Moody lighting: an old-fashioned library style picture light for my vintage Vanguard

When the well-informed associate at the local lighting store says to you, sort of worriedly, “That is really old fashioned,” you know you’re making a good decision. That’s what I heard when I tried to buy a library-style picture light to illuminate the Vanguard painting behind the bar in my Mahalo Lounge.

I plan to hardwire some spotlights in the ceiling to shine on the larger pieces on the larger expanses of wall in the Lounge. But for this space, I just wanted a bit of light on the painting of the pirate ship. Plus, I like having different styles of lighting throughout the room, all with very dim bulbs.

Plus, I wanted to get something done. Today I am launching my 12 days of Kitschmas: Finish what I started! Mostly stuff in the Lounge, but other projects cluttering up my life — and my mind. 12 days from now should put me right before Christmas — weebit will be home — and we’ll have a clean and tidy room in which to to put up the aluminum Christmas tree and decorate it with our very very best most precious vintage ornaments. Hooray!

The picture light is from House of Troy — made in Vermont — and you can also get it on Amazon — (cheaper on Amazon than what I paid in the store, too, but that’s okay, I am happy to pay my lighting store, they are helping me rewire stuff too, and their prices — and service — are great). Note: I earn a wee commission if you click through to Amazon via links on my blog and end up buying anything.

To size the picture light, my store recommended I one about 1/2 the width of the painting. The light is adjustable both up and out — the more you pull it forward, the more of the picture you light. That said, it is not a flood light — I can’t/don’t illuminate the entire ship, only the sky. That’s okay with me, too, I like the mood — moody.

The light also seems to have two settings — low and high. I turn it to low. Again: Moody. When the whole room is dark, and I get all the low-wattage lights on, it looks great, gives the space depth.

On the 1st day of Kitschmas: Painting lit, old-skool.