One finish for the major rooms, anything you like for a statement chandelier in the dining room, and a non-rusting finish for the bathrooms. There are many reproduction Craftsman type fixtures. Many vintage fixtures for sale, too, though they may need rewiring. Nickel and chrome were both popular indoor fixture finishes.

I'd say-they do need to relate to each other. but it doesn't have to be very..how should I put it? word for word.

It's like in literature, when you read something translated from other language-good translation won't be word for word but will rather pick on nuances and context and often not put the first thing that would appear in a dictionary, but will get an inner sense of a word to a reader more precisely nevertheless, so that reader won't feel the gap between languages, but will feel that he's immersed in a great read.

So as somebody who went through it-it's not an easy task to put together lighting especially on budget, and so many lights at once, and it might take many days(in my case, several months) to figure it out.

You need to kinda feel what your house would like-since all houses are different, and yours especially has a certain character, my guess would be. And you need to know-or find out-what you like most. And it can be different things. And you need to bring them together so it won't be a gap-but rather a feeling of immersion. Same story, told in a way that you feel you enjoy to read.

Say I love both traditional and mid century modern. I also, after browsing enormous amount of lights, found out there are similarities between these that I like the most and keep returning to them. I love colors, pattern, texture, rounded shapes rather than rectangular..I prefer warm finishes..if there's going to be some chrome or nickel somewhere it'll be very little detail..I love flora and fauna to an embarrasing extent so many fixtures would have something that will speak of that love of mine..can be very subtle motive, or a really strong one..some of them will be almost fussy, some will be almost austere, yet there will be this common thread that will be natural both to me and to the house as I understood it. I know I'm a person who prefers assymetry so I don't like repeating..not even lights..obviously sometimes one needs to repeat like in sconces or pendants ..even there I sneaked in identical sconces with same motive and colors but different order of colors in a pattern(hard to see unless one is really close to them), and pendants of same shape but different colored glass.

You might be a totally different person. Your house might whisper totally different things to you (mine is Spanish Ranch, built in very late sixties). My best advice would be figuring out what you are drawn to the most, whether your house is approving(lol), and how all these lights like each other. You don't need them to be very same-y, much like as you wouldn't want to have one friend cloned..you'd rather have different friends that get along well.

Now, I admit it took enormous time and energy to put it all together -we had to have it together installed or our house wouldn't pass the final inspection. Just thinking made me exausted:) But it was worth it, in the end.

To that, I'd add that 90% of lights in our house are vintage, and some of them required tweaking(mostly ones I bought from Europe, not a rule as some didn't, but just be aware of all the things you need to know when buying-I asked the questions I thought I should be asking, but I didn't always know what to ask). But I would never be able to do it otherwise, financially. I arrived to that painful conclusion after seeing what I really love-and how much it costs new. If you arrive to the same conclusion and are willing to go that way-I highly recommend Etsy as sellers there are amazing..then eBay, antique and vintage stores both online and brick and mortar..your local Craigslist, estate sales..I somehow didn't have great experience with Chairish but others did..Ruby Lane(more expensive, as a rule)..

It's normal to be overwhelmed..I was very overwhelmed, not just a little..:) It'll come together. You have two authors here-you(counting family here), and the house. It's like you write together. What do you want to say, how does it come together, and how lights can be used to that effect, so you have your story told just in a way that you wish it to be told, in your house?

You start overwhelmed, and then it comes together.

it can be simpler for you than for me-you might be less all over the charts with what you love, for one. But figure out what you love, and why, what common things they share, and why they'd work in your house-and you'll have your "scarlet thread". For your story.

(if you read until here I salute you btw. Sometimes I can stick to simple short answer, sometimes I just can't)

I know, it is amazing how many fixtures you can actually need to select!

We chose LED pot lights for a lot of our lighting and we were still left with needing several fixtures for baths, bedrooms, chandelier, even closets.

I prefer to keep them of a similar style but they don’t need to be “exact”. Also, that is far from a rule. I do think in certain rooms, like bedrooms, you can go a little off the map. For example we chose a “fancy” crystal rain chandelier for our living room, but all our other fixtures are very sleek and minimalist. Appropriate blend for our new build, but perhaps not so much for your 1920s home, but point is it is okay to make some places “different” too.

I agree with you that the fixtures are very important - they can really affect the mood of a space.

The fireplace scones are candle scones similar to the below picture (I don't have a picture of ours).

I do love so many different styles of lighting (traditional, MCM, modern, farmhouse, industrial....) but one of the few I don't care for are typical Craftsman style lights. I could take it more the farmhouse route (since it is more of a Craftsman/farmhouse bangalow) but part of me really loves the juxtaposition of modern fixtures mixed in a traditional home. It's hard because I want it all but I need it to also "go together".

I agree it would be nice to take my time when selecting all the fixtures but I also need light sources when we move in.

"I agree it would be nice to take my time when selecting all the fixtures but I also need light sources when we move in."-obviously, we all do:)

when are you supposed to move in, approximately? to the best of your knowledge?

If you won’t want to rush see if they can just put in keyless lights for you (you will still need to plan ahead for where you want fans or heavier fixtures though). Then you can switch them as you gather new fixtures.

April-I'm supposed to move in next month (fingers crossed).

Rai-i have never heard of those, that's good to know!

oh. that's soon. like, real soon. that kinda limits you to new in brick and mortar, or vintage happy finds in stores around, or-new with fast shipping(and good return policy..sometimes shipping is free but if you don't like it/doesn't fit, they'll ask for shipping back plus restocking fee..you don't want that hassle..)

I had time-more than I thought actually -because I started planning in very early stages of remodel. Just looking at, you know, narrowing onto. Then the remodel also turned out to be a huge drag but I didn't know that.

Let's say though you're much luckier, and it's a month indeed.unless you do what Rai suggested, there's not much room to wiggle.

It's important to know what you don't like either-and you mentioned you don't like typical Craftsman so that's a good info. Do you prefer rounded lines? What about metal finishes. Any preferences?

I like your sconces. Do you?

You mentioned you'd like to juxtapose modern sometimes..as I've said it can be done, one just needs to consider how and where.

Now, twenty fixtures are a lot(approximately what I had to deal with too)..what's the budget?

Is there supposed to be a light fixture in a room where sconces go? or in a room they're seen from?

I'm just trying to think of stores that we can point out to you.

do you have favorite stores?

any pics of lights you love? theoretically?

is there any furniture/rugs/art that comes with you..whatever you can show us so will give us idea of your preferences?

chance to see the rooms?

whether you can or cannot post pics though-it's very important to know the measurements of light fixtures in advance. height, diameter, all that jazz. I take it you know them? Write them down so when you're browsing/look in stores-you have your list with you. Also put measuring tape in your bag, and don't take it out(maybe you already have one:))

In short, the more specific you can be the more helpful we can be in suggesting, at this stage.

You still need to do all the mental process that goes into choosing, just faster, and the fixtures will cost more. Well, as a rule. Or you can, say, concentrate on several, choose only them now, the rest you do later, meanwhile follow Rai Kai's advice.

ETA: ceiling height..important to know of course

Thanks for your help April. I will post more in a while once I have seen free time (little kids).

The ceilings are low (bummer), maybe 8.5 feet so we will need to stick with primarily flush-mount or semi flush-mount in most rooms.

I've been trying to start with bedrooms and hallway lighting as I feel those are good basics and then do what Rai said and give myself time for kitchen, living room and dining room lighting.

I do like the living room scones and there will be a central lighting fixture in the living room. As for as finishes I prefer the warth of brass but I also like black and silver in the right room. I'll try and post pictures later but I like Circa, electric school house, Hudson Valley, etc....but again price. I don't have the budget to purchase all of my fixtures in those price ranges.

Ok, I'm back to post a few pictures of styles I like. I've started mostly with bathrooms, bedrooms and halls as I want to put more thought into other places.

For kids bedrooms (girls) I was thinking basic flush-mount with some pretty detailing, like these.

Boys nursery, I have to check the ceiling (I forget it it's angled or flat were the wiring is) but I was thinking something like this or something from schoolhouse electric.

And I actually kind of love this Ikea fixture, could be fun/cheap option for our room.

Hallway area I was thinking something along these

Bathroom scones for kid's and master I'm thinking more traditional (unsure of finish).

Powder room, I would like to do something with a slight spin, some ideas

I can post more on finishes for each room too. Walls will be SW Alabaster, hardwood floors. We will need to get a lot of new furniture and rugs for living spaces but bedroom furniture will mostly stay the same (I can post more on that).

I also like this style but unsure where I would out it (and honestly my husband probably wouldn't be a fan)

I also like this piece for over banquette seating in kitchen but there are several other styles I like too.

I could take pictures of rooms but they are being insulated and drywalled right now so not much to see. I do have a layout of all the floors which might help but my kitchen designer did them and there is a little note on the bottom about not sharing them so I am unsure if I am technically allowed to post them here.

I need to think more

several thoughts meanwhile:

-love scalloped ones, easy to relate to almost anything

-for the nursery I'd go with Schoolhouse electric(I think I know what you mean but correct me if I don't)..you want softer light. I'd go for white glass over clear. A bit less industrial feel as well, very functional simple but vitange-y. More related to the rest

-love IKEA's pendant..you mentioned though ceilings are 8.5..be careful to measure-you always want your cord/chain to be minimum a foot length from the ceiling..don't forget a canopy too..this is light that's tall..love it but measure carefully. Our ceilings are standard too..had to compromise a lot. On the other hand..at least something (well except money) restricted me. Lol.

-you want as flattering light in the bathrooms as possible..wouldn't go for open bulbs no matter how i love them. especially not in powder room..guests and all..you want light to be flattering. Open bulbs=shadows. Can be very cool for certain moods but in powder room one needs to, well, powder, besides other things..Unless. You're planning to put shades on them. Some shades will work, and will actually enhance the relation of lights to other choices, since these ones are the biggest departure from the rest, as I see it. Some, will kill the lights' character.

-love pendant over the banquette(Anthro, right? they've got 3 styles, as far as i remember)-again, seems tall..if over seating area less concern yet still..measure carefully. also. check maximum wattage you can go, for every fixture, and every space. You want enough light. For space X that would be one thing, for space Y, yet another, etc. Banquette-will it be used for evenings? I'd want min 180 watt there, if not more..meaning-one pendant like this will hardly be enough, but check very well. On the website. and i hope you put dimmers? Dimmers are very cool to have.

-I like Greta..yet I feel the gap between industrial fixtures and Greta is somehow too big in here. I need to think how to formulate what I'm trying to say..for which I need to understand it myself first..:)

so yes please add any details you think can be important..finishes etc. Will be helpful -maybe-to understand how to bridge things better

-I do like this style too(the flower canopy one)..note the open bulb..where it'd go? flattering light important, or less so?

Hi April, I just saw your follow up comment. I agree I will need to check length carefully on some of these. I was just hoping possibly over a table or bed we could go a little lower since no one would be walking under it.

I didn't know that about exploded bulbs but that's good to know.

Yes, that one is from Anthropologie, I also like the shorter, wider style but I agree I need to check to see if it gives enough light (and if my husband even likes it) but it was just more of an example of what I like.

I did end up ordering the white scallop one this weekend since PB was having 25 percent off and free shipping. It's neutral enough to go in one of my daughters' rooms. So 1 down. I'll post more shortly about room finishes.

Pull-chain switch allows you to turn the light on and off. 10-inches tall by 4-1/2-inches wide with a 6-1/2-inch pull-chain. W 4.5" / D 5" / H 16.5"

Contemporary Single-Light Sconce with Pull-Chain Switch - 203-09 · More Info

Contemporary Single-Light Sconce with Pull-Chain Switch - 203-78 · More Info

[https://www.houzz.com/products/203-78-contemporary-1-light-sconce-with-pull-chain-switch-bronze-prvw-vr~16580624[(https://www.houzz.com/products/203-78-contemporary-1-light-sconce-with-pull-chain-switch-bronze-prvw-vr~16580624)

So I will start with bathrooms since those have the most prechoosen elements, other rooms are pretty much blank slates.

Master bathroom has 3" marble hexagon floors, 3x6 marble shower tile and polished nickel fixtures in a more traditional style.

Vanity is off white with marble top

There are 3 scones in this bathroom.

Walls and trim for whole house will be painted SW alabaster but may change out bathroom colors for something else.

I love these weathered iron finishes. For 222:

Baxter 3-Light Semi-Flush Mounts, Weathered Iron · More Info

I think that natural light is always a great option. And, each room doesn't have to match, get the entire family involved and have them pick out what works for them and their personality!

Ever- I do like that above mirror lighting option, only bathroom with above mirror Lighting is basement bath. I'm not sure if it will go with finishes though, I'll most more on that in a minute.

Your rounded handles, just idea with rounded:

Zelda 1 Light Wall Sconce in Polished Nickel · More Info

Powder? for 94 / english bronze / says for kitchen too / install up or down:

Octave 2 Light Bath Bar by Savoy House 8-4030-2-13 in Bronze Finish · More Info

KRE-I will thanks! My two daughters are 3 and 2 so they don't have much of an opinion (although they would probably love a Moana andyblittle pony light fixture). My husband definitely cares so I will need to go over everything with him but I have found he likes me to narrow things down first.

seems transitional in old bronze / gold. 398 and 17" across:

Luna 6 Light Bronze & Gold Mini Chandelier · More Info

many great reviews and 20" tall in 7 finishes:

Effimero 1-Light Wall Vanity Corridor Sconce With Frosted, Modern Bronze · More Info

36" for $450:

Kalco Chemical Bronze 5-Light Chandelier With Bronze Bubble Glass · More Info

Powder room we are going with encaustic cement tile

And I was thinking about doing board and batten wainscoting but I'm unsure now if it would be too much.

I purchased three 48" vanities (powder, basement, kids') so they can be switched around but since was planning on using this one for powder room

I planned on doing upward facing scones for all 4 bathrooms based on where I had electrician put wiring height (64").

recycled steel and Mercury Glass 20 x 22"

Meridian 3-Light Chandelier · More Info

Kids bath will have white penny tile floor, and slightly greyish-green (aquamarine) subway tile in bath area.

Plumbing fixtures are polished chrome, not sure if I was to stick with that finish or mix it up

Planning on using this vanity in here, but again I can switch it out for one of the others.

I liked these but need to be upward facing and as April said, might be better to not have exposed bulbs.

I just placed a vanity smaller than the previous one, and I liked the more spacious feel - sure a powder room needs that width?

I like the glass, proportion of the chrome schoolhouse.

You're doing so nice! and it even looks like a kid's faucet to me.

I should mention spacing for scones in bathrooms will be 40" apart and 64" high in kids bath and powder room.

For MB, there will be 3, spaced 34" apart, so depending on size of mirror, I light need something with a narrower backplate.

Seafoam light green would to me 'go cool water' with chrome.... would it 'go toward vintage with a warm finish, more grown-up then?

Thanks Ever. I went back and forth on doing a 36" or 48" vanity. I really wanted the 36" PB Sausalito vanity (back ordered). But there is a good chance oneof ours kids will eventually also use this bathroom as a place to get ready in the morning so that's why I went with 48".

Seafoam green for kid bath wall color or for the tile I ordered? I like the idea of doing a warm finish for the scones in there (if it goes). I think every room needs a bit of warmth in it (even if it's just a wood stool or woven basket) to keep it from looking to sterile.

Details! is there to be light over kids' shower? than let a minty 'show' so nicely... idk, maybe plenty nearby.

There will be a recessed light above each tub and shower in every bathroom. There are so many details, I've always wanted to do a remodel but it's a lot at once.

Since you mentioned light green tile - what is behind that option?

The kids' bath tile is aquamarine, it is a barely there color and has a green undertone.

It appears that this house has been totally gutted. Are you also doing open floor plan to it?

In any case, it sounds like it's moved well away from anything original inside, so just do whatever you think will go well with your other choices.

We have gutted the house but we are keeping a lot of the original details (wood windows, fireplace, builtins, refinishing original shaker doors, etc) and we will be rebuilding a lot of the things that needed to be fixed (example-adding back in coved ceilings, original had asbestos). It is not open floor plan since stairs are located in the middle of the house. We did create a dining room that used to be a bedroom but besides that the main floor foot print has stayed the same.

Thanks for the details. I would still say that for inside lighting you could do whatever will go with your other choices. After all, even a family that's lived in the same craftsman house since it was built is likely to have decided to update with new, higher-wattage lighting in the 50s or 60s when it was just an old house and not anything sacred. I'd try to respect permanent items as much as possible, and outside lighting should match the style, but in your situation I would just look for interior fixtures that I thought went well, at least for now.