Double Parlor Home Library The Victorian House

More Light for the Library

We’ve come to the last of four #100reveal makeovers in four weeks, using just $100 from Target each time, plus GE reveal® LED light bulbs. I’ve had a total of $4000 in Target gift cards and plenty of GE reveal® lighting to give away too, so that each week, 10 readers win everything they need for their own #100reveal makeovers at home! I’ve already shown the changes I’ve made to the dining room, my work space, and our playroom as part of this series, and the library is the fourth and final space, so let’s get to it!

The Library, Before

What the room needed most was more light. The secretary desk that I’d added recently was fine to use during the day, but once it got dark out, that corner of the room was in shadow. I used half of my Target budget this week to buy a brass floor lamp, and then used the other half for a couple of vases that were on sale.

brass lamp and vases from Target, and GE reveal® LED bulbs #100reveal

I arranged the vases on top of the secretary for a bit more height, and I like that their colors reference the wall color of the entryway just beyond the doorframe. Of course, as nice as those vases are, the biggest change in the library was the addition of the much-needed floor lamp.

Vases and a Brass Floor Lamp from Target

Before and After with a New Brass Floor Lamp in the Library

The other floor lamp in the room, next to the floral chair, had two CFL bulbs in it. Their light was always very yellow, so I swapped them out for GE reveal® LED bulbs. The dingy color they cast was gone, and the pattern in the chair was much more vibrant in the new lighting. Even the books on the shelves looked better!

The Library, Before and After with GE reveal® Light

Light Comparison

You can see more of the library’s #100reveal makeover in this week’s video.

Giveaway

How would you set up a reading spot of your own using GE reveal® and a $100 gift card to Target? Comment on this post mentioning #100reveal for your chance to win!

There will be ten winners drawn. See the complete rules for more information, and good luck!

GE LightingI’m so excited to be a GE reveal® #100reveal sponsored blogger. Opinions are my own, projects have been chosen by me, and additional products used in the project were selected by me and provided by GE reveal®.

Sources & Paint ColorsNeed design help? Let's work together.

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  • Nancy
    March 17, 2015 at 9:12 am

    I love the lamp! It looks great in your space. #100reveal

  • Karen
    March 17, 2015 at 9:20 am

    It’s amazing how much of a difference the #100reveal bulbs make. I’ll give it a try. Can I buy the bulbs at Target as well? Or do I need to get them at a hardware store?

  • Jessica S.
    March 17, 2015 at 9:23 am

    This makes me curious to try these bulbs in our bedrooms! And I’d love to see how much the #100reveal…can actually reveal! :)

  • Tara
    March 17, 2015 at 9:27 am

    #100reveal Wow — what a contrast. I can’t wait to see the difference in my library!

  • Gretchen Alice
    March 17, 2015 at 9:31 am

    As a library science student, I could definitely use better lighting in my reading nook! #100reveal

  • Courtneynn
    March 17, 2015 at 9:31 am

    Oooo, I have the perfect little nook in my bedroom that I’ve been wanting to use as a comfy reading spot. A nice chair, side table, and lamp would be perfect. $100 Target gift card would be wonderful! #100reveal

  • Laura
    March 17, 2015 at 9:35 am

    My sewing room could use better lighting. In addition to sewing, I do a lot of reading in there. #100reveal

  • Kristin B
    March 17, 2015 at 9:46 am

    I have a little doxi lamp that is in need of a lamp shade and a nice snuggly throw blanket would be a nice addition as well #100reveal

  • Danielle
    March 17, 2015 at 9:48 am

    I’ve been watching the videos and enjoying them, but figured the giveaway didn’t apply to me. And yet somehow I found myself at Target yesterday, picking up a GE Reveal light bulb to try out in our living room floor lamp! The $1 off coupon I had helped, but I think your message finally got thru to me – ha! And wow, what an improvement! The white shade on our lamp always looked dingy yellow when it was on at night, but thanks to the new light bulb, it’s back to white.

    Ok, I’m starting to sound like a commercial, but I’m hooked – and would love to try more in our house. I think the kitchen nook light would be a great place to try next. #100reveal

    thanks for sharing!

  • Vidya
    March 17, 2015 at 9:53 am

    Looks lovely! #100reveal

  • Sarah
    March 17, 2015 at 9:54 am

    Are these lamps cfl or LED? I think they would be great in my kid’s bathroom to combat the yellow tones of the tan walls, but I’ve been trying to switch to LED when I buy replacement bulbs…

  • Jamie G
    March 17, 2015 at 9:57 am

    #100reveal I would love to get some shelves and decorative book ends, as well as a comfy throw, to create the perfect reading nook within my living room! Good luck, everybody!

  • Christy S.
    March 17, 2015 at 10:01 am

    Wow! I can’t believe what a difference the lighting makes. I can’t wait to try it at my house. #100reveal

  • tanya
    March 17, 2015 at 10:05 am

    We don’t have a library but I would set the lighting up in my son’s room because that’s where we read him books and later he would study there in a beautifully lit space. #100reveal

  • Meg C.
    March 17, 2015 at 10:07 am

    I have a spot in my bedroom that would make a great reading nook, it just needs a reading light #100reveal

  • Heather
    March 17, 2015 at 10:16 am

    I’m amazed at what a difference those new bulbs actually make and I definitely think it’s something we could use in our house… in several rooms. I’ve started to really notice the yellow glow our bulbs cast (especially in nighttime photos).

  • Sayward
    March 17, 2015 at 10:26 am

    I love these #100reveal bulbs. The paint in my living room didn’t come out the way I intended, and I’m wondering if new light bulbs would fix the problem!

  • Christine
    March 17, 2015 at 10:29 am

    My husband and I are creating a nursery for our first baby (a girl!), and I’ve been envisioning a cozy corner reading nook where we can nurse, sing, and have story time. GE reveal lighting and $100 to Target would go a long way toward realizing that vision. Thanks for sharing your #100reveal experiences, Nicole!!

  • Rebecca N
    March 17, 2015 at 10:37 am

    I would love some cute pillows for my reading chair and a new lamp. Your library looks great! #100reveal

  • Katie W.
    March 17, 2015 at 11:03 am

    I would get some nice fluffy pillows and a great lamp from target for the corner of our living room. #100reveal

  • Julie
    March 17, 2015 at 11:26 am

    I am a children’s librarian without a suitable reading nook in my apartment! I’d love to make one that I love reading in. #100reveal

  • Sharon Flasche
    March 17, 2015 at 11:26 am

    #100reveal Love the light from the reveal bulbs, such a difference. I need a reading area in my living room.

  • Amanda
    March 17, 2015 at 11:31 am

    #100reveal I would love to put these in my master!

  • Ashley Bee
    March 17, 2015 at 11:31 am

    If I won the #100reveal contest, I would use the light bulbs and Target gift card to turn my screened in porch into a spring/summer reading haven!

  • melanie
    March 17, 2015 at 11:34 am

    it’s so dark in our place in the evening. would love to switch out the bulbs and upgrade our old couch pillows:) #100reveal

  • Tanya
    March 17, 2015 at 11:41 am

    We have an empty corner in our living room that I’m dying to turn into a reading nook for myself. I have my eye on an big floor lamp and have several chairs that would fit perfectly! Much like the old bulbs you switched out, the reveal bulbs would help our place look better and more well lit at night!

  • Kristen
    March 17, 2015 at 11:47 am

    #100reveal bulbs need to go in my room. I love to read in bed.

  • shells
    March 17, 2015 at 11:49 am

    #100reveal need some serious lighting updates in the nursery

  • Karen
    March 17, 2015 at 11:54 am

    I would definitely put some bulbs in our guest room, it doesn’t get a lot of natural light!

  • Shelley
    March 17, 2015 at 11:58 am

    I can’t believe what a difference that lighting makes! I will be running out this weekend to scoop up those GE Reveal LED bulbs! I love the arrangement of vases on top of your cabinet. Everything is gorgeous! #100reveal

  • Alexis H
    March 17, 2015 at 12:01 pm

    I would add some new lighting and #100reveal bulbs to my living room.

  • Kaitlin Jenkins
    March 17, 2015 at 12:04 pm

    I’d love to win and do a #100reveal in my own home!

  • Lindy
    March 17, 2015 at 12:06 pm

    I would add these new lights to my entire house. What a difference! #100reveal

  • JenW
    March 17, 2015 at 12:11 pm

    I know the exact lamp in my house that needs these bulbs! The yellow cast has bothered me for a long time with the white linen drum shade. #100reveal

  • Taryn W.
    March 17, 2015 at 12:35 pm

    I would love to make a little reading nook just for me…#100reveal

  • Anna
    March 17, 2015 at 12:46 pm

    Our house has great daytime light but is a cave at night. Looks like #100reveal could be the answer to our lighting woes…

  • Kate
    March 17, 2015 at 12:57 pm

    We needed a new bulb for a hallway lamp and I remembered your posts about these GE Reveal bulbs so I picked one up and what a difference! Our hallway doesn’t seem like a dungeon or yellow tanning salon with the light on anymore! Would love to win with the #100reveal and replace all of our bulbs!

  • Amy
    March 17, 2015 at 1:01 pm

    I spend most of my evenings in the livingroom, so I’m thinking that the overhead light fixture there could use some better lightbulbs. #100reveal

  • Carley
    March 17, 2015 at 1:03 pm

    Love that Target lamp! I’d use it & the GE Reveal bulbs in the corner of my living room with a comfy chair to create a reading spot. #100reveal

  • Lucinda
    March 17, 2015 at 1:07 pm

    I have upstairs landing that gets dark when the sun goes down because there is no overhead light. I would love to use the GE Reveal bulbs next to my favorite chair.

  • Jackie
    March 17, 2015 at 1:10 pm

    The right lighting really does make a huge difference, and we desperately need to fix that issue in our living/dining room. #100reveal

  • Laurie
    March 17, 2015 at 1:13 pm

    When the Reveals first came out we were so astonished at the difference. My Nana replaced every bulb in the house, before they needed it. I would love to be able to do the same with my apartment. Most especially the hallway where I have art, laundry, the only full mirror and the awesome Target tufted bench with brass cross legs. The light will also spillover into the other rooms for a nice glow, almost as if there was a window in the middle of the building. Instant Remodel :) #100reveal

  • Kelly
    March 17, 2015 at 1:13 pm

    #100reveal I really need better lighting in my bathroom!

  • Deb
    March 17, 2015 at 1:27 pm

    #100reveal bulbs…Just bought a new house, with a HUGE master bedroom. One corner is set up as my own little reading nook. New lighting would make it perfect!

  • Mary Ann
    March 17, 2015 at 1:28 pm

    Your posts about these bulbs have been pretty convincing – and inspiring. While at Target yesterday, I (finally!) picked up a few 60 and 100 watt GE Reveal light bulbs…

    First, let me say that I’ve been searching for decent ‘color’ (efficient) light bulbs for YEARS. Seriously, years. I couldn’t count how many ‘too green’ or ‘too sickly yellow’ fluorescent bulbs I’ve given away (or moved to the basement where no one else would see the too-sad light). So – despite your very thorough posts – I still had some doubts…

    Well, I’m officially a convert. I would switch out EVERY possible light bulb in the house to #100reveal. First up, I’d complete the kitchen and dining room. Then, every light on the first floor. Even better than a coat of fresh paint!

    I’ve been trying to pick the perfect almost-taupe paint colors, and it’s been ridiculously time consuming. The difference between day (ooh: tasteful and lovely!) and night (yuck: poopy green-brown illness) has made this simple task SO much harder than necessary… I should have known: The key is GOOD LIGHTING.

  • Aminah
    March 17, 2015 at 1:30 pm

    I love this blog for all the ideas! I would love to add more floor lamps like how you’ve done for our library area. Makes the entire area more open, inviting, and energizing. #100reveal

  • merry z
    March 17, 2015 at 1:31 pm

    I can’t believe the difference between regular and reveal bulbs. I’d love to set up a reading corner in my bedroom. I think I have room for a chair and ottoman. Just need the right light. #100reveal

  • Zoryana
    March 17, 2015 at 1:34 pm

    I think this is the first time I’ve seen your whole library and I gotta say it looks gorgeous! I love the reading nook especially and would be awesome to create a similar reading nook at my house with a lamp from target #100reveal

  • Liz
    March 17, 2015 at 1:39 pm

    Love these posts and will take a look at this bulb as all of the lighting in our home is by lamp. We have an older home that doesn’t offer overhead lighting any any room. I gotta say, lighting sets the mood though and I love to be able to splurge on lamps to style each space. Loving that new brass floor lamp you just snagged from Target. I could totally see that in our new nursery! #100reveal

  • Nichole
    March 17, 2015 at 1:44 pm

    I would love to add some key lighting. I have this wonky magazine table with a lamp attached, which since these articles I switched to a #100reveal bulb. It really makes a difference in the room! Your brass floor lamp looks like it would be a great addition though :)

  • Kelly
    March 17, 2015 at 1:46 pm

    #100reveal My son is in his first year of middle school and has developed a love of reading (even when he doesn’t have to for a school assignment). I would set up a reading corner in his bedroom, which we just transitioned from little kid to tween room!

  • Michellei
    March 17, 2015 at 1:47 pm

    The difference from the #100reveal bulb is amazing!

  • Hillary
    March 17, 2015 at 1:51 pm

    Target has some really cute slipper chairs right now, one of those and a lamp and I’d be all set! #100reveal

  • Kristin
    March 17, 2015 at 2:03 pm

    I love the way you placed your sofa in the library. With #100reveal, I would rearrange my living room similar to yours and create space for a reading nook!

  • Julia
    March 17, 2015 at 2:18 pm

    New throw pillows and led bulbs would go a very long way in our living room! I just switched out a couple CFLs for LEDs and can’t believe the difference.

  • Julia
    March 17, 2015 at 2:19 pm

    Oops–forgot the #100reveal in the comment above :)

  • Teresa
    March 17, 2015 at 2:20 pm

    I’d upgrade the lighting in our windowless bedroom and get some new bedding. The Nate Berkus sheet sets at Target are on my wish list. #100reveal

  • Carlotta
    March 17, 2015 at 2:32 pm

    My daughter needs some lighting by her bed so I can read to her while we are both cuddled in her bed.

  • Haley W
    March 17, 2015 at 3:03 pm

    #100reveal I would love to create a reading nook in our living room!

  • Shannon
    March 17, 2015 at 3:10 pm

    I would love to use #100reveal to help round out the reading corner in my office. It’s got a comfy chair, but could use a little side table and more light. I’m loving how good the GE Reveal bulbs look here!

  • kara
    March 17, 2015 at 3:12 pm

    #100reveal what i really wish is that Target would bring their pharmacy floor lamp back. but even if they don’t, they have some lovely reading lamps that would cozy up any room in my home! with winter loosening its grip, i’m especially excited to be opening up my 3-season front porch to regular usage, and i need more light!

  • Elizabeth
    March 17, 2015 at 3:15 pm

    I am always cold so I would invest in a cozy blanket, a nice chair and the right lighting in my reading nook. #100reveal

  • Kate
    March 17, 2015 at 3:25 pm

    I love your library, Nicole! I would love to use #100reveal to add a reading lamp to the corner of living room, where I often read at night.

  • Bridget P
    March 17, 2015 at 3:25 pm

    it looks great! #100reveal

  • Megan
    March 17, 2015 at 3:44 pm

    That was smart to add a floor lamp over there. It looks really great. I think that I would of tried to add a small lamp and struggled with the lack for room. The light bulbs actually do make a difference!
    #100reveal

  • jenn
    March 17, 2015 at 3:47 pm

    #100reveal that brass lamp’s sister needs to come live beside my reading chair in the bedroom! That and a new throw pillow or two would fancy that corner up.

  • Kristen
    March 17, 2015 at 4:07 pm

    #100reveal

    I’d paint the bookshelves in my living room and add a few comfy throw pillows to the settee!

  • Melissa S.
    March 17, 2015 at 4:25 pm

    I need to add a couple of these #100reveal bulbs to my home. I love the light difference they make!

  • Anna
    March 17, 2015 at 4:29 pm

    I love that Target lamp! Very beautiful space. #100reveal makes everything that much better!

  • Sarah W
    March 17, 2015 at 4:30 pm

    I have loved all of your #100reveal posts! I have the same problem as you, but in my living room. There is a corner that gets very little light at night and I need something to put there. I love the target lamps and would love one in there. :)

  • Jennifer
    March 17, 2015 at 4:33 pm

    Our new library room has only one light at the far end of the room. We have put in a tiny lamp in the corner, but that is not going to cut it! I’d like to add lights to the bookshelves and a nice reading lamp for at least one of the chairs. Thanks again for the giveaway! #100reveal

  • Katie Nelson
    March 17, 2015 at 4:34 pm

    There is a perfect corner in my bedroom that needs a chair and a new lamp. I’d love a reading corner there.

  • karen
    March 17, 2015 at 4:42 pm

    My daughter likes to sew while we watch movies. I would use that exact brass floor lamp in our living room #100reveal!

  • Beth C
    March 17, 2015 at 4:58 pm

    Ha! I have that very same Target brass floor lamp in my library! #100reveal

  • Nan
    March 17, 2015 at 5:06 pm

    Getting ready to buy our first house, so I’ll have lots of “dark spots” to brighten!

  • krystal
    March 17, 2015 at 5:29 pm

    I’m using my formal dining room as a dedicated sewing room but the overhead lighting just isn’t enough for my sewing adventures that invariably last until the we his (I’ll just finish this next step…). #100reveal bulbs paired with a reading lamp (love the one you bought!) would do wonders for my 2am eyes!

  • Jill
    March 17, 2015 at 5:56 pm

    I have a comfy chair in my dining room and I think it would be perfect for a reading nook. Right now there isn’t any lighting, so a lamp would be a must with a #100reveal bulb of course!

  • Courtney
    March 17, 2015 at 5:56 pm

    I would love to create a reading nook for our daughter in our new home. #100reveal would be the perfect light, along with cozy cushions and throws!

  • Zhaleh
    March 17, 2015 at 5:57 pm

    I’d love to squeeze a chaise and lamp in front of our bookcases for a comfy place to read.

  • Erin R.
    March 17, 2015 at 6:22 pm

    I would actually finish setting up a sweet little reading corner for my kids. I would add another cozy bean bag chair or some big floor pillows and some great lighting.

  • Shelley O.
    March 17, 2015 at 6:49 pm

    love this week’s #100 Reveal! Couldn’t be more happy with brass making a come back-to me it is classic!
    PS on the Columbia Teaching position.
    PS Crushing on your beautiful red planter on the secretary!

  • Jessica
    March 17, 2015 at 6:53 pm

    I’d enhance a window seat reading spot wih the #100reveal! Improving the lighting with this bulb could make all the difference!

  • Antonina
    March 17, 2015 at 6:54 pm

    #100reveal
    We started a process of buying our first house!
    And it will be wonderful,to win!
    We have so many ideas/dreams of how to make everything beautiful/ cozy, the win will help.
    Thank u.

  • AshleyM
    March 17, 2015 at 7:00 pm

    #100reveal

    What a fun post! I love that striped sofa! So pretty and goes so well with the black secretary.

    I would love to set up a reading spot in our basement. We already have a great “library” area, but it really is severely lacking in light! I would like to buy a lamp or scone to hang there so we can use the space functionally!

  • Megan
    March 17, 2015 at 7:17 pm

    i can’t believe the difference the #100Reveal bulbs make in your photos! Love them.

  • Meegs
    March 17, 2015 at 7:24 pm

    My husband and I are both big readers, so this #100reveal definitely appealed to me! I would love to make a nice reading nook for us!

  • Lori
    March 17, 2015 at 7:50 pm

    #100reveal. I would love to add some more light to my life!!! :)

  • nia
    March 17, 2015 at 8:14 pm

    I JUST realized THESE light bulbs are exactly what I need in my dingy living room! What a pain free before-and-after #100reveal!

  • Alison
    March 17, 2015 at 8:28 pm

    #100reveal I would love to light up cozy spot for reading to my baby in his nursery!

  • Ashley @ Spite or Flight
    March 17, 2015 at 8:42 pm

    We’re in the process of building our dream house, and my husband and I are looking forward to starting fresh with LEDs throughout the whole place! It’ll be an investment, for sure, but worth it in the end. I’m so glad you’ve done this series, I’m definitely going to pick up some GE bulbs to try! #100reveal

  • keegan
    March 17, 2015 at 8:48 pm

    I have a great reading nook with a $5 Ikea light hanging from the ceiling – would love to update the space and make it more cozy and lit! #100reveal

  • Anna Ransdell
    March 17, 2015 at 8:49 pm

    My house is so desperate for light it’s kinda comical- these bulbs would definitely make my art pop!

  • lillian
    March 17, 2015 at 8:52 pm

    a couple of table lamps would be perfect!

  • Jessica mcfarlin
    March 17, 2015 at 9:02 pm

    I would use the ge lights in the playroom “den” along with his Ikea expedit shelf and rocker.

  • Amanda O.
    March 17, 2015 at 9:03 pm

    #100reveal I too have a library, but it’s housed in our basement guest bedroom. I would love to switch ou t the ugly overhead lights to something more appealing and bright.

  • Lucas
    March 17, 2015 at 9:07 pm

    I love the color of the walls in my living space…by day but at night they go from a slightly warm grey to green-beige. My lighting situation needs to be addressed. Also, my new sofa could use some new throw pillows! I’m looking at you target ;)
    #100reveal

  • Jessica
    March 17, 2015 at 9:17 pm

    Gorgeous! Can’t wait ’till I have a home with a library someday. Until then, we could use some better lighting and desk supplies in the tiny third bedroom of our apartment we use for a study. #100reveal

  • Megan C.
    March 17, 2015 at 9:51 pm

    I have a chair in the corner of my bedroom for reading, but it desperately needs a floor lamp and pillows to spruce it up. I would love to win this! #100reveal

  • Kristin
    March 17, 2015 at 10:27 pm

    Love the library! The lighting really makes a difference. I would love a reading area in our bedroom… Reading light, extra pillows, maybe a throw. #100reveal

  • Sarah
    March 17, 2015 at 10:55 pm

    Ditto on the reading area in the bedroom. We have an empty corner and I’d love to get a floor lamp and chair to make a cozy little spot for curling up with a book! #100reveal

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