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rusugiru

Decorative solution for empty light bulb sockets

11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago

My bathroom vanities have space for six (!) light bulbs above them. Two bulbs provide plenty of light. But what to do with the remaining four empty sockets? They are kind of an eyesore.

I am looking for suggestions for something decorative to screw into the empty sockets to make them look more aesthetically pleasing. I would rather they were something that did not use any electricity, but just looked attractive. Thanks!

Comments (15)

  • 11 years ago

    Couldn't you just put bulbs in all the sockets but unscrew the unneeded bulbs just enough so they don't light up?

  • 11 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Reply to kp7250: But that would just look like there were a bunch of dead bulbs. Not very attractive...

  • PRO
    11 years ago

    Honestly, the best solution would be to replace the vanity bar with different decorative fixtures or lower the wattage on the bulbs. It may be a good time to switch to LED. Just focus on the light output numbers to ensure the fixtures aren't too bright for your taste. The problem with screwing something in that isn't electrical is those sockets will still output power. If something screws in that isn't meant to be illuminated it could be a fire hazard. By the time you pay someone to rewire the empty sockets to avoid the hazard, you may as well of bought a fixture you truly love. Sorry for the dim news, and for the bad pun :)

    rusugiru thanked AQ Lighting Texas, Inc.
  • 11 years ago
    I know you don't want to hear this but why don't you go ahead and replace light fixture. It's amazing how reasonably light fixtures are priced. Consider a new one from a big box store. They cost about $70. You would put that much into buying something to make your fixture look minimally better.
  • 11 years ago

    Is this another someone pulling our leg??

  • 11 years ago
    I believe so! Never thought of saving money by removing light bulbs, kind of unbelievable, lol.
    This person is either very frugal or just joking I hope!
  • 11 years ago
    I suggest soft serve ice cream cones,cake style
  • 11 years ago
    I would take the existing fixture down and replace it with a single light fixture. If you are on a tight budget and have DIY skills, you can do it yourself! I assume you are wanting to keep the following look that you have now. The current one looks like it's the equivalent to a 1X4, this is an idea.

    Buy a 1 X 4 and cut it to the desired length. Stain it to match your bathroom cabinets and put a single light socket in the middle. I suggest using an LED light bulb. I'm not sure what it's called, but they make one that looks like a globe fixture. Note: Be sure the breaker is turned off to the fixture before doing this!
  • PRO
    11 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Replace the fixture. Or don't screw all the bulbs in all the way, but I doubt 6/ 25 watt bulbs will blind you. And for those worrying about how un lit bulbs will look, look at it NOW.

  • PRO
    11 years ago

    Get a new fixture this one is totally dated and useless IMO.

  • PRO
    11 years ago

    Anything you add to these sockets will become a fire hazard. Either add "dead" bulbs to make it safer, replace bulbs with lower wattage and FILL all the sockets ... to make it safer. Or change the fixture...to make it safer.

    Safety is the biggest issue. Right now, it is unsafe with open sockets.

  • PRO
    11 years ago
    How many homeowners does it take to screw in a light bulb?
  • 9 years ago

    Hi!

    I know this is an old post but I just wanted you to know that I totally understand your issue! I also only fill my lighting bars with about half of the bulbs due to migraines and such. I was wondering if you ever found a solution to your problem? My husband refuses to switch out the fixtures so I'm kind of stuck. And I've also switched to LED bulbs and still have half off the holes empty.

    Thank you for your time!

  • 9 years ago
    Dimmers