Let There Be Light

I wanted to surprise TBG with new lighting in our bedroom.  He is out at camp de-winterizing.  This is something he does so I don't have to.  On the other hand, I decorate so he doesn't have to.  The decor in our master bedroom is sadly lacking and that room will not be renovated for another couple of years.  This year, it's the siding, next year it will be the kitchen.  After that, we will knock down a wall and improve the bedroom.  For now, I just try to do little things to keep it from looking too crappy.

Our nightstands are ancient.  They belonged to my grandparents.  At one point, someone did a messy paint job and splattered all over these. My step-grandmother was too blind to notice.  The set is from the 40's and has seen better days.  The old set of mismatched lights didn't do much to help the look.  My vision was to hang plug-in swag lights, preferably basket style.  While I didn't find exactly what I was looking for, I am pleased with the results.

TBG relies on a Bi-Pap machine, a very expensive and annoying appliance which  I detest -- but realize is a necessity.  Having the unit on the nightstand created a big problem.  With a bulky lamp for illumination, a picture and a glass of water, it was not only a cluttered hazard, it was hard to dust and keep clean.  TBGs allergies sometimes make it hard for him to breath with his mask, so I am doing what I can to cut down on dust.  I think opening up the nightstand will help.

As luck would have it, Michael's had this sort of lighting product on sale.  The two baskets were on clearance for $7.49 a piece.  Both lamp cords were under $20.  I picked up two funky bulbs but one broke as soon as I screwed it in. They are going back for a refund.  While there weren't any in a true basket style, I was thrilled to have found the black metal wire. It is a fine match for our headboard.  I had tried to find the light cords at Home Depot, but they had nothing that would work.  There was one kind I tried, but ended up returning it.  It was sheer lucky to stumble on the sale!  The bargain gods really have been smiling on me lately.

These two misfits are going to thrift-land.  Actually, the cabinet they are in front of is going as well -- but that is a subject for another post.

I think TBG will be happy with his  new lighting.  He likes to read in bed.  Since I ran his Nook through the washing machine, he's been making do with a Kindle -- but that isn't a great device, so he sometimes reads paper books and magazines.  We are getting him a new Nook this weekend, but I still wanted to do something about the dusty and cluttered night stand situation.  I am happy with the result!