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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

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January 12, 2012

Drum Shade Chandelier Tutorial

DIY Fabric Drum Shade Chandelier Tutorial www.atthepicketfence.com

A few months ago I revealed my Dining Room Remodel.

One of my favorite features in my new dining room is my DIY Drum Shade Chandelier.

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In fact, many of you have commented or emailed asking me about the chandelier, so I thought it was about time to give you the low down on how you can make your own version of my Drum Shade Chandelier. You may remember that I started with this…

dining-room-2

Yep…that’d be no chandelier at all, since I had moved the original chandelier into my kitchen and gave it an update. You can read about that on my How-To Paint a Chandelier post. So, I was working with a clean slate.  And I was really drawn to something like this.

inspiration shade
Source

It’s gorgeous and I love it but, but I did not love the price tag! $200.00 just for the shade! I knew there had to be a way to make my own. I searched through Lowe’s and found a pendant light kit for $19.00 that I thought might work.

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The hardest part of this project was finding a fabric that I liked.  I didn’t want to make a mistake and purchase fabric that I ended up hating.  I finally found a fabulous and fun pattern at Hobby Lobby..and at 40% off it was a steal!

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I found a plain white drum shade at Garden Ridge for $10.00 and knew we were in business!

While, I usually like oiled bronze (and have used it for my kitchen light fixtures) I wanted to be daring and try something new and exciting.  I wanted…gold. gasp! I know. We’ve been led to believe gold is boring and outdated, but not the “new” gold. It’s soft and rich and pairs so beautifully with blue. I found the perfect color.

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I love this metallic gold from Valspar.  It sprays so smoothly and dries within seconds.  I swear I could spray anything that stood still long enough with this stuff!

The light kit comes with three extension rods depending on how far you want your fixture to hang down.  I determined two was plenty and rigged a contraption so that I could get a nice uniform coat on them.  It’s a nail in a board.  Fancy, huh?

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I took apart the chandelier (it helps to take a picture of it together before you take it apart…don’t ask me how I know this. :/ ) and sprayed every piece that was originally oiled bronze.

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Here you can see the completed pieces including a ceiling medallion that we ended up not using.  We ended up liking the simplicity of the original fixture.

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Next, I covered the shade.

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You will need to roll your shade along your length of fabric on the reverse side, using the seam on the shade as a guide of wear to start and stop for the proper length.  While rolling your shade you want to draw light lines about an inch wider than the shade width on each side.

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Once you cut your fabric along the lines, you will end up with a shape like this.  I then used spray adhesive and generously coated my shade and carefully rolled the shade along the fabric until it was securely attached, working out any wrinkles as I went.

I then trimmed off any access and neatly folded about a quarter of an inch of the overlapping fabric to make a nice finished edge and secured it with a bead of hot glue.  It’s impossible to avoid a seam but if done neatly it’s fairly unnoticeable and can be placed towards the back of your chandelier.

Then using hot glue I wrapped the fabric around the edges of the top and bottom of the chandelier, making a cut where the fabric met up with the crossbars on the shade.

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I knew that since this was hanging over the dining room table I would not want to look up and see the stark white of the inside of the shade, so I repeated the same step for cutting the fabric , minus leaving the additional inch of fabric, but instead wrapped it on the inside of the shade.

I trimmed off any access that I ended up with along the edges and glued them down.

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Here, even though the lighting is poor…is it even possible to avoid this when working at night…sigh…you can see the shade wrapped on the outside and the inside.  I then used a nice coordinating flat trim and hot glued it around both the top and bottom of the shade on the inside and outside for a nice clean finish.

Now you are ready to install your chandelier.

You will want to make sure your lighting element (the part the bulb screws in) is on the bottom of the fixture but you do not want to yet thread the cord though the extension rods or canopy and collars.  Thread the cord of the light fixture through the hole of the crossbars of your shade.  They will be at the top of the shade just like you would set it on a lamp harp.  The part that would hold the pendant shade will be on one side of the crossbars and the cord  will run through the top, with the threaded nipple running through the hole in the crossbars.

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Now you can thread your extension rods over the cord and reattach the canopy following the directions included with the kit.  I found that the threaded nipple that was included was long enough for my shade, but you can buy an inexpensive adapter kit if needed.

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Now you will need to hardwire your light fixture to the ceiling following the directions included with your fixture and using appropriate safety precautions.  It is easy to install your own light fixtures, but if you are unsure of what you are doing, please consult a professional electrician.  We don’t want anyone to get a shock!

We found this was a two person job due to the shade being attached to the fixture while installing.  It’s not heavy, just a bit awkward.  Now install your light bulb and make sure you have power to your new chandelier.  And that’s it!

DSC_0363-001

So what do you think? I know it’s not exactly like the inspiration shade, but it’s definitely similar and has the same effect! Of course with my entire fixture coming in at around $45 it was quite the savings! I really do like it and I think we’ll let it hang around for awhile…..get it…hang around. yep. I went there.

Let me know if you have any questions about making your own drum shade chandelier, I’d be happy to answer them!

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And as always thanks for “hanging around” with us…yep did it again…At The Picket Fence!

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For more DIY Lighting Ideas see our Project Gallery!

54 Comments Filed Under: Decorating, Dining Room, Good Ideas, Tutorials Tagged With: chandeliers, drum shade, lighting

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Comments

  1. Kelly says

    January 11, 2012 at 9:24 PM

    I think that is the prettiest light. Thanks for sharing the tutorial. I always wondered how to recover a lampshade too.

    Reply
  2. Katie says

    January 11, 2012 at 9:39 PM

    That is gorgeous!! Love the pattern!

    Reply
  3. Pam - diy Design Fanatic says

    January 11, 2012 at 9:47 PM

    Very nice, Heather! Your shade looks fabulous!

    Reply
  4. ✿ⒹⒺⒺ✿@ A Lapin Life says

    January 11, 2012 at 10:00 PM

    Love it!!!

    Dee

    Reply
  5. Tanya@takesix says

    January 11, 2012 at 10:03 PM

    Thank you for the great instructions. It sure looks amazing in your dining room! Awesome job!

    Reply
  6. Teresa at Magazine Your Home says

    January 11, 2012 at 10:09 PM

    I love it more than the inspiration shade. You did a marvelous job!

    Reply
  7. Lauren @ My Wonderfully Made says

    January 11, 2012 at 10:16 PM

    This is over the top! Love it and thanks for the tutorial!

    Reply
  8. Lo @ Not Your Average Southern Belle says

    January 11, 2012 at 10:53 PM

    Gorgeous! I think I have a few lampshades I can revive thanks to this. What paint color is that in your dining room? I’ve been looking for something similar!

    Reply
  9. Dixie Delights says

    January 11, 2012 at 10:56 PM

    It looks great!!! And I love how you covered the inside too. Genius!

    Reply
  10. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    January 11, 2012 at 10:57 PM

    i love it!!.Looks great in the room and what a wonderful job you did!!

    Reply
  11. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    January 11, 2012 at 11:05 PM

    That pendant light was a great component of your dining room redo, Heather! Such a great fabric, too, because it really works well with everything else you have going on. It looks very professional and I like it better than your inspiration light!

    Reply
  12. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    January 11, 2012 at 11:07 PM

    I love it and gold was the right choice!!

    Reply
  13. Judy says

    January 11, 2012 at 11:23 PM

    I am so glad you posted this tutorial. I have been in love with your chandelier since you first posted your dining room. It looks very much like the inspiration…even better. I just love that fabric. Is there any issue with the fabric being on the inside of the shade (ie a fire hazard)? How difficult was it to have the fabric lie flat without any wrinkles? I would love to try this.

    Reply
  14. Honey at 2805 says

    January 12, 2012 at 12:01 AM

    The drum shade is adorable! Do I see some Tango Tangerine? 😉

    Reply
  15. Vickie @ Ranger 911 says

    January 12, 2012 at 12:13 AM

    I love the fabric you chose for the shade!

    Reply
  16. Debbiedoo's blogging and blabbing says

    January 12, 2012 at 12:22 AM

    This is one of my favorite projects. I love the fabric too!

    Reply
  17. Debbie refreshrestyle says

    January 12, 2012 at 12:53 AM

    I love the fabric! It looks great in there! Make me one!
    Debbie

    Reply
  18. Eclectically Vintage says

    January 12, 2012 at 1:31 AM

    You make it look so easy – love the fabric!
    Kelly

    Reply
  19. Full Circle Creations says

    January 12, 2012 at 1:32 AM

    Thanks for the tutorial. I loved the fabric you picked and I think it turned out beautifully.

    Holly

    Reply
  20. Val says

    January 12, 2012 at 1:34 AM

    Wow-can you get anymore amazing!! Can you rub some of this talent off to your friend here?? =)) Hi LADIES!

    Reply
  21. Linda@Coastal Charm says

    January 12, 2012 at 2:00 AM

    Love the fabric…great colors!!!

    Blessings,
    Linda

    Reply
  22. dee dee says

    January 12, 2012 at 2:19 AM

    Lovely light fixture!
    Dee Dee

    Reply
  23. It's All Connected says

    January 12, 2012 at 3:38 AM

    Very pretty! Thanks for the tutorial. I have a drum shade I’ve been meaning to recover for ages. ~ Maureen

    Reply
  24. ℳartina @ Northern Nesting says

    January 12, 2012 at 3:40 AM

    Great job Heather, I love the fabric!

    Reply
  25. Loribeth says

    January 12, 2012 at 4:23 AM

    It really is a great chandelier! I think you made a good choice with the gold paint. The oil rubbed bronze just wouldn’t have looked as good with that fabric.

    I covered the lamp shades of the lamps in our living room, and I wish I had read your tutorial first. My seams are not nearly as neat, but at least I can hide them by putting them towards the wall!

    Reply
  26. Michell @ Girl In Air says

    January 12, 2012 at 5:00 AM

    It’s perfect!! You make gold look so pretty….I think I need one of these in my laundry room

    Reply
  27. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    January 12, 2012 at 12:45 AM

    Super cute Heather!! 🙂 As for the bead board ceiling in the kitchen- yes- we added it. I’ll share more about it and how we did it when I do the post of the before and after (if I remember lol!!)

    Reply
  28. adventuresindinner says

    January 12, 2012 at 1:15 AM

    So amazing! Light fixtures just cost the earth and this is a terrific alternative :/)

    Reply
  29. Dawn says

    January 12, 2012 at 1:28 PM

    This is really beautiful. And you made it look so easy too! 🙂

    Reply
  30. Savvy Seasons says

    January 12, 2012 at 2:48 PM

    Gorgeous, I absolutely LOVE IT!! Great job! xo ~Liz

    Reply
  31. classic • casual • home says

    January 12, 2012 at 4:46 PM

    Nice job. Looks so pretty and fresh! Great addition to your dining room.

    Reply
  32. Jan@southernjunkin' says

    January 12, 2012 at 8:39 PM

    Thanks for sharing! I may be able to do this one! Love, love the fabric you chose!
    Blessings!!

    Reply
  33. NanaDiana says

    January 12, 2012 at 9:01 PM

    WOW Heather- That is absolutely perfect. You did a great job on it and it fits the dining room perfectly. I am seeing a return to gold all over again. Things comes and go as far as metals are concerned. Soon, everyone will look at all the dark shades and wonder what they were thinking…lol xo Diana

    Reply
  34. Sue says

    January 12, 2012 at 11:27 PM

    Heather, This is so fresh and contemporary- I love it! I have a spare shade that came from our store as an extra when a lamp order came in. Guess what I’m gonna do with it? Great choice w/the lighting kit from Lowes. It is so much nicer than those cords that always hang wonky! 🙂 Sue

    Reply
  35. Good Time Charlie says

    January 12, 2012 at 11:39 PM

    Wow! How great is this?? Thank you for sharing! Pinning this right away!

    Reply
  36. Honey at 2805 says

    January 13, 2012 at 1:55 AM

    Thanks for linking this fabulous post to Potpourri Friday!

    Reply
  37. Sonya@Beyond the Screen Door says

    January 13, 2012 at 3:09 AM

    My favorite part of this tutorial was how you put the fabric on the inside as well! So clever! Love that touch!

    Reply
  38. Kristi says

    January 14, 2012 at 5:49 AM

    Love it, Heather!! You’re wildly creative, girl. Adding this to my list…

    Reply
  39. Nancy @ dream it ... build it...style it! says

    January 15, 2012 at 5:31 PM

    Looks fantastic! May use this in a nursery decor:) Thanks for sharing

    Reply
  40. Shari @ turnstylevogue.com says

    January 17, 2012 at 5:09 AM

    I love this. Soooo beautiful!!

    Shari

    Reply
  41. c. Joy says

    January 22, 2012 at 9:10 PM

    Good Job. It finishes the room. Thanks for the lesson.

    Reply
  42. Toodie says

    January 22, 2012 at 11:21 PM

    Seriously nice shade! And that room – I am swooning!

    Reply
  43. Ann says

    January 23, 2012 at 4:15 AM

    I seriously want that chandelier. The shade is gorgeous.

    Reply
  44. Sharon @ Ms Magpie Designs says

    January 24, 2012 at 3:57 PM

    I love the chandalier!!! The fabric is fantastic and you did a great job with the brass color accents!! I am going to have to pin this in my DIY board on Pinterest!!!

    Reply
  45. Serendipity and Spice says

    January 30, 2012 at 4:09 AM

    I love this! I hate the lamp that’s over my table right now… but I could totally see something like this! I’m hosting a linky party, the theme is all time favorite post- would love it if you joined in!
    -Melissa
    http://www.SerendipityandSpice.blogspot.com

    Reply
  46. Our Pinteresting Family says

    February 3, 2012 at 4:58 PM

    So pretty! Thanks for the project inspiration. I found a holiday shade at lowe’s for 4 bucks and was trying to figure out how to complete this project.

    Reply
  47. Holli says

    March 9, 2012 at 2:42 AM

    This is great. I’m curious if this is an ample amount of light for your dining room with only light in the fixture. I hope to do this project myself and I have no other light in my dining room so am curious if I would need to add a lamp or anything.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      March 9, 2012 at 2:59 AM

      Hi Holli,

      I’m glad you like the chandelier!

      A couple of things, I had the original chandelier on a dimmer and always kept it low (I’m just a low light in the dining room kinda person) so for us it works fine. In addition we have a buffet lamp that I pretty much always keep on because it’s close to our front door and I like to have a light near our foyer, between the two it has been plenty of light. That said, the pendant fixture does call for a lower watt bulb and only one so it’s not going to be bright like a chandelier with lots of light bulbs in it. One option that I might do when this bulb burns out is get one of the energy efficient ones that puts off even more light at a lower wattage. That could be an option for you.

      Let me know if you have any other questions!

      Heather

      Reply
  48. artdeco says

    March 13, 2012 at 2:51 PM

    Thanks for sharing the tutorial, I’ve used this link on my blog 🙂

    Reply
  49. Lindsey Z. says

    July 23, 2013 at 8:28 PM

    Beautiful job! I especially like the Valspar metallic paint you chose. Looks like it gives a better metallic finish than some of the Rustoleum cans I have used in the past. I made a DIY drum shade chandelier also over at MarriedtoDIY.com. You can check it out here: https://marriedtodiy.com/2013/07/diy-drum-shade-chandelier/

    Reply
  50. Liz says

    February 1, 2015 at 10:03 PM

    Beautiful chandelier! I love that you finished the inside of the shade, too. So much more polished.

    Btw, you need to change your wording in two places. You “trimmed the EXCESS fabric,” not the” “access fabric”. This has been the grammar police public service message; feel free to delete this comment once the edits are made!

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Friday Find – Drum Shade | Pillows & Paint says:
    May 3, 2013 at 3:56 AM

    […] Here is the how to.. […]

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  2. Top 10 Adorable DIY Chandeliers to Brighten Up Yours Space - Top Inspired says:
    November 18, 2013 at 3:41 AM

    […] DIY Project and Photo credit to atthepicketfence.com […]

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  3. From Lovers with Love » Enjoy These Handpicked Handmade Chandeliers Ideas says:
    June 26, 2014 at 3:41 PM

    […] If you want to have a favorite feature in your house, let’s say in your living room, make this easy and gorgeous chandelier. Chose the color so it would fit perfectly with your furniture or make a great contrast for more specific look! via https://www.atthepicketfence.com […]

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