While I am at it with lighting I have another question also. I have been going back and forth over a light in my staircase. I have a window in my staircase that I absolutely hate. I am going to cover the window with a piece of artwork and add a light fixture to that space as well. What do you think of this light fixture for the space? The top piece of art is what would cover the window. Here is my mockup.

I like that idea! Looks great!

I still have not decided which orientation looks better. What do you think?

I think the pendent over the shelf is best, with a semi flush mount coming in second. I don't think the lamp on the shelf looks right for a kitchen. For the stairs, why not use the lower artwork and the light fixture without covering the window? Stairs need light during the day for function, and you will lose light in all the adjoining areas as well - the hallways, entry, landing, etc.

I like the semi-flush or pendant over the sink. I don’t like it over the shelf at all. I’m picturing it in front of the mirror and in front of the window (without mirror). Besides (to me) not making sense over the shelf, it gives you more future options ... if you ever added another shelf there, cabinet, etc.

@calidesign

Right now we have blinds on the window. We never open the blinds because we live in an urban area where the homes are built very close together. The house behind mine is about 6 feet away. That window looks right into my neighbor's house. It is a very poorly placed window. I am happy keeping the light fixture on 24/7 if needed. I really hate that window.

Also, you might not be able to tell by the photo but the staircase wall is about 15 feet tall. The bottom painting is about 7.5 feet tall. The top one will be 5.5 feet tall. The blinds that are currently there are filthy because they are much too high to safely clean.

As @Jilly mentioned in her post above, the kitchen mirror is also covering a window that is pointed in the same direction as the staircase wall, also 6 feet away from another house.

Covering that staircase window is going to be my coronavirus quarantine project. Hanging the light fixture in the staircase will be my project for today as long as I can keep dh focused. He is not at all interested in helping me with that. LOL

If you are looking for a wall sconce, something vintage or eclectic would be cool. If replacing the recessed light, I'd like a little sparkle. I like your plan for the stairwell.

Pretty, needs soldering repair...

https://www.chairish.com/product/1467261/vintage-tulip-leaded-glass-hanging-sconce

A little goth...

https://www.build.com/feiss-wb1216/s768333?uid=1982956&source=gg-gba-pla_1982956!c1711171807!a67978872638!dc!ng&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIibmA9NOa6AIVDL7ACh1hbQluEAQYDCABEgI7vPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds#

I like the mariposa pendant and the semi flush over the sink in the top left of the group of four pictures.

Also I love your house.

Another vote for semiflush over sink (pendant second). Throwing out a few candidates...

Wexford 3-Light Dark Bronze Semi-Flush Mount Ceiling Light, Clear Glass · More Info

Pendleton 1 Light Semi-Flush Mount in Matte Black · More Info

Winslett Semi-Flush in Black with Ribbed Clear Glass Shade · More Info

Vintage Metal and Glass Ceiling Light, 1 Light Pendant Lighting Chandelier · More Info

Bazz Vintage Flush Mount Ceiling Light · More Info

1-Light Antique Bronze and Crystal Bead Bell Shade Semi Flush Mount Glam · More Info

Industrial Pipe Lighting - Farmhouse Mason jar ceiling light, No Jar, Cage Only, · More Info

Harrow 1-Light Matte Black Semi-Flush Mount Ceiling Light, Gold and Clear Shade · More Info

Colson Semi-Flush, Matte Black · More Info

Innovations 201F Glass Semi Flush, G19, Black/Brushed Brass, Clear Glass · More Info

1-Light Ceiling Mount, English Bronze · More Info

@Kim, @Midwest (4b IA), @acm

Thanks for the input!

I guess no one really likes my favorite selection. LOL. I kind of like the lamp statue. Next to that, I think either a semi-flush light or a pendant. The recessed light that I would install the fixture over is not centered with the mirror. It is off by about 2 inches. Off-centered items don't typically bother me as long as they look intentional.

This is the one I am liking at the moment. That might change in 5 minutes though.

I would consider some sort of frosted or otherwise obscured glass for both the stairs and the kitchen instead of covering them completely. That would at least allow some light while still maintaining privacy. There are lots of options. Otherwise, it's like living in a cave.

@calidesign

I don't really like the way frosted glass looks with art and art on the staircase is far more important to me than the light from the window. The tiny bit of light from the two windows in question is not really a consideration at all for me. I know that is contrary to most of what is seen here on Houzz. There is a very large floor to ceiling window behind the dining table. It provides plenty of natural light for the kitchen/dining area. The largest wall in that space is painted black. The black wall spans both the kitchen and dining room. As you see, my cabinets are black also. It is not cave-like at all, even with all that black and having the window covered. I covered the window in my kitchen with the mirror a week or two ago and the trade-off between the 6 foot mirror far outweighs the speckle of light that came through the window along with the eyesore of the house behind me.

OTOH my dh did look at me sideways when he saw what I was doing with the mirror. He will do the same when he realizes that the staircase window is soon to be covered with art. I suspect for a split second he will think that he married a crazy lady and then he will move on until my next project which will give him the same thoughts ;-)

I like the left, of those

@Midwest (4b IA)

I kind of like both of them but I like the right one more. Of course, the right one is twice as much as the left one and both are more costly then I want to spend. I think I will purchase a cheap lotus-shaped Ikea light, or something similar and cover it with gold/bronze RNB and see how it looks. What do you think?

I actually loved your idea of putting a lamp on the shelf, just ran out of time to google some ideas. I wondered if you just wanted something interesting without consideration to light output, and wondered if you were concerned about having a cord hanging down the wall (not sure if there's a nearby outlet).

Is the recessed light actually above the sink? The photos make it seem as though whatever you hang would be close to your head. If that's the case, I wouldn't want anything that hangs too low.

@Kim

I want it more for looks than for light but both would be good. There is 6 feet of space between the countertop and the ceiling so plenty of room so that a pendant is out of the way. The mirror is 6 feet tall. If I did the RNB idea on the white pendant I posted above, I think I would have the bottom of the pendant just above the top right shelf.

The recessed light is above the sink but closer to the outer edge of the countertop.

OK now you have me refocusing on the statue lamp. LOL.

Yes, I'm thinking I would rather have a cool looking lamp on the shelf than a pendant hanging over my head. My favorite part of our kitchen reno years ago was getting recessed lights. We have a pendant over the kitchen sink, but it's about 20 inches back from the outer edge of the counter. A statue lamp just seems so "you." ; ) Maybe you can hide the cord in the wall?

@Kim

Yes, it is so me. I agree! I could easily hide the cord because I never put a bottom on the shelves. Another day another project...... I could just lift the top of the shelf, tack the cord along the inside and plug it into the outlet next to the refrigerator. There is an outlet right below where the lamp statue would be but it would be more obvious if plugged it into that outlet.

Oh, perfect! I see that now...the shelves are like an open-bottom box, right? you could even put under-cabinet lights there if you wanted. Hey, wait...you talked about that on the DIY thread long ago. I remember suggesting cobalt plexiglass or something.

If you want a light on the shelf Friday, you should put a light on the shelf lady!

@Kim

Yes, they are an open bottom box. I am planning on closing the bottoms with antiqued/aged mirrors. I had asked about a diy project turning plexiglass into an antiqued mirror. I had also thought about putting a pull down spice rack inside the bottom on the shelves.

Antiqued mirrors would be awesome

If you're having the recessed light taken out, can't you have them shift the junction box to be aligned with the sink/mirror? You're probably repairing the drywall either way, so might as well get the placement you like.

i liked the light on the shelf, but you really need task lighting over a sink, and that baby wouldn't do it. sorry! :)

@acm

I was not planning on having the recessed light taken out. I have used converter kits on two other recessed lights and they work really well. This house is about 25 years old and has never had a light over the sink other than the recessed one there. I agree a task light would be ideal but otoh it is not a deal breaker if I find something I like better.

Do both — light over sink and decorative lamp. I have a lamp on my kitchen counters. :)

@Jilly

I like that idea! Do you have a photo you can share?

A pic of my lamp? Or an inspo pic? If mine:

It’s nothing exciting, lol ... a little iron lamp with thick leather shade I found at a garage sale years ago. I have it sitting on one of those mosaic tile pieces I got from Home Depot one day.

We sold our house and are renting right now, thus the tile counters (they’re actually kind of growing on me). Anyway, I use this light all the time. I love the warm glow it gives. :)

I love it. There is something about a lamp in a kitchen that just draws me.

I love this one. Does it look nuts? The photo to the right is one I found online of the light inside someone's home.

Me, too! I’ve always had a kitchen lamp. Just noticed in the pic, it looks like the lamp is in the way of the cabinet door, but it’s not close to it. Online pics tend to distort things.

(As a sidenote: Those Ransburg rooster canisters were my Mema’s; she got them new in the ‘50s. I’m so grateful I ended up with them.) :)

ETA: Just saw your last post ... I do love that ceiling fixture. Very cool!

@Jilly

Those roosters are fab!

I just ordered that light from Amazon. It should be here Thursday. I will try it out but I will also keep searching. I will return it if it turns out not looking as expected. I worry about it not coordinating with my other light fixture. I also worry about it looking a little crazy with my mural. It could be totally awesome or a total flop. We shall see.

I can’t wait to see it! I hope it turns out great. I’ve been having equal hit and miss experiences ordering things lately. I get too eager and spontaneous and don’t measure everything like I should. It’s so much easier seeing things in stores!

I saw this cool light (for you) on Horchow — under $300 on sale — but I think it’s smaller than you’re wanting ...

@Jilly

I love that Horchow light fixture! It is only 6" diameter.

Since I have ordered the pendant, I am going to try to find a lamp and then make my decision between the two after they arrive, or even keep both. I would love a lamp statue but the one I posted is not ideal. I would like one that fits in more with my style. Just haven't been able to find one yet. I will keep looking. There is a lamp I have been eyeing for years lol. It is too expensive and I am too cheap. I was thinking of adding a lamp to my piano, maybe if one does not work in the kitchen, it can go on the piano.

Wayfair has a lamp called Fairlee Flamingo that’s cute. You could replace the shade with a black one if you’d prefer. I think it was $115.

@Kim

I like that one! In fact, if you look up above, the last photoshop I posted had that light with a black shade. It is on the shelf. My hesitancy is that I have never ordered from Wayfair and I am the queen of returning items. Are they easy to deal with? Do they do free returns or do you have to pay to return? I need to look up their return policy.

I also canceled the order of the pendant above. I purchased this one instead. It appears to be a little lighter in color than I want. If so, I will make it darker.

I think I like the pendant you just ordered better, too. I didn't realize you had photoshopped the flamingo lamp, just knew you liked the Ibis and it had a black shade. Very cool lamps. Wayfair's return policy says you can return within 30 days at your cost. Here are a couple other places to find it...

https://www.amazon.com/Cape-Craftsmen-Flamingo-Lamp/dp/B073NSBZQL#customerReviews

https://www.homedepot.com/p/3R-Studios-31-75-in-Gold-Flamingo-Shaped-Table-Lamp-with-White-Linen-Shade-EC0203/311687465

I installed the pendant today. What do you think?

I also purchased a lamp for the shelf. It won't be delivered until Saturday.

it's a yes from me, Friday!

Thanks!

I think it’s fabulous!

@Jilly

Thanks. Now off to the next project!

Friday, the new light looks great, and I think the modern shelf lamp will be a nice contrast to the ornate pendant. Always enjoy witnessing the choices you make.

@Kim

Thanks! Here is my before and after. 1 1/2 years ago till now. I hooked the lamp up to Alexa, which I like. Now I am moving on to my next lighting projects, my staircase and my foyer.

wow what a difference Friday!

I like the semi-flush light over the sink the best. I love your artwork and eclectic style, but it sometimes makes it hard to find the right piece to fit so it doesn't get to be "too much". Personally, because your artwork is modern, I think the light should be too. I like the metal semi-flush choices that someone was kind enough to find for you, but I'd lean away from the ones that look too farmhouse-like (because your space is not at all farmhouse style). Personally, I liked the top two the best. As for the window and artwork ... I love both pieces of art, by the way ... I really like the light fixture you chose. It is like another piece of art. :). You can try to hang a picture in front, but you might really miss the light it gives. You might find that other areas (not just the stairwell) get darker. If you don't miss the light, keep the art there. If you end up missing the light, go back and see what it is about the window you really hate ... does it look too boring? Too 80s-like? Maybe painting the trim (I'm imaging the 80s honey-golden oak trim) a bold color ... may the wall it is on too. Maybe that wall can be transformed to look like a piece of art by keeping the window there. Just a thought. Good luck.

@reno97

Thanks for the comments! Initially, I really thought that flush or semi-flush was the way to go and I had thought about hanging the pendant as close to the ceiling as possible. In the end, I rather like how things turned out.

As for the staircase light, I still have not gotten it up. I have done all the wiring to make it happen, I just need help hanging it. But now that we are social distancing I don't want anyone in my house to help and well dh, he is no help at all with such matters. Sigh..... Only if I were 15 feet tall land had four arms, life would be easier :-)

I hate the window because of the view. The blinds stay closed because of the view. If they were open, the neighbors would be able to see inside my house. I covered the kitchen window with a mirror and don't miss the light for a second. I am going to cover the staircase window and see how it goes. I think I will love it. If not, I will revisit what to do with the window. As for now, the window is still uncovered because I don't have the top piece of art yet. That will take some time. I will post photos after I get the light up and the artwork. I plan on working on the light tomorrow.