before I saw the final photos at the bottom of the post, but it turned out so well! Nice work, lady!
Chelcey Tate | Lifestyle Blog + Creative Studio
http://www.chelceytate.com
Love your choice Laura, great choice your so motivated cannot wait to see what you have done in your new place………..loving your look all the way from New Zealand xx
Cathy
Sweet! Bathroom reno coming up and now I know! 🙂 Cheers chic.
Love how it complements your bathroom! http://www.hannamarielei.com
Omg, this is genius, just what I’ve been looking for and the price is ridiculous, thank you so much for sharing. Seriously thank you, Lilly
This is such a cool idea! I also love your ‘xo’ picture!
The only light I found that I liked for our back entry way was a cheapo outdoor light, it looks so good I the space…five years later I still love my fifteen dollar find 🙂
Ok, I love ABM, but….This warrants a whole post? Using outside stuff for inside uses is a good option to point out , but I feel like the whole “moving and renovating” thing is being drawn out for as many posts as possible.
I used outdoor lights in my front hallway — they were some of the only attractive flushmount lights I could find at a reasonable price point. I think they work pretty well! (http://www.plasteranddisaster.com/finishing-the-hallway-makeover/)
I used outdoor lights in my front hallway — they were some of the only attractive flushmount lights I could find at a reasonable price point. I think they work pretty well! (http://www.plasteranddisaster.com/finishing-the-hallway-makeover/)
I never thought of using outdoor lighting indoors! The one you picked out is a great balance with the counter top. I would love to see how it looks in the evening, or when it is dark and lit up!
Monica – Mocha and Moccasins
Such a great find!! Your bathroom looks sooo nice!
Rachel x
thehappybits.blogspot.com
Such a cute idea! Can you include the link to how you made those makeup brush holders? I would love to recreate that look xoxo Thanks!
wow this is so cool!!!!
What a great idea! I have never even thought of that, thank you for that. And it looks awesome as well!
https://www.makeandmess.com/
I like this idea! Thanks for sharing, Laura! 🙂
It looks really lovely. Although I didn’t mind the original light fitting either! 🙂 I love the little shelf with the copper cups as well.. So creative
Such a great tip!! 🙂
Wow I never even thought of this. And I love the fixture that you chose. Thanks for sharing!
http://www.thequirklife.com
These small house updates are my favorite kind of posts. I plan on posting a lot of them.
I’m not going to deny that we want to post a LOT about our house renovations. It’s a huge part of what we’re excited to share. :))
xx- Elsie
This came out so cute. Does it give off proper light to do your makeup or anything up close? Finding great lighting for bathrooms is so hard!
Hi McKenzie! Here you go: http://abeautifulmess.com/2015/01/leather-copper-cup-organizer-diy.html 🙂 -Jacki
A few years ago we went looking for a “cool” torchiere lamp for our living room. Our townhouse at the time didn’t have an overhead light in the living room (WHAT?!) so we proceeded to Lowe’s…and hated every option they had until we went to the outdoor lighting section. We’ve now had a fabulous streetlamp in our living room for about 3 years and it never fails to make me happy. It’s gorgeous, funky, eclectic…pretty much our decorating style. 😉
Super cute! Can you IG a pic of it lit up? Thx!
Thanks McKenzie Renae, I would like to know about those holders too! Cute bathroom!
Hi Candace! Here’s the tutorial: http://abeautifulmess.com/2015/01/leather-copper-cup-organizer-diy.html 🙂 -Jacki
Hahah, well I’ll still be reading! I’m excited to see the new home stuff, I don’t mean to be negative, and clearly I’m the minority. I just was surprised that it was a whole post, and not a small mention in maybe a bigger bathroom post or something. But I’m being a very picky reader! 😛 Keep on keepin’ on! 😀
Seems like a really cool way to have a bold light fixture. I really like your choice here!
It’s amazing what a change this creates! It feels so much more modern.
I love this idea! It adds such a unique look!
Paige
http://thehappyflammily.com
This is so brilliant! I love it!
love this idea. would love to recreate the make up brush wall holder with mason jars.
It’s pretty great for that Alexa! Those globes are usually pretty soft lighting which is good for that sort of thing 🙂
Laura
You can see how I made mine here!
http://abeautifulmess.com/2015/01/leather-copper-cup-organizer-diy.html
Laura 🙂
wow, never thought of this for indoor lighting! Looks awesome!