When I first heard of Tulip Shades, it was from an Instagram post my 24-year-old son sent. He knows how much I value good lighting, and nothing kills the vibe of a room faster than a lousy ceiling light. A boob light. Or just some ugly light fixture that offers nothing to the room in the way of design and certainly not ambient lighting.
Lighting is everything
Lighting IS everything…that’s why I am talking about it two Sundays in a row!
Last Sunday, I talked about how we switched out our dining room chandelier. Our existing light fixture was not terrible, like a boob light, but the new pendant makes a huge difference in the room. New lamp shades for the existing chandelier would have been about $650, but I still had an old light fixture that I wasn’t thrilled about. A new light in the way of a rice paper shade was just the solution for the dining room.
As with every project, one thing leads to another. The dining room looks directly into my office. I would love to be able to leave the door open. The small office has three windows; in the summer, a wall of hydrangeas is in view from the back windows. But I do not leave the door open because the existing ceiling light is so unattractive. Yes, the ceiling light is terrible, even when it’s turned off (and it’s always which is turned off), and it bothers me.
There are many different options to replace a ceiling light, but I wanted one that I would use that would disperse the light with a warm glow. A ceiling fixture is an easy enough light to replace, but with what? I tried this one from CB2, and I’m sure it looked better than the existing fixture, but I never used it. The light was still overhead lighting, which I really don’t like. So I moved the CB2 fixture to the closet and left the wires hanging from the ceiling–until I came across Tulip Shades (thank you, Patrick).
How to hide an ugly ceiling light + they are renter-friendly!
Once I discovered Tulip Shades, we reinstalled the old fixture and covered it with a Tulip Shade. The great thing about Tulip Shades is that you don’t need to deal with electrical work. If I had found this company before moving light fixtures around, we would have never had to worry about turning off the power. This extra step was only necessary because I have a way of making everything harder!
Renter-Friendly
Tulip offers a simple solution to one of the most essential features in a room– lighting. The renter-friendly shades offer transformative home decorating solutions just by adding a lampshade made of beautiful linen that covers the old light fixture. No tools are required, and actually, no DIY experience. Anyone can transform their space with this one thing. Tulip Shades are great for rental apartments. They can be installed, and then when you leave after a year, take it down and take it to your next place with an ugly light. They come in a flat box, which I recommend saving so you can safely take it to your next place.
Tulip Shades are not Just for apartment dwellers.
Tulip shades are not just for apartments. These beautiful shades are handcrafted and sustainably made. If brighter light is needed, the best option is a natural shade. They offer colors with warm and cozy glows for more ambient lighting, like the Gem Blossom, a pale pink, or Gem Sunlight. They come in three basic shapes: Lamp, Drum, and Gem. Choose your lamp shade style according to room size and ceiling height. Perfect for hallways, stairways, entryways, living room, family room, and bedroom. Nursery. Office or just about anywhere you have boob lights!
Perfect for dorms, too
The one thing your kids need for their dorm room is a tulip shade. I would have chosen the Gem Sunlight. I always sent my kids off with a stand of twinkle lights and a lamp or two with a raffia shade for soft lighting. But inevitably, they will turn on the ceiling lights. Give them some sunshine with the Gem Sunlight, offering a balmy glow.
The best light bulbs to use
I used two 15-watt incandescent light bulbs. They add the right amount of light, and the natural linen shade is so beautiful on or off!
How much are Tulip Shades?
They start at $120 and go up to $145. Once you have the install kit (included), switching out shades is easy, and you don’t need another mounting kit. They are so well made with high-quality fabric.
Install your Tulip Shade in 5 minutes without so much as a trip to Home Depot.
Since Tulip Shades are very easy to install, I thought I should try it on my own rather than ask Brent to help. (He already replaced the original horrible light.) I watched the how-to video. The directions are clear and straightforward. Anyone can do this quick fix, and the new shade from Tulip will be an instant mood booster. Each shade comes with everything you need, and it takes five minutes!
Some may say the best thing about Tulip Shades is their easy installation. And yes, that part is excellent. But wait until it gets dark and you turn on your new Tulip Shade. It’s an instant mood booster!
More Sunday favorites!
Anne Engel – Board Certified Health Coach
I’ve been following Anne Engel for a while now and can’t believe I haven’t shared here as a Sunday favorite. She shares no-nonsense habits that you can incorporate into your daily life that really make a difference. She’s up to Habit 56 and just did a recap of the first 50.
She says, and I’m quoting, “It’s the everyday rituals we build that truly transform us. From a morning walk to a warm bath before bed, these little choices shape our outlook, fuel our energy, and unlock a world of accomplishment (and balance!).” Follow her on Instagram @anne.engelhealth
Pretty notecards from artist Nancy Sharpe
Who doesn’t love to receive and send a handwritten note? My friend, artist Nancy Sharpe, just released a set of four beautiful notecards in her shop. They won’t last long, but sending one will brighten someone’s day. And they can frame it, too! Each card is hand-signed! Order your set here and follow Nancy on Instagram here!
That clever, Patrick!! Great job!
Obsessed with Tulip Lights! What an innovative and chic idea. My daughter is buying her first home, and it has a few pretty terrible boob lights – major score on a housewarming gift!
Miriam, The perfect housewarmong gift! I’m sure your daughter would be thrilled! xo
Hi Annie
Oh my gosh I love these in your home! What a great switch out! There is nothing worse than a boob light!!
Cindy! I know, right? Not that your home has any! haha
Annie!!
I can hardly wait to show the tulip shades to our son who is redecorating his apartment. They are ingenious and very fun.
Hugs, Diney on Mercer Island
HI Diney! Isn’t it such a great idea?! And the light they disperse is soft and beautiful! xx