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Light the Way

OUR 1st HOUSE

I am confounded. 

totally confounded.

con-found-ed  – adjective

definition: bewildered; confused; perplexed.

Yup, that’s me.  Don’t have a clue what to do.  I have bewilderment, confusion and perplex-ion. 

A vital decision must be made in regards to lighting…and I need some help. 

On the one hand, I had decided that we would try to spend a very little bit of money on the lighting for the nursery.  So I came up with this idea to strap branches ($0) to an old chandelier ($20 on craigslist) with a bit of wire ($3) and spraypaint ($10) the whole thing for a very inexpensive rustic looking light fixture. 

Something a little like this:

I thought…heck, for around 35 bucks, I could get a totally appropriate solution for Will’s future room and replace that measly little fan. 

And then I went online. 

That’s when the confoundedment started.  I blame West Elm.  It’s their fault. I saw this:

And thought…oh boy…that’s hot.

The problem is this…I love the idea of the rustic light fixture…I really do…and I love the fact that it is a DIY option…and that it’s cheap.  But the Drum Pendant is soooo chic.  That simple design.  The natural linen shade.  The adjustable height.  I feel faint just typing about it.  And it would totally add that touch of modern charm to the space while allowing the accent wall & my secret over-the-crib-art-project to take center stage.  And for $150…it could totally be worse.  Plus I saved money on the chair I bought instead of the ikea one.  Did I mention I bought a chair for the room?  Yeah I did.  For $30.  So I saved a chunk of change there.  More than the difference between light fixtures.  And another pro for the West Elm option is that I could re-use this sucker.  The branchy option probably wouldn’t be able to fit in anywhere else in the house…

hence:

confounded-ment-ness.

So what would you do?  Would you still opt for the cheaper option even if it might be a little too much for the space?  Or would you splurge on a totally simple, modern, and reusable pendant?  What’s the concensus out there – is cost most important or would the longevity of an item take precendence? HELP!

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  2. I say if you love it- go for it. It’s classic and reusuable. Since you saved money in other areas it’s not like you’re blowing your budget. You may not love the chandelier project when finished, but you KNOW you love this pendant.

  3. I’m usually all for DIY and being thrifty, but in this case I’d go with the West Elm light. It’s quality, classy, and very reusable throughout your house. Think of it as an investment — you’ll get more use out of it. Plus I think it would be adorable in baby Will’s room!

  4. I would still love to see you do your rustic branch chandelier. Mostly because I don’t think it’s possible to make it look good on one’s own…but also because I think the white be a really nice contrast to your accent wall. 🙂

  5. Katie, I adore your creativity and energy for wanting to make a light fixture, but I don’t think there is anything wrong with splurging on a classic fixture like the one you’ve shown! Plus, it sounds like you guys are putting so many other personal creative touches in the room! And you did save money on the chair…by the way, what sort of chair were you miraculously able to acquire for only $30!!! I think the drum shade would look awesome with your nursery plans!

  6. The branch light seems really fun, and who doesn’t love a DIY Project?!?!
    However, I have come to figure out that if you are battling in your brain about options, go with the “but what about” option. You can always re-use it in the future, and if you change your mind down the road and want to play with Light#1, you can do so (without it going out of season/stock like West Elm does).

  7. I say create the DIY branch light and see if you like it. If not take it apart and save the 20 dollar chandelier for a later date. And then buy the West elm light. Both pieces can be used again! And you are only losing out on 35 bucks…. I say go for it!!

  8. I love, love, love the rustic fixture and have been dying to see it done! I am totally a DIYer, so it would definitely be my choice. BUT, and there’s a big but – YOU have to been happy with it. It sounds to me like you have your heart set on the Drum Pendant, which I’m sure will look perfect in the room, and who wouldn’t love a lighting fixture they could use elsewhere in the house if the need arose. Bottom line is, I’m sure whichever you pick will look great in the room… if it was my little guy’s room, though, I’d be all over the rustic one. You want the extra cash you’ll save for all the diapers you’re going to go through! :0)

  9. Why don’t you make the chic drum pendant? Buy a “make-a-lamp” kit from the hardware store and a drum shade from Target, LampsPlus.com, ebay, Amazon, etc…
    You can cover the shade with linen or burlap yourself and save beaucoup bucks!

  10. I would go with the drum pendant. The branch idea seems a bit much. And the drum pendant is something you’ll use forever…and it’s not really THAT expensive.

  11. As must as I love the idea of the DIY branchy light, the idea of millions of dust bunnies getting trapped up there would drive me crazy. And you can’t argue with a light that could work in multiple spaces!

  12. I think that if you fall in LOVE as you have with the (s uper gorgeous)light…you have to follow your heart. Always. If the budget allows and you have saved and could save in other ways…there is no reason not to!!! Just my 2 cents…

  13. No joke, I was just checking out this light fixture on my lunch break today and want it for my dining room! That personal bias aside, I still think it’s a better choice. Mostly because, like you said, you’ll be able to use it in any room in the house, and it will allow the other really cool features in Will’s room to shine. Plus, you’re doing what I do when trying to rationalize a purchase, which is give a million reasons why it’s the better choice and why it’s ok to buy it. Just do it!

    If you’re really worried about the price, check out some of the copycats on Overstock. But I don’t think this one can be beat!

  14. I LOVE the West Elm pendant, I’ve had my eye on that for awhile. So, that’s my choice. I love that it is a clean look that Will could grow into. More money in the long run, but spread that over 18 years and you are golden.

  15. Hey Katie,

    You can definately make the West Elm version yourself. If you think about it really is just a large drum shade covered in a linen like fabric. They sell pendant light kits at Lowes that you can attach a light bulb that will hold the drum shade on. follow what i’m saying. I havent done this myself yet, but its on my to do list. Somewhere on the internet I found a tutorial for it. If i find it i will be sure to let you know. Stop by my blog and vist sometime

    http://www.timetobeefocused.blogspot.com

  16. I would make the branch chandy. Who knows if you’ll have another change (read: future daughters, instead of sons) to do it again? And I would find somewhere else to install the pendant lamp. A hallway, den or foyer maybe? You could also swap out the branchy fixture for the pendant lamp down the road, but for $33 you can have something you really love for a good several years, the no one else will. Everyone has pendant lights these days 🙂

  17. Ummm do you really have to ask???

    GO WITH THE WEST ELM DRUM PENDANT!!

    #1. It is modern {helloooo drum shade}
    #2. It is versatile {great for ANY room}
    #3. It is unisex {can be used if/when a little girl Bower comes along}
    #4. It is delicious {mmm natural linen}
    #5. It has longevity {as opposed to something you make, which is more likely to break since it’s not factory-made}
    #6. It’s ready NOW {as opposed to you having to MAKE a chandelier, with the pressure of the impending birth and all of that jazz}

    Now, don’t get me wrong, I love your chandelier idea. I just think the West Elm pendant is the best choice all around.

    Oh and also: where did you get the new chair?? I’d love to see it!

    ~ Natalie 🙂

  18. They would both look great in the nursery. But I think you hit the nail on the head, the drum shade, even though more expensive, will work in any room, so it’s more likely to last longer. And being that you’ve still got a ways to go, that’s one less project for you. (Not that you couldn’t do it, you totally could.) Plus it sounds like you’re already doing an over-the-crib-project that needs to be the big feature along with the COOL accent wall. And the shade has that natural linen that will go perfectly with the look of the nursery. That’s just my 2 cents, ok, maybe that was more like 4 cents…

  20. Maybe you could revise your branchy-chandelier plan into a sweet, rustic mobile? Then you’d get the best of both worlds!

  22. You mean you can’t have both? 🙂 I LOVE the rustic light fixture idea. Of course the pendant is chic.

    So can’t you have the rustic light hanging and a pendant style floor lamp with your new chair for a reading to Will nook?

    Oh KB, we’ll support whatever choice you make!

  23. Both are cute. But, if it were me, the $150 price tag would scare me off. You can make a light for $35 (which is cheap enough to change out), and you save $115 right now which is a good chunk of cash (if you spend it wisely – which you usually do) to spend on other needed items.

  24. I would get a pendant shade, but a less expensive one. I think the chandelier with branches would be too much for the room. You can still go cheap, and you could paint some lovely branches in a darker brown right onto the shade. Close your eyes. Imagine it. Feels right, hunh?

  25. Splurge, splurge, splurge!!! You love the drum, and it will always be classy and beautiful,!

  26. splurge on the drum pendant. the DIY one is very good looking idea but a pain in the booty to clean, can you say dust mights hanging with the bambino?

  27. I agree with Kim, try the branch chandelier, and if it doesn’t work out, it wasn’t that expensive and you can always get the West Elm pendant instead. I think baby rooms are supposed to be a little over the top. While the West Elm light is GORGEOUS, its also a bit plain, and very adult. And the branch chandy might provide Will more stimulation, so instead of crying he’ll just look up at the branches and be amused. Or he’ll be inspired to go in the woods and pick up sticks and pretend they are swords! lol. Hope the helps!

  28. $150 for a light pendant? let’s be real – DIY! If u think u can make a crazy branch thing-a-majig, u can make a simple pendant…go katie, go katie, go…=D

  29. Buy the West Elm lamp…

    If you decide that it isn’t right for the nursery, you can put it in another room (it’s neutral enough) or return it. There will always be a cheap chandelier on craigs or at goodwill for you to DIY.

  30. Have you looked at CB2? They have a similar light (the eden pendant lamp) for just $49.95. Then you could get the pendant and feel good about the price.

  31. I was really jealous of the branch chandelier in your inspiration board, but I’m going to be honest. I too love the linen drum shade. I saw it on overstock.com though.

    And admittedly, used it not only as a pendant chandelier in a nursery mockup I did recently, but I liked it so much I put it on the reading lamp in the room too. I wouldn’t be able to decide if I were you either!

    Actually, when I was mapping out our dining room, I wanted a black chandelier with maximum amount of crystals. Then I saw the one I ended up buying at Ikea. I bought it impulsively, and I love it. I kind of regret not getting the black chandelier from time to time, but I think this one is more our personality.

  34. LOVE the branchy twiggy lighty thing….but with the big ol’ feature wall….it may be nice to have something more simple. But surely you could get something cheaper than 150 bucks. Couldn’t you just get a drum shade at target and hang it??? or am I dumb? either way, it will awesome.

  35. I agree with the comment to check out the eden pendant lamp at CB2. I just hung it at the top of our staircase and it looks awesome! It is well made and was under $50. How can you go wront. Plus, I am 40 wks pregnant. I was not about to undertake making a pendant light myself – even though I am sure I could.

  36. Go with the Drum Pendant Lamp. But I don’t think you should spend 150 on it, cb2 has one for 50 or you could make one like Sherry did on YHL on the cheap. Find a shade at target like the West Elm one.

  37. I like the drum pendant. It’s more practical in a way because it’s not really tied to a theme. You could use it in other rooms, but the rustic light might only work in the nursery with the rest of the related accessories. Drum pendant is classic and versatile.

  38. okay…so everybody is lovin the West Elm pendant…I knew you would to be honest 🙂
    I know that some of ya’ll are thinking I should do the branchy one & see if it works…but honestly, my lovely boyfriend is nearing the end of his rope with my multiple attempts at a certain decor effect…I don’t know if I should use up a ‘REDO’ card on this one. I don’t want him to have to do twice the work especially when I feel like we are already down to the wire.
    I hear the DIY suggestions – the only problem with making my own shade is that I can’t find a kit that is 24″ in diameter or larger. Any help?
    And I also heard the suggestion about looking on other sites – no luck on ebay, no luck on craigslist, the cb2 pendant is too small for the big impact I want, overstock has a couple options…but they are not as yummy or out of stock. ERG.
    love & kisses everyone for all your help…it really is making me happy.
    xo – k

  39. I’m all for DIY and cheap. . . but I gotta say I love the drum pendant a lot for the nursery. Maybe look around for other sites that have more affordable pendants? If you could find a bargain on a shade like that you could put it on an inexpensive DIY pendant lamp fixture.

  40. Oops…sorry, I was a premature commenter. Just saw all the other suggestions identical to mine 🙂

  42. Honestly, you had me with the chandy. Really adds a kick to the room and would really pop against the feature wall. The drum shade wouldn’t really do that. And yes its more practical, but I’ve seen these twig lights and similar ideas in a lot of other spaces and they look great.

  43. I agree with the other people—I bought the Eden drum lamp from CB2 and its awesome! Under $50 too. Take a look at it before splurging on the West Elm one!

  45. I think that you should go for the West Elm pendant because although the branch chandelier looks awesome it would be a little much for the room in addition to the accent wall and the art you are planning for over the crib. All of that together might just be a bit too much to take in and you want your nursery to be as soothing as possible because you are going to spend a lot of time in there, and the West Elm light is something that you will still love in a couple of years. I doubt you will regret it if you buy it.

  46. I’ve seen those twig fixtures online and the smallest/cheapest ones are four figures! If you pull it off, you’ve saved a lot more than $115. If you change your mind you can always buy the one from West Elm.

  47. It looks just as good in a totally different way. But besides that, it sounds like you’ve already convinced yourself…

    **Idea** How about bustin out that baby room mood board and switching out the chandelier for the drum shade and see how well it works?

  48. Can I add option C: leave the measly little ceiling fan and provide Baby Will with hours of entertainment in his crib (maybe even buying you precious minutes of your sleep) plus nicely circulated air which is a risk reducer for SIDS. For some reason babies and ugly ceiling fans are a match made in heaven. Yeah, I’m cheap, super lazy and way to practical for my own good.

  50. Ignore my comment that is waiting moderation. I just got to thinking about cleaning the twigs. Buy the West Elm pendant, at least you can vacuum it or dust off the cobwebs without breaking it.

  51. I think that the West Elm one is beautiful and ok to splurge on…but if you could make the white chandelier than that would gooo AMAZING..I love that it is rustic and chic. It goes with the nursery so much better than the West Elm one…but the West Elm light is pretty, too!

  52. I totally prefer the west elm one, and I read a blog somewhere on making your own pendant fixture. seems like it would be easy , just buy the pendant lamp shade and a light kit. I know your boyfriend could figure it out!

  53. I think you should keep the ceiling fan. My son LOVED ceiling fans when he was a baby — even now (at 17 months), when he sees one in a store he will stop and point. It’s like a secondary mobile, for when he’s a little older (he’ll be able to focus on the primary mobile, over the crib, way earlier). It also helps circulate air in the summer (it’s important not to let his room overheat, since that increases SIDS risk).

    Don’t get me wrong, I think the pendant light would look gorgeous. I just think there are practical reasons why the existing ceiling fan could work. So why spend the money (even just 33 bucks could buy a bunch of diapers) and the time to take down the old light and install the new one, when I’m sure you have a long list of other things you’d like to get done before the baby arrives.

  54. Hmm, the chandelier is cute on the inspiration board, but seeing the woodsy wall treatment I think it could get too…steakhouseish with both of them in the room. And the fact that the pendant is ready to go when you buy it sounds all the more enticing. Take the time you would have spent making the chandelier and go to dinner and the movies with your boyfriend because you won’t get to do that for a LONG time after Will arrives.

  55. I say go for the West Elm. That way, if you decide to have more children and you happen to have a girl, the space will be easier to convert.

  57. The West Elm pendant is amazing . .. but I was so looking forward to seeing the diy chandelier! I’ll be a little sad if you choose the pendant.

  59. I like the branchy option, and I would totally use it elsewhere in the house later. I don’t think it’s too “themed”.

    I’ve been trying to figure out how to make a drum pendant fixture from a drum shade. I think it’s possible.

  60. go with the pendant. you want it, it will be lovely in the nursery, and it will work in another room down the road if you want to move it.

  61. Go for the linen drum light. Love it! Rustic is great, but in a theme room I think simplicity is a good thing to have on a few of the elements. This fits so well.

  62. I would normally be all for the DIY light, but in this case I think you need to go for the West Elm Drum Pendant. It is pretty awesome!

  63. do whatever makes you happy! i would like to see you tackle the diy one – and you will get a few years of usage out of it at the least in his room… you could always have it both ways and get the west elm one for another room!

  66. I vote 100% for the West Elm Pendant. I love it, it’s chic, and if in a few years this becomes a baby girls’ room, it will still work. Or you can hang it over a dining room table. Or send it to me here in Colorado and I’ll hang it over mine. So yeah, not selfish or anything, but go with the West Elm.

  69. I think the twig chandelier would add more to the woodsy/lodge look you are going for, than the other one would. I do like both though.

  71. West Elm all the way baby.

    PS Dang girl, look at you blowing up the comments lately, hooray and congrats!

  72. Just a thought. I’m pretty new to the world of DIY…but would it be possible to DIY something that looks like the West Elm lamp? Get the best of both?

  73. Go with the West Elm light. I hadn’t said anything before when you were definate about the branchy light, but as cool as it is, the branchy light would be a TOTAL dust catcher, and very tough to clean. NOT what you want in a baby’s room, right? Just my opinion. Love the looks of both of them.

  74. West Elm pendant all the way!! I love, love, love the drum pendant right now. Plus I think it will be a nice modern touch to Will’s outdoorsy nursery. I can’t believe he’ll be here so soon!

  78. I am been following your site for just a week and I love it… I can say as a mom of 2 beautiful girls (1 yo and 2 yo) and who loves to decorate the WEST ELM light is much more practical. Good luck and enjoy this wonderful beautiful time in your life! XOXO Ilene

  79. I would definitely get a cheaper version at Ikea or something..I just looked at Target online and didn’t see a similar one. But if you’re totally in love with the WE one, go for it.

  80. Definitely the pendant. It’s reusable!!! So really it’s like more than one lighting option. One for now and one for later.

  81. Just get the West Elm one! You can use it again later! You can always attempt to make the other one later if you decide you desperately want it, and then you can use the West Elm one elsewhere…I think longevity wins out here! Plus, it’s like you said, it’s getting down the wire! 🙂 Have fun!

  82. I didn’t read all 77 comments, so people have probably already said this but…

    While I think making the branch fixture would be totally rad, it seems like it would be a nightmare to dust. And I hate dusting. Like LOATHE. Maybe you don’t mind it. In which case, kudos to you. But for me, it’d be the easier maintain option {whichever that may be}. xoxoxo

  83. Me (as an interior designer – sorry had to drop that in) would go for the West Elm one without a doubt – the stick one is a little too ‘sticky’ and would make the ‘woodsey’ theme a little too ‘woodsey’….am i making sense…?

  84. I like the branch chandelier. Everybody is getting drum pendants and their variations. I’m bored of them already.

  86. Totally go for the West Elm light. That thing is sweet. Plus the branch chandelier reminds me of deer antlers for some reason…not like that is a bad thing, but for a baby’s room – the West Elm is the way to go.

  88. Okay, it doesn’t really look like you need any more opinions here, but let me throw in my two cents anyway. I agree with those who said that the white chandelier might be a little much given everything else that’s going on in the space. If you had a vaulted ceiling in the room, that’s be one thing. But I think it might overpower and take away from everything else that you’re doing. Secondly, the pendant light is gorgeous, contemporary, and completely reusable in other rooms if you ever decide to take it out of Will’s room.

    All that said, I have to agree with the comment about leaving the ceiling fan in. I realize it’s not nearly as “pretty” as the other options, but babies LOVE them. (I’m speaking from experience here). You don’t know how precious that 10 minutes of them laying on a blanket just watching the ceiling fan will be! You’ll need that time to change sheets, put laundry away, etc. (But I will totally understand when you choose the better looking option!)

  89. If you spend more up front for one that you can use in other spaces, in the end, you will get your money’s worth. Get the one you think works better.

  90. I’m normally all for DIY but in this case I’d go for the drum shade. It looks more masculine and versatile and less likely to catch a lot of dust.

  91. I have Target’s (older) version of the West Elm light in my eating area and get so many compliments on it. I think I paid $10 or $20 for it on sale! I would go with the second one!

  92. You clearly want the West Elm one, so go for it! The DIY idea was very cool, but it’s true you couldn’t use it anywhere else in the house. Maybe you could make some type of mobile out of branches, so you’d still get a little DIY out of sticks in there somewhere.

  95. Get the pendant light or try and diy one. The branch chandy may be to much for the room with all the other elements.

  97. I would definitely go with the West Elm pendant. You are generally good at cost cutting, so if you splurge every so often that is OK. It is classic and timeless and won’t look out of place when he is 8 and wants a Star Wars bedroom.

  98. I say go for the West Elm pendant. It’s classic and you can continue to use it in Will’s room as he grows and changes room themes. Or you can use it in another room later. Good Luck!

  99. Oh my, I have been eyeing up that West Elm goodness for our Kitchen… tell you what, if you get one then I will too, we can cry about the cost later! 🙂

    On a serious note, I am definately a huge fan of drum shades in bedrooms, but I am also a fan of chandeliers, and when I can’t decide between two things, it usually comes down to the cost. You have great taste, whichever you choose will look amazing! And you know your readers will go bananas watching you go through the DIY process if you choose that route!

    xoxo, Jen

  100. ok, i don’t know if you want another piece of advice but here goes:
    I was all ready to tell you to go with the branch fixture b/c it’s more unique and fun but then i realized, I think the branch chandelier is very cute…but, that’s the problem, it’s cute. I think the West Elm fixture is more classic & timeless and will be more fitting in a growing boys bedroom. The branch one (as cute as it is) might not be as appealing in a teenage boys room (i know, that’s a lOOONG time away) but…just sayin’. 🙂 Hope this helps and doesn’t make the decision harder. good luck!! I’m sure you’ll make the best decision. 🙂
    Tina

  102. Go with the drum shade! Based on what you had up in your previous post on the nursery and what your mood board shows there’s no reason to feel guilty about changing your mind. You’re allowed! Do it. Doooo it. 😀

  103. I’d splurge on the West Elm item because it’s more versatile and you LOVE it. It’s not like it costs $1500, just $150. Before you buy it, though, check overstock.com. They have some similar items.

  104. I think in the end you’ll get more out of the west elm one. Even if you’re spending $30 on the branch one in the end you’ll wind up spending more because you’ll get tired of it and need to buy a new one! However, that drum shade idea is very trendy, i’m sure you can find something similar for less money somewhere else?

  105. I agree with many people here. It seems like you want the West Elm Pendant so go for it! You’d miss it if you didn’t.

    That said, maybe you could still bring the other idea in, as a standing lamp over a reading chair or on a side table or sconce somewhere. Or even as a sculpture on a bookshelf. Ooo, or as part of a home made mobile. I mean, whose to say you can’t have the best of both worlds, right?

  106. I am a total dork, but I would hate to have to clean the DIY one. Those branches would be a pain to dust 🙂 But, I think you could compromise and make a pendant light. There are directions all over the web.

  107. i am waaaay too practical, the branch one just looks like a nightmare to keep up with in the dusting dept. and the babies room is one place you don’t wanna compromise in that area.
    west elm all the way baby! 😉

  108. Interesting that many posters have described the drum pendant shade as “classic”. Really? They haven’t been around nearly long enough to be considered classic. Simple, modern and chic, maybe, but in no way “classic”!

    Katie- if you want rustic, go with the DIY chandelier. If you want modern, go with the West Elm. Just keep in mind how long you plan to have this light fixture up in the nursery and ask yourself if you REALLY will want to use it again…. or if another style trend will come through lighting design that you’ll want to use instead.

  109. I say – DO BOTH! Put up the West Elm one, but make the other one in case you want to change it out, or sell it for income (and then do a step-by-step on how to do it on a blog post so we can too 🙂

  110. It was love at first sight for me and the West Elm shade too. (Actually, my husband discovered it!) We’re thinking about it for over our dining table.

    This is what we had when we bought the house…AHH!!

    http://chezerbey.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/gloriouschandelier_090406.jpg

    I think it’s definitely versatile and could go several places. (To be noted, it also has a cotton diffuser over the opening so you’re not staring up at a bare bulb.)

  111. Lighting can make a huge difference in a space. My vote is to go for the drum shade pendant light. Like you mentioned before it’s a beautiful light that could be used any where and it’s a style that you’ll probably always love. But if you don’t want to spend $150 for the West Elm one (which isn’t too bad), Overstock does have some cheaper options. For example this beige fabric 3 light pendant light is simple, pretty, and cheaper too at $88.

    http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Beige-Fabric-3-light-Chrome-Chandelier/4338595/product.html

    Ikea has one for even less at $40, and at that price you could even put two in the room.

    http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/20131887

    But all in all, go with the one you LOVE.

  112. I didn’t make it though all 110 comments (whew, people are really weighing in on this one!) However, I was glad to see that other people are recommending what I was thinking… that you could totally DIY the West Elm shade. I say DIY both still for much less and pick what you love most. I’m sure you’ll find a use for the one that doesn’t win out!

  113. I love the branch chandy but since you only have around 9 weeks I would worry that it would still be smelly from the spray paint. To get the branches similar to that I’m thinking they would need to be kind of sticky from glue. I would go DIY on the West Elm fixture. You could totally do that!

  114. I think the simpler light is the way to go. The branch light looks like an awesome project, but it might be tooo rustic in the baby’s room. That’s my two cents!

  115. I came across your blog the other day through Holly’s blog. My husband says he knows you guys…(I know…kinda weird..grew up in the same town as your husband). Anyhow, congrats on the baby…it’s the best thing in the world. I like the pendant light:)

  116. I vote for the drum pendant because a) I think the antler-esque chandelier might compete with your accent wall and your crib art and b) I know you will use the drum pendant in the future if it doesn’t fit into Will’s room decor as he gets older. Sometimes paying a bit more makes sense. Plus, as you said you saved money on the chair so you’re still within budget!

  117. It’s your nursery, your budget. Sometimes DIY isn’t always cheaper either, as I’m sure you know. Counting opportunity costs found in time.

    But I would recommend considering how much light you need from the pendant. Since the shade is somewhat, h, shading the amount of light that it could emit, you might find it a bit dark.

    We ran into that problem in our kitchen when we purchased the cutest brushed copper light fixtures that we found prevented the light from being diffused where we needed it. If you just need a general glow and have other supplementary lighting then it will probably be fine.

  119. I am sure your chandelier would be adorable, but you can never say no to a simple drum pendant. And if you end up needing something more intricate in the nursery, I am SURE you’ll find another spot for the drum pendant.

  121. I like the West Elm one but I’m sure you could find something similar looking for cheaper. I think too that since you are building a feature wall, you want that to be the stand-out feature in the room. The twig chandelier may be competing for attention.

  122. I have one thought about your branches…. DUSTING…. can you imagine the dust that would collect on all those little branches that would then have to be cleaned almost daily to not collect a furball as dangerous as that cute little bunny from The Holy Grail. (with 2 large dogs, my mind always goes to … how much will I have to dust it… it’s a sickness really.)

  123. My vote is for the rustic chandelier. It’s so unique and has so much personality. Yes, the pendant fixture is gorgeous and it would look good but it’s not the show stopper (show show stopper) that the branch chandelier could be!

    -Emily

  125. this is your home, and a fixture is something you’ll most likely have for a while. to me, it’s an investment.

    if you can’t afford to have the piece that you really want, than you might want to save up for it and just make do with nothing. but if you have the extra moolah, i say go for it.

  126. I’m late to the party, but add one more vote for the West Elm pendant. If you feel like you need to jazz it up a little, you could always try placing paper silhouettes inside the shade (of birds or clouds or branches or stars or whatever), safely away from the lightbulb. I’ve done this with a number of lampshades and it’s a very subtle touch (not noticed during daytime). I think Sherry did this at Halloween with some bat shapes… anyway, those are my two cents.

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