Light fixture suggestions?

[jeromedawg]

Hey all,

Wondering if you have any suggestions on fixture types, brands or specific models to replace these fixtures:

This chandelier feels very dim and has 5x B11 LED bulbs in it currently:


This is at the front entry:


We also have a junky looking fixture in the laundry room too:



Would it be weird replacing all three of them with something like this?
https://www.amazon.com/LIT-PaTH-Ceiling-Equivalent-Dimmable-Qualified/dp/B078Q5TGSH/ref=pd_lpo_60_t_2/147-1210680-2846621?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B078Q5TGSH&pd_rd_r=fab49fc2-b2c1-4b20-9539-9711946a7b80&pd_rd_w=TGu4u&pd_rd_wg=UVnDn&pf_rd_p=7b36d496-f366-4631-94d3-61b87b52511b&pf_rd_r=GKXW71ZVZGRN3Y3MFH3V&psc=1&refRID=GKXW71ZVZGRN3Y3MFH3V

Or 

https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/nymane-led-ceiling-lamp-white-30359771/


Was also thinking about replacing this fan (or perhaps just installing another one of those fixtures and no fan at all (but the kitchen does get stuffy so sometimes the fan can help but we just don't use it that much):

Maybe with https://www.amazon.com/Honeywell-Ceiling-Fans-50600-01-Breeze/dp/B07GJ2GWTY or https://www.amazon.com/Hunter-Indoor-Ceiling-Fan-control/dp/B06W9JR54D

Guest bathroom vanity lights (are these worth replacing with something more modern even if we have the original vanity and full-wall mirror?):


Just trying to 'modernize' things as we are slowing making small renovations here and there to get it more presentable eventually for staging and selling. I had considered recessed lighting but that ship has sailed - it would have been nice doing all that years ago but just decided not to. So I guess this would be trying to somewhat mimic the effect of recessed lighting to some extent but also just to make the place less 'busy' as well. We are going to put new paint and blinds up soon as well as new door levers to replace all the knobs. Simple stuff. I know they say it's better to do a full on renovation but there has to be 'small' things worth spending some money on that are worth doing for the additional curb appeal.

Thoughts? Any suggestions on other types of fixtures?

[dragoncar]

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[jeromedawg]

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Thanks for the heads-up - I think they should be OK now but let me know if not.

[dragoncar]

I see them now.

I'm pretty sure I replaced the EXACT same junky fixtures in my house too!

Couple questions.

What's the current wattage of the chandelier bulbs? (equivalent wattage).  Part of me wants to say if you otherwise like the look you could up the wattage or try to increase the bulb size.

Do you know what color temperature you prefer?

Do you really want flush mount in the chandelier space?  (i.e. is it an 8-ft ceiling or is it higher?)

My personal preference has generally been to avoid fixtures where you'd have to replace the whole thing if a few LEDs fail.  I always preferred to just plug and play a new bulb (including changing the color temperature if I felt like it) but I'm having second thoughts about that.  Especially if the total cost (fixture+bulbs) is not that much more than just bulbs or you REALLY want the flush mount look.

Costco also sells a semi-flush mount fixture although its currently sold out https://www.costco.com/energetic-lighting-14%22-led-flush-mount.product.100568811.html

I also used to troll lampsplusopenbox.com for sale fixtures and fans.  Replaced three junky fans with nicer models for not that much.  I don't like fans hanging down too low though and fans with lamps tend to hang quite low.

Overall, I think your proposed plan to replace everything with those ikea/amazon lights is fine.  You might want to leave one different as an accent or something.

Do consider spending a bit more for something that looks fancy/contemporary if your plan is to sell.  I think you will get over 100% ROI on simple stuff like that.

[jeromedawg]

I see them now.

I'm pretty sure I replaced the EXACT same junky fixtures in my house too!

Couple questions.

What's the current wattage of the chandelier bulbs? (equivalent wattage).  Part of me wants to say if you otherwise like the look you could up the wattage or try to increase the bulb size.

Do you know what color temperature you prefer?

Do you really want flush mount in the chandelier space?  (i.e. is it an 8-ft ceiling or is it higher?)

My personal preference has generally been to avoid fixtures where you'd have to replace the whole thing if a few LEDs fail.  I always preferred to just plug and play a new bulb (including changing the color temperature if I felt like it) but I'm having second thoughts about that.  Especially if the total cost (fixture+bulbs) is not that much more than just bulbs or you REALLY want the flush mount look.

Costco also sells a semi-flush mount fixture although its currently sold out https://www.costco.com/energetic-lighting-14%22-led-flush-mount.product.100568811.html

I also used to troll lampsplusopenbox.com for sale fixtures and fans.  Replaced three junky fans with nicer models for not that much.  I don't like fans hanging down too low though and fans with lamps tend to hang quite low.

Overall, I think your proposed plan to replace everything with those ikea/amazon lights is fine.  You might want to leave one different as an accent or something.

Do consider spending a bit more for something that looks fancy/contemporary if your plan is to sell.  I think you will get over 100% ROI on simple stuff like that.

LOL! Nice. The chandelier bulbs are "60W Equivalent Soft White B11 Filament E12 Energy Star and Dimmable LED Light Bulbs" - can they get much brighter than that? I think the color temp is on the warmer side which I guess we prefer but it just feels dim. The overall lighting in this place just sucks. We have cool white in the kitchen which makes sense but I think that would be too sterile for the living/dining room areas.

The ceiling in the entry and dining (chandelier) areas is 9' tall - is it not good to have a flush mount fixture up that high? The one in our entry way seems to be fine. But yea just trying to brighten the place up at night. We have those cheap Ikea torchiere lights but it would be nice to have something that can get the room bright enough without the need for those at night.

Maybe we'll just leave the chandelier in place but I dunno. I'm leaning towards swapping stuff out everywhere. What would you suggest in terms of "fancy/contemporary"? Ideas, pictures or specific links?

Thanks!

[SunnyDays]

A few thoughts:

-Don't use flush mounts for anywhere that requires sustained lighting, especially in a high ceiling.  They just aren't sufficient.  Okay for a hallway or porch area, where lighting need is brief.  DO NOT use this in the dining area.  Definitely need a chandelier here.

-for the dining chandelier, look for one where the openings are at the bottom rather than the top or just one where the light shines out from everywhere.  You will get more light for the same wattage.

-definitely replace the bathroom lighting, or at least use frosted bulbs, for a less cheap look.  Actually, the best position for bathroom lighting is on the sides of the mirror.  No shadows are cast that way and the light is brighter.

-you might want to look into full-spectrum bulbs instead of yellow or cool white.  They give better quality light, and while still on the white side, they don't glare.  Available in all kinds of bulbs.

-I have a number of older ceiling fans and they perform way better than the newer ones.  I don't know why, maybe the tilt of the blades is different?  I have found the newer ones to be virtually useless for actual cooling, regardless of the speed.  So you might want to look for some older used ones if you care about the function vs the look.

[jeromedawg]

A few thoughts:

-Don't use flush mounts for anywhere that requires sustained lighting, especially in a high ceiling.  They just aren't sufficient.  Okay for a hallway or porch area, where lighting need is brief.  DO NOT use this in the dining area.  Definitely need a chandelier here.

-for the dining chandelier, look for one where the openings are at the bottom rather than the top or just one where the light shines out from everywhere.  You will get more light for the same wattage.

-definitely replace the bathroom lighting, or at least use frosted bulbs, for a less cheap look.  Actually, the best position for bathroom lighting is on the sides of the mirror.  No shadows are cast that way and the light is brighter.

-you might want to look into full-spectrum bulbs instead of yellow or cool white.  They give better quality light, and while still on the white side, they don't glare.  Available in all kinds of bulbs.

-I have a number of older ceiling fans and they perform way better than the newer ones.  I don't know why, maybe the tilt of the blades is different?  I have found the newer ones to be virtually useless for actual cooling, regardless of the speed.  So you might want to look for some older used ones if you care about the function vs the look.

Ahh okay good to know - so the flush mount ones I'm considering seem like they'd be better to replace the flush mounts in the laundry and entry ways.

Good idea on the chandelier with the bottom openings - I'll be sure to look for something like that instead. Would you recommend a chandelier that is potentially raised higher up even? Or is there a certain rule of thumb for how far down you have them hanging from the ceiling?

For the bathroom vanity, I was considering just replacing that vanity but it would be in the same position as it currently is - I'm avoiding drilling any new holes, which it sounds like I'd need to do if I were to put lighting on the sides. So in this case, maybe it's better just to use frosted bulbs and call it at that.

For full spectrum bulbs, would you recommend those everywhere and anywhere? Or just in certain rooms or for specific applications?

The ceiling fan up there now is not very good - it actually sounds unstable at higher speeds, but maybe I just didn't install it right. It doesn't look very good so I'm wondering if one of those 'short-fan' fixtures would help make things more 'modern':

[SunnyDays]

A quick google search says that a chandelier should be 30-36" from the ceiling and 48" away from a wall.

Full spectrum bulbs give a daylight look, so use them anywhere that seems dingy with regular light bulbs or wherever good task lighting is required.  Kitchen work areas and reading areas are important, although lamps would likely be used in the latter.  Maybe not in the dining area.  Try other areas first and see what you think.  A dimmer switch in a dining area is a good idea too.

If the fan is wobbly, there may not be enough support under the mounting, so you could try to firm that up, or just go with a ceiling mount fan without a long "stem" to make it more stable.

[jeromedawg]

A quick google search says that a chandelier should be 30-36" from the ceiling and 48" away from a wall.

Full spectrum bulbs give a daylight look, so use them anywhere that seems dingy with regular light bulbs or wherever good task lighting is required.  Kitchen work areas and reading areas are important, although lamps would likely be used in the latter.  Maybe not in the dining area.  Try other areas first and see what you think.  A dimmer switch in a dining area is a good idea too.

If the fan is wobbly, there may not be enough support under the mounting, so you could try to firm that up, or just go with a ceiling mount fan without a long "stem" to make it more stable.

Ah ok - that's around where our current chandelier is. I'm thinking this might be a much better replacement btw:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Addington-Park-6-Light-Modern-Chandelier-with-Glossy-White-Glass-Shades-Dark-Bronze-Finish-31779/310483344


Our dining table/area actually is the area where we spend the most time since our living area and dining area are sort of 'mixed use' - it's one big room basically. We are on our laptops a good amount at the dining table (well, at least I am haha) so it would be nicer having better lighting in this general area. Of course, long-term this is for helping attract buyers too, and I'm thinking it wouldn't hurt either way. The other thing is that I want to avoid using weird 'non-standard' bulbs and would prefer E26 based bulbs if I could. Seems like E26 LEDs in that chandelier (maybe 60-75watt full spectrum) I linked would really make a *huge* difference. We currently do have a dimmer switch controlling the existing chandelier so that's taken care of.

[YttriumNitrate]

LOL! Nice. The chandelier bulbs are "60W Equivalent Soft White B11 Filament E12 Energy Star and Dimmable LED Light Bulbs" - can they get much brighter than that? I think the color temp is on the warmer side which I guess we prefer but it just feels dim. The overall lighting in this place just sucks. We have cool white in the kitchen which makes sense but I think that would be too sterile for the living/dining room areas.

If you replace the bulbs your chandelier with these 1800 lumen monsters, I can almost guarantee you won't be saying that the room is too dim.**
https://www.amazon.com/EBD-Lighting-Light-Candelabra-Equivalent/dp/B07RV988BW/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=e12+1800lm+warm&qid=1593630712&s=hi&sr=1-3

**I am not responsible for any eye damage.

[jeromedawg]

LOL! Nice. The chandelier bulbs are "60W Equivalent Soft White B11 Filament E12 Energy Star and Dimmable LED Light Bulbs" - can they get much brighter than that? I think the color temp is on the warmer side which I guess we prefer but it just feels dim. The overall lighting in this place just sucks. We have cool white in the kitchen which makes sense but I think that would be too sterile for the living/dining room areas.

If you replace the bulbs your chandelier with these 1800 lumen monsters, I can almost guarantee you won't be saying that the room is too dim.**
https://www.amazon.com/EBD-Lighting-Light-Candelabra-Equivalent/dp/B07RV988BW/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=e12+1800lm+warm&qid=1593630712&s=hi&sr=1-3

**I am not responsible for any eye damage.

LOL nice! Only thing about these is how long they last - one review seemed to indicate some of the bulbs went out pretty quickly.

[YttriumNitrate]

LOL nice! Only thing about these is how long they last - one review seemed to indicate some of the bulbs went out pretty quickly.

Yeah, definitely shop around for ones with good reviews. Getting ones that can be dimmed might also be a good idea too.

[SunnyDays]

That’s a nice simple and modern chandelier.  With 6 bulbs, there should be plenty of light.

[GuitarStv]

Weird thing to mention, but I noticed when I was last shopping for lights that many of the shades/glass coverings radically dim the amount of light coming from a fixture.  I remember having a hell of a time trying to find some that were more translucent and less opaque.  Otherwise you'll be using multiple 100-120 watt equivalents and wondering why it's so dim everywhere.

[dragoncar]

For the bathroom mirror, consider framing it out (kinda like this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dU9cgAKKoSE)

Doesn't have to be expensive or difficult.  Not sure I'd choose that specific trim from the video, but you do you. 

You could even run sconce wiring behind and mount over the side trim although it might be a code violation

PS, hilariously that video also has the same bathroom lighting fixture you do.  Builders aren't that creative huh?

[dragoncar]

LOL! Nice. The chandelier bulbs are "60W Equivalent Soft White B11 Filament E12 Energy Star and Dimmable LED Light Bulbs" - can they get much brighter than that? I think the color temp is on the warmer side which I guess we prefer but it just feels dim. The overall lighting in this place just sucks. We have cool white in the kitchen which makes sense but I think that would be too sterile for the living/dining room areas.

If you replace the bulbs your chandelier with these 1800 lumen monsters, I can almost guarantee you won't be saying that the room is too dim.**
https://www.amazon.com/EBD-Lighting-Light-Candelabra-Equivalent/dp/B07RV988BW/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=e12+1800lm+warm&qid=1593630712&s=hi&sr=1-3

**I am not responsible for any eye damage.

Those filament bulbs are nice accent lighting but I have a feeling they don't put out the highest light output despite their rating.

I agree it's better to go with standard E26 bulbs if you don't mind spending the money to replace fixture.  Even high output E12 I worry about heat dissipation... less surface area implies worse dissipation

On the other hand, those down-facing chandelier shades could trap heat... I have plenty of down facing can LEDs that have survived but I do think it's sub-optimal.  One option is something open on both top and bottom like a drum shade

[jeromedawg]

That’s a nice simple and modern chandelier.  With 6 bulbs, there should be plenty of light.

I'm close to ordering. However, since it's kind of a dark oil rubbed bronze color, should I try to get the rest of the light fixture to match that too?







I just installed new door levers throughout the house that are the brushed nickel types so wouldn't want the lighting fixtures to potentially clash with these and stick out like a sore thumb (this may not be a big deal though...not sure):

LOL! Nice. The chandelier bulbs are "60W Equivalent Soft White B11 Filament E12 Energy Star and Dimmable LED Light Bulbs" - can they get much brighter than that? I think the color temp is on the warmer side which I guess we prefer but it just feels dim. The overall lighting in this place just sucks. We have cool white in the kitchen which makes sense but I think that would be too sterile for the living/dining room areas.

If you replace the bulbs your chandelier with these 1800 lumen monsters, I can almost guarantee you won't be saying that the room is too dim.**
https://www.amazon.com/EBD-Lighting-Light-Candelabra-Equivalent/dp/B07RV988BW/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=e12+1800lm+warm&qid=1593630712&s=hi&sr=1-3

**I am not responsible for any eye damage.

Those filament bulbs are nice accent lighting but I have a feeling they don't put out the highest light output despite their rating.

I agree it's better to go with standard E26 bulbs if you don't mind spending the money to replace fixture.  Even high output E12 I worry about heat dissipation... less surface area implies worse dissipation

On the other hand, those down-facing chandelier shades could trap heat... I have plenty of down facing can LEDs that have survived but I do think it's sub-optimal.  One option is something open on both top and bottom like a drum shade

I was just looking at drum shades and they are expensive! Like at least $100 for a multi-light unit :( I was looking to spend under $100 if possible.

[jeromedawg]

For the bathroom mirror, consider framing it out (kinda like this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dU9cgAKKoSE)

Doesn't have to be expensive or difficult.  Not sure I'd choose that specific trim from the video, but you do you. 

You could even run sconce wiring behind and mount over the side trim although it might be a code violation

PS, hilariously that video also has the same bathroom lighting fixture you do.  Builders aren't that creative huh?

That's an awesome idea!! If I have time, I might try to do something like that lol.

[YttriumNitrate]

One more option might be to use E12 to E26 adapters (https://www.homedepot.com/p/Adamax-Candelabra-to-Medium-Base-E12-to-E26-Light-Bulb-Adapter-A1226E/207155530) so that you can use standard bulbs in the chandelier you currently have. They raise the height of the bulb up a bit, and some standard bulbs might not fit in the shades, but at $2 per adapter it's something that's cheap and easy to try out.

[jeromedawg]

One more option might be to use E12 to E26 adapters (https://www.homedepot.com/p/Adamax-Candelabra-to-Medium-Base-E12-to-E26-Light-Bulb-Adapter-A1226E/207155530) so that you can use standard bulbs in the chandelier you currently have. They raise the height of the bulb up a bit, and some standard bulbs might not fit in the shades, but at $2 per adapter it's something that's cheap and easy to try out.

Ah interesting idea! At the same time, I'm leaning towards just swapping the chandelier out since we are intending to sell and I'm not sure I really like the look of it as far as staging is concerned. Maybe it's just fine and all we need to do is swap the other fixtures out but it kinda bugs me. What do you guys think though?

EDIT: I just looked into it and it seems like the entire adapter is 2.5" long - a standard E26 A19 bulb is 4.25" - I think it would stick out over the top with an A19. I guess I'd have to buy some lower profile E26 base bulbs like these https://www.homedepot.com/p/Feit-Electric-60-Watt-Equivalent-A15-Dimmable-Filament-CEC-Title-20-90-CRI-White-Glass-LED-Ceiling-Fan-Light-Bulb-Soft-White-2-Pack-BPA1560W927CAFIL2-RP/304112236?

[SunnyDays]

Yes, it would be nice to have a cohesive look to all the lighting and the dark bronze color does look a little classier than the lights without a trim.  I wouldn't worry about the door handles matching the lights.  That's a very minor detail, and at least they aren't brass or something, so should still blend in well enough. 

And the framed mirror does give an upgraded look.

[jeromedawg]

Yes, it would be nice to have a cohesive look to all the lighting and the dark bronze color does look a little classier than the lights without a trim.  I wouldn't worry about the door handles matching the lights.  That's a very minor detail, and at least they aren't brass or something, so should still blend in well enough. 

And the framed mirror does give an upgraded look.

Yea, I agree - I can envision those new dark bronze/black fixtures and I think it would make it look classier in the dining/living area. I'd probably just get that same black fixture for the laundry room too just because.




For the vanity lights in the second bathroom, I'll probably just buy the frosted G25 bulbs as suggested. I currently have 40watt lights in there - I'm wondering if I should get 40watt again or if I should go with 60watt lights. I found a set of 3 on Amazon where the 40watts are actually more expensive at $15 vs 60watts at $14 - not sure if 6x 60watt frosted LEDs would be overkill though.

[SunnyDays]

Frosted bulbs will give a little less light than non frosted so if might be okay to use the 60 watt.  I have 6 40 watts in my bathroom in the same type of fixture, just regular bulbs though and I find it more than sufficient.  Is there a dimmer for that switch?

[jeromedawg]

Frosted bulbs will give a little less light than non frosted so if might be okay to use the 60 watt.  I have 6 40 watts in my bathroom in the same type of fixture, just regular bulbs though and I find it more than sufficient.  Is there a dimmer for that switch?

No dimmer although I could put one in. I like it bright in that bathroom. The clear 40w bulbs we had were very bright which was nice. So maybe I'll just try the 60w lights and see how we like them.

[jeromedawg]

I found a deal (might be too good to be true) off amazon for 6x G25 Philips globe lights for $10.99 so I went ahead and placed the order...LOL We'll see if it ships or if what I get isn't junk.

BTW: thoughts on which of these I should go with?
Bellina 42" (Home Depot for $40)

vs
Honeywell 30" compact (Amazon for $70):


This fan sits over a 'breakfast nook' area of the kitchen - which is where the current fan is:


I'm trying to make it the same consistent them as the other oil-rubbed/dark bronze fixtures I ordered as well as the same colored hardware I am planning to install on the white cabinetry in the rest of the kitchen.

[SunnyDays]

Depends on the size of the immed











































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































It depends on the size of the immediate area.  The tip of the fan blades should be at least 2 feet from all walls, so if the area is small, go with the compact one; if larger, the 42" should be okay.

[dragoncar]

Not a fan (haha) of the dangling cords.  I got a fan that came with a wall mounted transmitter to control.  Can program any standard fan remote with the code too. 

Sounds like you don't want to install any holes, but I wanted to keep the fan clearance as high as possible because having it dangle over my head makes me feel claustrophobic (bedroom ceilings are regular 8 ft).  So I got a fan with no light on the bottom.  Is it important for the room to have a light on the fan? 

[jeromedawg]

Not a fan (haha) of the dangling cords.  I got a fan that came with a wall mounted transmitter to control.  Can program any standard fan remote with the code too. 

Sounds like you don't want to install any holes, but I wanted to keep the fan clearance as high as possible because having it dangle over my head makes me feel claustrophobic (bedroom ceilings are regular 8 ft).  So I got a fan with no light on the bottom.  Is it important for the room to have a light on the fan?

Yea those kind of detract don't they? How much was the fan that you had with the control? I was going with the cheapest but still decent looking fan I could haha.

The light on the fan is more of a "nice to have" - you get sufficient light from the light bars in the kitchen. However, this area is intended as a "breakfast nook" and you can setup a small table there if you want. Most units I've seen though, I'm not sure they really use it this way.

[jeromedawg]

It depends on the size of the immediate area.  The tip of the fan blades should be at least 2 feet from all walls, so if the area is small, go with the compact one; if larger, the 42" should be okay.

Current fan is 42" and is right about 2' away from the walls. I ended up already ordering the compact Honeywell btw haha. Saw your reply on my other thread about cabinet/drawer pulls and knobs but was curious your take on the color of the fan fixture being black/bronze (I did this to keep it consistent with the other black-themed light fixtures and chandelier I ordered)

[dragoncar]

You can always just remove the little chain and leave the fan on a switch.  If you want to change something you have to put the chain back but in your use case you probably don’t mind having the light on whenever the fan is on, and using the lowest speed

[Another Reader]

Don't mix bronze with brushed nickel.  I would stick with brushed nickel, but ask those agents you interview.  Don't buy the cheapest fans. For $50 more, buy something decent.  Stop trying to save a few dollars on things that buyers notice.

[jeromedawg]

How about these for the bathroom vanity?





Not sure if 3 lights is good enough or if 4 lights is better:


I'm guessing I should just base it on the current length of the vanity bar that's up there? Current vanity bar is 36" wide. These 3-light units are I think under 30" Better to go smaller on them in this case?

[SunnyDays]

I prefer the first set of lights myself.  More light from the downward opening than the upward, and easier to clean all the dust that inevitably accumulates on top.

As for the colour of the fan, it shouldn't matter if you decide not to put knobs on the cabinets, but personally, a mix of the two finishes wouldn't bother me.  But darker knobs would really look out of place on the cupboards, so if I had to pick one, I would get a nickel fan as well.  I think keeping each room consistent is more important than having all lights the same.

(Sorry about the big blank in previous post.  My cat was contributing. He apparently has no thoughts on the matter.)

[jeromedawg]

I prefer the first set of lights myself.  More light from the downward opening than the upward, and easier to clean all the dust that inevitably accumulates on top.

As for the colour of the fan, it shouldn't matter if you decide not to put knobs on the cabinets, but personally, a mix of the two finishes wouldn't bother me.  But darker knobs would really look out of place on the cupboards, so if I had to pick one, I would get a nickel fan as well.  I think keeping each room consistent is more important than having all lights the same.

(Sorry about the big blank in previous post.  My cat was contributing. He apparently has no thoughts on the matter.)

Yea, I was thinking that first set is relatively 'neutral' - no issues "downsizing" the current lighting to something smaller? The bathroom isn't huge so I think it would be OK. I did order frosted globe lights on that deal but it sounds like replacing the vanity overall is a better move.

I'll probably just forego knobs at this point. But will go with nickel if I change my mind.

[Another Reader]

Agree with #1.

[SunnyDays]

Does the first light come in a 4 bulb configuration? If so, get that.  Or get something similar with more bulbs. Otherwise, check the reviews for comments about overall brightness.  You could take 3 bulbs out of your current fixture and see how bright that is, keeping total wattage in mind.

[jeromedawg]

Does the first light come in a 4 bulb configuration? If so, get that.  Or get something similar with more bulbs. Otherwise, check the reviews for comments about overall brightness.  You could take 3 bulbs out of your current fixture and see how bright that is, keeping total wattage in mind.

I decided to forego the fixture - Originally I ordered the 3 light. But after two realtors have stopped by advising that I don't do anything as far as fixtures are concerned, I've decided just to replace the bulbs with the frosted daylight ones you suggested earlier. They're 40W so shouldn't be much brighter than what's currently in there. But at least the frosted look will be better it sounds.