Make a Chandelier Modern

From the moment I this before and after picture on Design Sponge, I knew that this was MY kind of project! I went to my local Habitat for Humanity store and purchased an old brass chandelier—you know the ones that were popular in the 80’s and 90’s with the little lamp shades on each light bulb.

After some thought, I decided on the color to paint it and took it out to the backyard. I wanted to be able to paint it from above, below, and from the sides. To do this, I decided that I needed to hang it up. The best place to do this in the backyard?—a tree! No rope—no problem. I used my long industrial extension cord in place of a rope. And after a few coats of paint and plenty of drying time, I was ready to install it.

Here was the tricky part—I couldn’t hold it up (it’s fairly heavy) and install it all by myself. So my friend, Keith, who always helps me when I’m in a pinch, came over and made me hold it while he installed it (I didn’t mind this arrangement one bit). I took out the light bulbs that looked like candle flames and added more modern round bulbs. At first I used 40 watt bulbs; but with 10 bulbs, 40 watts proved to be way too bright. I switched them out with 20 watt bulbs and my chandelier provides good light and is a sophisticated update to my bedroom.

For more chandelier color options, check out Apartment Therapy‘s post on spray-painted chandeliers.