Easy DIY Update You Can Do in an Afternoon
Have a dated light fixture that's driving you nuts? Want to update it but don’t want to go through the hassle of removing it from the wall? You're in the right place. Today, I'm sharing how I painted our vintage-style sconces without taking them down — and gave our upstairs bathroom a mini facelift in the process.
And yes, this project requires no special tools, no electrician, and no removing the fixture. If you've been hesitant to update an old metal light fixture, I promise, this is totally doable — and incredibly satisfying.
Life Has Been a Whirlwind
Before we dive into the DIY, I have to say—things have been a bit chaotic lately. Between working on our other house, juggling my full-time job, running after Peanut, and squeezing in time for projects at home... let’s just say I’ve been sprinting through the week. But I finally caught a break and found a pocket of time to do a quick update in the upstairs bath.
And what a difference a little paint made.
A Little Backstory on Our Upstairs Bathroom
When we bought this house, the upstairs looked like it had barely been touched. We suspect the previous owner only renovated areas her guests would see. The rest? It was like stepping back in time.
We found fragments of what we think was original wallpaper tucked behind layers of newer paper. And then there's the story one neighbor told us — that the woman bought the house, spent one night in it, and then moved back across the alley to her old home. Just one night. That’s the kind of story that sends my imagination into overdrive. Did she see something? Was it haunted? Who knows.
She let her sister live here for decades, and then a long-term rental couple moved in. And eventually, we became the stewards of this charming old house.
The Charm I Wanted to Rip Out
When we first toured the home, I was laser-focused on what needed to go. I told the realtor, “All this charm? Yeah, it’s coming out.” Plastic tiles in the bathroom? Gone. Carpet in the bathrooms? Absolutely not.
And while the carpet did have to go (I couldn’t even think about what might be hiding in it), the rest? It grew on me. I’m actually glad we waited before diving into renovations. Living in a space helps you understand what works—and what surprisingly grows on you.
Those yellow tiles I was so ready to demo? I kind of like them now. Paired with white and gray, the yellow adds a cheerful, unexpected touch. I never thought I’d be a yellow-in-the-bathroom person, but here we are.
Let’s Talk Light Fixtures (and How to Paint Them In Place)
Now to the part you came for: how to paint a light fixture without removing it.
Our bathroom sconces were a mix of gold and silver — which just made them look… dingy. They weren't awful, but they didn’t match the vision I had for the room. Still, I wasn’t ready to replace them (and let’s be honest, who wants to mess with wiring if you don’t have to?).
So I painted them.
Materials You’ll Need:
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A mild cleaner (dish soap and water or a vinegar spray)
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A microfiber cloth
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Painter’s tape (optional, but recommended)
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Small detail paintbrush
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Multi-surface or metal paint (I used a satin white finish)
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Rub ‘n Buff (optional for accents)
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Patience and good lighting
Step-by-Step: Painting a Light Fixture Without Removing It
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Turn Off the Light
This one’s obvious but important. Let the fixture cool down completely. -
Clean the Fixture
Use a mild cleaner and cloth to remove dust, grime, and any lingering hairspray (if it’s in a bathroom). You want a clean surface so the paint adheres well. -
Tape Off the Surrounding Wall (or don’t, like me)
If you’re more cautious than I am, tape off the wall around the fixture. I skipped this step because I have a steady hand — oddly enough, my left hand is steadier than my right, and I’m right-handed! -
Apply Paint with a Detail Brush
Start with light coats and take your time. You don’t want drips or globs, especially on small details. -
Let It Dry
Give it enough time to dry between coats. I did two light coats for full coverage. -
Add Accents (Optional)
If you want a bit of contrast, now’s the time to use something like Rub ‘n Buff or even paint a few details in black. I’m still debating whether to go all white or add just a hint of black to the “leaves” beneath the sconce glass.
The Results: Fresh and Clean
Painting the sconces made a huge difference. That old gold-silver combo made them look a little dirty. Now? They're crisp and clean in white, and they feel intentional.
I keep walking by the bathroom just to look at them. I still haven’t decided if I’ll add a little black for contrast—but for now, they’re staying white.
Oh, and that medicine cabinet to the right? It’s next on my list. I’m planning a makeover there too, and thinking I’ll wait to do a full “reveal” once that project is done.
