Patricia Colewell: here’s a picture from further back. The mirror trim ties into the window trim and we’d really like to keep it - it has the same arched shape as the window and other architectural features in our home (my vanity is on the other side of the window in an L shape, with an additional mirror on the side wall). The location and function of the lighting works well for both of us, so if possible we’d really like to work with what we have by either replacing each fixture or just the shade portion. Thanks!

HD or Lowes sell plenty options for the shades.

wannabath: Thanks. That may be my best option. I’ll bring the shade with me to check fit.

Thought I’d provide an update in case the information I learned helps anyone else.

Our local lighting store explained that the size of junction boxes increased since our house was built (they are now between 4.5 - 5”) so I won’t be able to find a replacement sconce with a 3 - 3.5” backplate unless I find a source that still makes the old style. Can anyone recommend an online source I could try?

I went to Home Depot and Lowe’s in search of replacement shades (the local lighting store doesn’t carry them), and the few they had in stock were amber or frosted glass or colored marble looks - not the look I want. I’m hoping to find something with clear glass in a simple shape (cone?) or maybe even a metal one. Can anyone recommend an online source I could try for these?

Finally, since it looks like we’re going to have to at least keep the metal portion of the existing sconces, I’m going to have to clean the chrome up a bit. I read about a product called Flitz on this site - does anyone know if it will help with the condition of our metal? (I can’t get the closeup picture to post here, so I’ll try in a follow-up post.)

Trying again to post a closeup of the metal . . . The plumber is here and mentioned that very fine steel wool might work too. Thoughts?

https://www.homedepot.com/b/Lighting-Ceiling-Lighting-Accessories-Globes-Shades/N-5yc1vZc7p4

Google Glass Shade Replacement, however, you must know the size of the 'fitter' to select a shade that will fit properly

https://www.lowes.com/pl/Light-shades-Lighting-parts-accessories-Lighting-ceiling-fans/4294386103

Beverly: Thanks! I had searched ”replacement sconce shades” and did not get the results you found, which is why I went to the stores. I even asked about online inventory and neither store rep thought I’d have much luck since ours is attached with screws and not screwed into the fixture like a light bulb. But the results you found look promising! I’ll check the fitter size (thanks for that term!) and keep my fingers crossed!

ETA: Even online there’s a lot of colored/marbled glass. Who knew this would be the hardest and most time-consuming part of our renovation!

Wow, the metal on those fixtures is awesome! Do you have a local architectural salvage store anywhere? I'm sure they would have some great glass options to fit your fixture.

Glo European: Thanks! I haven‘t heard of one in the area, but I’ll search the term and find out. Thanks for the recommendation!

You can have your fixture re-chromed at a specialty shop. We’ve used a place in Atlanta so they service must be available in most larger cities. When we bought our current house I didn’t hate the lights but I didn’t love the shades. After looking at lots of new fixtures I determined that the basic shape of vanity lights has stayed the same and that the big changes are in the shades and bulbs. I ordered these clear seeded glass globes from Lowe’s (about $5 each) and replaced the bulbs with LED Edison style bulbs. It gave a completely updated look to our vanity lights.

You may also want to check Rejuvenation for sconces and/or just the glass, which they also sell separately.

Kswl: That’s exactly the look I want, and I have the same issue with the existing fixture (which I didn’t articulate as well). I’ll check out that shade to see if it fits and also look for that type of bulb - thank you! Maybe I’ll try the cream I posted above and/or steel wool and if it doesn‘t help, look into having them re-chromed. Who knew!

Glo European: That site looks promising as well. Between these two options, I should be able to find something that fits. Thanks!