Possibilities for retro chandelier

Question

We are moving into a home and this 80's/90's chandelier was left. I am not a brass fan, but do any of you creative folks have an idea of how I could update it? Those are individual thick glass prisms. I'm not sure how it would look to paint the brass and what would I use? Any suggestions or advice appreciated, including 'sell' or 'pitch.' Thanks!

Marion Nesbitt · Answer

Brass is making a comeback. Chandeliers are great in a kitchen, but this one is just a bit over the top, in my opinion. Can you move it to a different location? Personally, I like it - just not for the kitchen in this case - even considering 'tension'.

HouseLogic.com · Answer

Yes, brass is making a huge comeback. The chandelier is a little over the top for the kitchen. It would look great in an entryway.

Lynne Reis-Napier · Answer

Thanks! I guess the picture is a bit deceiving - the kitchen and dining room are one open area so this light is to what would be hanging over the dining room table. I suppose I was concentrating too hard on a close up. I had not heard brass was coming back but I just don't think I can get back into it. I really appreciate your comments!

Kathryn Pluto · Answer

I had a brass chandelier,also. My sister said I couldn't paint it BECAUSE it was brass (like that was some kind of law or disrespectful to the 'quality' of it! I broke all the rules & painted it anyways! Used metal spray paint (Rustoleum) and removed about half of the 'rainbow makers'- wish Polyanna was around; I'd give them to her😉!

Katrina Warren · Answer

@Lynne Reis-Napier Not sure it would work for any room in your home, but my daughter & I revamped a chandelier like that for her first apartment, rewiring it so it could be hung & turned on & off with a click switch rather than a wall switch, (the one we had didn't have any of the glass on it just the bare bones of it) & we hung pretty colored glass ornaments on the hangers. She loves it!

Janepher McBride · Answer

Wipe the brass down with liquid sand paper and a rag, then paint it with rustoleum metal paint. Works wonders.

Lynne Reis-Napier · Answer

Here's a better pic of where the chandelier is location-wise.

The Garden Frog with C Renee · Answer

I have one similar and I spray painted it brushed aluminum. It updated it beautifully

The Garden Frog with C Renee · Answer

http://www.hometalk.com/diy/decorate/rooms/my-very-own-custom-ceiling-light-medallion-3419642

Eileen · Answer

I would paint the brass maybe an oil-rubbed bronze or something similar. Take the glass off and you could etch them, use glass paint for a stained-glass look, use 'frosted' contact paper, etc. You could really customize this beautifully to match your décor. Have fun, and enjoy!

Lucy Nunn · Answer

I just painted a giant shiny brass chandelier black, and removed all the glass. (Mine had a giant glass umbrella shaped thing on it. Then I used an IKEA shade with a copper lining. It's way cooler.

512181 · Answer

One we found in son-in-law and daughter's house was donated to Habitat Store. It was too big for the room. I like Lucy Nunn's approach.

CJ · Answer

I painted my brass chandelier aged bronze metal paint and the glass beach glass blue (Martha Stewart glass paint, mixing blue and green) It came out beautiful.

Sonia Burrows · Answer

CJ, I'd love to see a picture of that. I have a similar brass chandelier as Lynne and need to do something with it.

CJ · Answer

That house was sold but I do have a pic of a pendant lamp for my being remodeled kitchen that was done the same way. Will that do?

Denise · Answer

Spray paint a silver, looks modern and fresh!

Alva Sapp · Answer

I just recently challenged a shiny brass lamp into a pewter/nickle finish using Rub'nBuff silver leaf and a clear polyurethane spray. I applied the silver leaf with my finger, buffed lightly, let harden, then sprayed with the poly. Next I applied anti-aging wax and buffed to keep it from being too silvery. If you put on the antiquity wax before the poly the silver leaf will rub off. Not sure how long this will hold up, since I just did it.

Alva Sapp · Answer

Darn spell checker - changed not challenged, antiquing wax

Alva Sapp · Answer

This is a before of the lamp and I also did the mirror over the piano the same way. It turned out well also. I am doing this because we are building a new house and I am using brushed nickel in it.

B. Enne · Answer

Brass may be making a comeback, but when it does, it never stays in style very long anymore, and it really sticks out. Most people it seems, either love or hate it. 
 I am with @Janepher McBride @The Garden Frog with C Renee , @Denise @Alva Sapp , about going with silver tones. I would however go with Krylon looking glass paint, or another similar mercury glass type product. You would probably need to use some liquid sandpaper and black, grey or white spray primer first. 
 I think it would give a more frosty look, so the emphasis would be on the glass and not the metal. 
 @Eileen has good suggestions for embellishing the glass too. 
 Have fun!

Z · Answer

I'd paint the brass since you don't personally care for it. I'd also have a custom drum shade made to go around the upper part and leaving the bottom two tiers exposed from the middle of the second tier down.

Sonia Burrows · Answer

It's fine to spray paint it but what do you do about the brass colored wire running through the chain? Will that take the spray paint?

Alva Sapp · Answer

Sonia Burrows, The rub'nbuff silver leaf will cover the chain and the gold colored electrical cord as well.

Ann · Answer

I have a brass chandelier like this. My husband loves it. So during the year I change it up with seasonal decor. Soon I'm going to make it over with fake capiz shells made of wax paper. Here are two of my redos...

Possibilities for retro chandelier

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Possibilities for retro chandelier

My Very Own Custom Ceiling Light Medallion for less than $3

Suggested Project Book