Adding Light to a Cave-Like Loft

My friend Beth’s cramped bedroom loft is blessed with a great NYC location but is cursed with very little natural light and an extra low ceiling. The loft looked and felt like a cave. The challenge was to add glamour and light back into the space.

 

Let the Makeover Begin

The room started to feel airy and bright after painting the walls and adding gorgeous, luxe details like this Schumacher wallpaper. I needed a pair of wall sconces that added shimmer and reflected light back into the room, without taking up an inch of floor space. Luxe for less was the mantra and Target was a gold mine for affordable sconces. At this writing, the sconces are no longer sold at Target, but here are a few affordable options that have that same glamorous allure:

These two sconces are from Pier 1. The one above is the Golden Mirrored Pillar Candle Holder.  It looks boho chic and can add relaxed elegance to a bedroom.  Below is the Alexander Candle holder which brings a touch of that Hollywood Regency to a room.

Go Gold

The formerly black metal sconces were painted gold and along with the mirrored backs, they both reflect light and shimmer into the space. Add battery-operated candles that flicker and add a romantic glow without risking a four-alarm fire. Look for the candles with an automatic timer. It’s so pleasant to come home to candles already lit at the same time every day.

Tip

Instead of gold paint, use metallic wax. Simply rub the wax (smooth as butter) onto the metal with a soft cloth. You’ll get complete coverage without dealing with a dripping mess and paint fumes.