Embellish a Chandelier
Considering buying a new chandelier to make your room resemble the stylish cottage homes pictured in magazines but don’t want to spend a fortune? Don’t waste your time or money. You can give a dated light fixture a ritzy, luxury home look with little effort or money. Try these economically savvy tips to update, personalize and glamorize your boring chandelier or lamp in less than an hour.
Instructions
1. Change or add mini lampshades to each light socket. These are wonderful for changing the look of a room instantly. Consider also switching the shades to match each season.
2. If using a plain lampshade, add adornments to personalize each to your décor style. Place a 2-inch line of hot glue around the edge of the shade and attach trim fabric or thin ribbon, cut to the diameter of the shade. Be sure to keep the trim held taut as you go around the shade. You could also use a dab of hot glue to attach small silk flowers, shells, buttons or beads along the trim.
3. Apply metal polish (brass or silver depending on your base material) with a soft rag using small, circular motions. Wipe off the polish after lightly scrubbing each section. A simple polish can renew the look of a dull chandelier to a brilliant luster.
4. Change the look of a dated light fixture a bit more dramatically with paint. Use interior, satin finish in spray form and be sure to lay newspaper under the work surface. Hold the spray can 10 to 12 inches from the light and apply the paint in long strokes until fully covered. Allow the paint to dry for at least 3 hours.
5. Switch light bulbs to a lower wattage or, for even more impact, replace existing bulbs with silicone candle bulbs. These are often hand-dipped and even come in several light pastel colors perfect for creating a soft mood in the room.
6. For more creativity and glimmer, adorn your chandelier or lamp with charms, crystals, or even vintage earrings. Charm bracelets work well to create a consistent theme for your light. Simply use needle-nose pliers to open the o-rings, attach them to the chandelier arms or shade, and then gently squeeze the o-ring back to a closed circle.
7. Drape a crystal garland or string of beads between the chandelier arms to form a swag effect. To keep the beads from shifting, apply a small dab of hot glue to the top of each arm and adhere a bead.
