Okay so technically it wasn’t $2.47 since at one point several years ago I did actually purchase this chandelier and I will have to buy a new one for the dining room BUT I can pretend that for the moment I was able to get a “new” chandelier for my kitchen remodel for the cost of a bottle of metallic craft paint.
Since we purchased our home a little over 5 years ago, I have been the proud owner of what I think might possibly be one of the ugliest builder grade chandeliers I have ever seen. Seriously. Even Bama Boy was asking when we could get rid of it, and he could care less about anything home décor related.
It looks like it might fly off to another planet or something. Kind of “space shipish” don’t ya think? bleh. With my ongoing kitchen remodel I knew at some point (and sooner rather than later) this chandelier was going to need to move onto greener pastures….like onto somebody with an affinity for the early 90’s.
Now here’s the rub. When we first moved into our house we did not have a formal dining room set. Therefore, I purchased a small chandelier for the dining room since we had a very small table in there. Fast forward a few years and now we own a lovely, large formal dining table and above it hung what was now a too small light fixture.
But…it happened to be the perfect size for over my kitchen table….just not the right color. I am using oiled bronze light fixtures in my kitchen for a contrast with all of the white that is going in there.
Instead of the brushed silver, I was going for a finish more like this…
The color in this lovely ceiling medallion that I picked up at Lowe’s on clearance for a whopping…
Gosh I love a good bargain!
We had a dilemma though, Bama Boy was out of town when I got my hair brained idea to switch out the chandeliers. But not hell, nor high water, nor the lack of a man around was going to stop me from getting a new chandelier in my kitchen once I’d made my decision! Power off and I was ready to get the flying saucer out of my kitchen and into the garage sale pile. Then I affixed the ceiling medallion to…well the ceiling and wired in the new chandelier.
All. By. Myself. grin!
Here you can really see the difference in finishes I was working with…oh and you can also see my new black countertops…grin! I love them…sigh…post coming soon on those I promise!
My next step was to pull out the paint brushes and this lovely metallic paint I picked up at Hobby Lobby.
I purchased the large bottle of bronze metallic paint for..yep you guessed it $2.47 and already had the other paints on hand. By the way, this was WAY too big of a bottle. I think I maybe used 1/4 of it. I proceeded to hand paint the entire chandelier. Now you might be asking why I didn’t just spray paint it with oiled bronze paint and call it a day.
Well, I have several good reasons. One, it’s darn hot here right now and I was afraid the paint would dry too quickly with possible runs and drips… and let’s face it I loathe being outside DIYing when there’s a heat emergency in effect. Two, I didn’t want to have to tape off all of the other components of the chandelier so I could spray it. And, three I knew by hanging the chandelier and then painting it, I could get it all painted at one time and it could dry while hanging, resulting in a nice clean finish, and last I wanted to be able to add some depth and variations with multiple colors.
I don’t have any “in progress” photos since Bama Boy, who’s my trusty “in action” photographer, was out of town but would you like to see the final results?
I was pleased how well I was able to match my paint job with the paint color of the ceiling medallion
Pretty close wouldn’t you say?
By using a little black enamel paint laying around and some espresso metallic paint I already had I was able to get some great variations in the paint color
Painting metal is always a little scary, until you see the final results. Even up close it’s hard to tell this chandelier was ever NOT bronze.
So whatcha think?
Better? Yep…most definitely!
Now here’s my question for you… shades or no shades?
I feel like it’s missing something but I know the “no shade” look is popular right now. If I use shades, I’m thinking simple plain shades, nothing pleated. What are your thoughts my design gurus?
Hope you’ll stick with us for just a second more, for two more things we want to share with you!
First, we want to take a moment to welcome our newest sponsor of At The Picket Fence
The Old Block House Vintage Home Décor has the loveliest vintage items! We want to invite you to hop on over and pay this fabulous Etsy Shop a visit! The Blue Mason Jars are swoon worthy! Thank you for taking the time to visit our sponsors!
And last, but certainly not least…6 months ago today we launched At The Picket Fence! Has it *really* only been 6 months?! We were welcomed with open arms as y’all embraced our joint venture! We weren’t sure how this whole co-blogging thing would work, but the two of us couldn’t be more pleased with how much fun we are having! We want to say a big huge THANK YOU to the over 1,128 (to be exact….grin) registered followers of our little blog (and also to those who just hop on to join us occasionally), to our 624 Facebook Friends, and our almost 200 Twitter Friends! We APPRECIATE you and your support of At The Picket Fence! We hope we have been able to give back just a little to you through our writing, projects, tutorials and Inspiration Friday a portion of the HUGE blessings you’ve given to us! Here’s to the next 6 months and all of the exciting things we know are in store for At The Picket Fence!
This post is partying at:
DIY Showoff: Project Parade
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia: Tuesday’s Treasures
DIY by Design: Sizzle Into Summer
Savvy Southern Style: Wow Us Wednesdays
Home Stories A 2 Z: Tutorials and Tips Tuesday
No Minimalist Here: Open House Party
French Country Cottage: Feathered Nest Friday
Common Ground: Vintage Inspiration Friday
Stuff and Nonsense: Fridays Unfolded
Quilted Euphoria: Weekly Wow Me Party
Your new chandelier looks awesome! So much better!!! Regarding the shades, buy some at Lowe’s or HD and try them out. If you don’t like them, just return them. Even if you don’t like the ones at the big box stores, they will still help you see if you’d like any shade on your chandelier. Then if you like the line they create, find some online or in your travels.
Heather, this is amazing!! It looks fabulous!!!! I’m so impressed that you installed it yourself. We’ve replaced almost all of the light fixtures in our house & it’s just not something I could do by myself.
I love it!! Great job matching the color, and yes, the other one did look rather Close-Encounter-ish.
I would put shades on it.
Ta da! Looks fantastic, and what a deal girl! Love the paint colors too, very rustic and elegant!
Great job Heather. It looks fabulous!!
And congratulations to both you and Jenna! I can’t believe how well you’ve done in only 6 monhts. Continued success to you! You’re both soo sweet and deserve the best. Cheers!! : ) ~ Catie
Looks great! And I do agree that the old one looks a bit UFO-ish.
Beautiful work! Looks like a brand new fixture from the showroom.
It looks wonderful! I agree with Pam, try some shades out, you can always take them back. Also, I think maybe the candle stick part of the light (not sure what they are called) is such a huge contrast being so white, maybe that’s why it looks a little off. I have covered them with scrapbook paper before to match the chandy makeover and it worked great.
Seriously Heather this looks soooo incredible!!! I know I just told you on the phone how much I love it but I was looking at it again and it is truly gorgeous! I love getting to see your transformations and it would only be better if I could pop on over to your house and see it, and you, in person. 🙂
Love you,
Your sister
Hey friend! I love how it turned out! And, I saw this project the other day that would be perfect for it if you decided against shades. http://purestylehome.blogspot.com/2010/03/pure-style-project-9-how-to-make-wax.html
Le-Ann
Fantastic transformation! I love it! I think it looks great with no shades! The white candle sticks stand out a bit, so maybe you could wrap them in jute? Or burlap? Or burlap AND jute! Or…okay, you get the idea!
Oh wow! You had me at hanging it yourself! I’m skaid of ‘lectricity and would never have the guts to mess with it by myself!
You did a fantastic job, the paint is perfect and makes it look very high end. I go without shades in the warm weather months and use them in the fall and winter, might be weird to most, but that’s how I roll.
Oh it’s gorgeous!!!!! In love with the end result!
Thanks for linking!
XO
Looks fab! I think it looks fine without the shades, but maybe you could soften the white “candle” part a with a little stain/paint.
xoxo Bunny Jean
It looks great! So inspiring : ) I am a ‘shade’ person and know if you want to do that you will find the perfect style!
It’s absolutely gorgeous. I am a “no shades” girl–I think shades hide the flowy lines on a chandy too much, unless it’s a really large one.
🙂
I have beaded bulb covers on mine. I love the sparkle they add, without the bulk.
Your kitchen looks GREAT too, btw!
Oh Heather,
It turned out awesome…Love it. Great job with the paint treatment and love, love, love the medallion.
Hugs and Kisses,
♥Ana
Looks fabulous! I would never attempt to do anything with electricity ~ too scared even with the power off. You are a brave soul!
The colors are perfect. I think shades would offer that finishing touch. The white candlesticks are a bit glaring with the darker tones I think.
xo
Pat
Looks fabulous! I would never attempt to do anything with electricity ~ too scared even with the power off. You are a brave soul!
The colors are perfect. I think shades would offer that finishing touch. The white candlesticks are a bit glaring with the darker tones I think.
xo
Pat
Simply stunning. I’ve never seen medallions like that either, I love it.
The chandy is beautiful and also love the medallion! I’m in the no shade camp.
Heather, congrats on six months of blogging.
You didn’t mention us faithful subscribers to your email or did I miss that?
I think you should have shades on the chandelier -were you able to paint the chain for the light fixture?
Love the black counter tops.
You are doing a wonderful job with your blog.
C.
It looks beautiful… way better than the previous one! I would say no shades… however, if you really want to add something, I’d say go for the glass ones. The ones that are a part of the oil lamps.
-Tanya
http://tanyaanurag.blogspot.com/
Wow! Looks great! You rock!
@C Hi! I hope you’ll be back by the post to see this. We adore our faithful email subscribers and their numbers are included in the first number. We appreciate everyone of you who have become a friend of At The Picket Fence in whatever capacity! To answer your question, yes I did paint the chain and wire as well. It turned out great and doesnt look “painted”. Thanks for commenting and for following our blog!
Heather
It’s WONDERFUL! What a great job you did with the paint!! It looks as if it was made for that space.
I’d say go with shades, but I don’t think you can go wrong. Congratulations!
OK…you are my hero. I so badly want to paint my chandelier in my dining room but don’t have the nerve. It’s huge and bright brass. It’s not my style anymore but it was a gift from my parents and I just can’t part with it. I always thought I would have to take it down to spray paint it…but maybe not? I’m encouraged! Thanks for a great post…
its GoRGeous!!!!!!!!!
Ok, Heather, I’m just totally impressed! Wow, girl, you’re so talented, you don’t need a man for such a difficult job…I’m in awe! The lamp is gorgeous and need no shades at all, just perfect and congrats. Hope you come and visit my before, after kitchen post! Lots of hugs and thanks for sharing.
FABBY
Your chandelier re-do is awesome, the color match superb. I’m off to see if I too can find a 12.00 ceiling medalion!!!
Thanks for entering our give away.
Best of luck!
Patti
It looks great, Heather. I really like the new color–much better than the old space ship one. I vote for shades, too, it looks a bit bare.
I love what you did with the chandelier and I am SUPER impressed that you hung it all by yourself. I consider myself very DIY capable but doing electricity without my husband scares the heck out of me. You matched the colors perfectly. I vote for shades. It does look a little too bare without a shade. Awesome job.
looks fabulous…if you hadn’t spilled the beans i would never have known this chandy was a paint job…!
alison
Oh yes, most most definitely!
Brenda
Looks beautiful! Definitely vote no shades though. 🙂
LOVE it! The mirror/medallion at top is great too! I want to see it without the tape, when you’re finished. So awesome that you rewired it yourself to!
Ummm, awesome! I’d totally vote for shades though, it seems like it’s missing a little finishing touch. Great job with the paint, I find painting metal so intimidating! Come visit me sometime! Jen @ http://www.icantstopcrafting.blogspot.com
Love how you painted your new chandelier. It looks wonderful. I think you should go SHADELESS, and you could change your bulbs to be the frosty ones with the little drippy tip at the top to look like candles? Just a thought. That is what I have and I LOVE THEM. The frosted bulb helps your eyes as well. Not so blarring. Great job!!
txjennywren@blogspot.com
I am so impressed that you wired and hung the light fixture by yourself! Way to go! Love the new color as well as the medallion. I say shades!
Girl…you are leaving traditional in the “dust” and making your way to something new! I am soooo behind : ) I love your blog….but mostly i love your message……Love, Me http://www.youaretalkingtoomuch.com
I love it in a big way and think it’s particularly perfect with the medallion. For me? I would probably like shades, but what do I know? I still have an ugly brass thang in my dining room waiting for a change.
It is beautiful Heather!! I love the new finish and the light looks like it came with the medallion! I am very impressed that you did the electrical, I would very afraid. 🙂 I say no shades but it depends on how the light is cast or if it is too bright.
Have fun!
xoxo
This is really beautiful! I didn’t like it with the shades on. Maybe with lighter shades? Love the glow it gives off now. And that medallion is fantastic.
FAH-BUE-LUS!! I’m so impressed with your new chandie. You did an amazing job … you must smile every time you look at it!! Well done!!
Congratulations on the successful six months. I certainly enjoy your posts.
The chandy looks great, I like it without the shades especially in the kitchen. I am seriously thinking of taking the shades off my kitchen chandy. One can always add them later.
Hugs, Ginger
Awesome! You did an amazing paint finish and electrical job! I love the new look!
Debbie
Heather, I LOVE what you did to the chandy! When I started reading your post, I was like “Wait, that is my foyer chandy EXACTLY”. AND I am ready to give it a paint job too! Thank you so much for posting this tutorial. I like the shades on it myself. When I repaint it, I will need to get new ones.
Just fabulous Heather!! I just paid $27 for our dining room medallion and I had to paint it! You got a steal of a deal!
Love it, Heather! What a difference having a ceiling medallion makes, too. Great color. What does it look like with the shades on? Maybe if you do go with shades, something along the color you have over by your sink {just to tie the two areas in}.
A little light shed can make all the difference!!! Great job!
great great great!
Smiles,
The Joyful Thrifter
Looks truly like its made out of bronze. Go nekeed in the summer and dark shades in the winter.
Love the new look! Good for you! Looks great and I think I’d go for a simple shade….maybe a drum shape. Just a thought!
Gorgeous!
Love what you have done with this and adding the ceiling medallion was such a terrific idea!
I vote for shade, but that’s just me.
🙂
What a wonderful transformation. I’m saving your instructions and I’m doing mine.. I’ve been looking at it for quite sometime, paint it or buy another one? Well… you just solved my problem… thank you so much! I’m interested to know if you get the shades?
Beautiful!
Sandy
Heather I am amazed and I too often would rather brush the paint on than spray! It really is perfect!!
I am feeling the shades would be the right choice, however all you need to do is try them and,look at them a few days, what is important is how it looks best to YOU!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Do come and enter my Giveaway from Dr Perricone!! It is very exciting!
Hi Heather, The new finish on the chandy looks wonderful! Thanks for sharing this at my open House party.
xo,
Sherry
Wow! Just discovered your blog and love it! Love the transformation of your chandy too! I have the same chandelier that I purchased from Lowes a few years ago. I had the pleated shades then I covered them in a red plaid (my kitchen was red and yellow then) Now I have white shades on them. Who knows one day I might try what you did but for now it will do!
~Sandy
Excellent website. A lot of useful information here.
I’m sending it to a few friends ans additionally sharing in delicious. And naturally, thanks for your sweat!
Hello there! Do you know if they make any plugins to safeguard against hackers?
I’m kinda paranoid about losing everything I’ve worked
hard on. Any suggestions?