How to Update a Vintage Chandelier (and Keep It's Classic Appeal)

Lora Bloomquist
by Lora Bloomquist
4 Materials
$10
2 Hours
Easy

You can update a vintage chandelier and keep it's classic appeal with a couple fresh changes. Don't worry, no spray paint is involved! All it takes is a fresh outlook and a couple minor adjustments, and your sparkly, pretty light fixture will be your new favorite feature!


Before you start, give your vintage chandelier the beauty treatment. Wipe each of the crystals with a wet washcloth and a hot water with 1/4 cup of ammonia mixture. You can do this when the chandelier is hanging (place a towel under) or take the crystals off and do individually. The crystals will thank you when they shine beautifully!

Now to update it a little! The first way you can update your vintage chandelier is to give those candle sleeves a fresh look. Grab some decorative paper in a color/pattern you like and decoupage the new paper over the old, boring tubes. Instant update!

You can go subtle like I did, or go bold and add a pop of bright color. Whatever your taste!

Another way you can update your vintage chandelier is to place it in a different room. They're not just for dining rooms anymore! These beauties look great in a bedroom or a bathroom, or even a closet or laundry room. Choose a spot where the sun will shine beautifully through the crystals and scatter colorful prisms all over the room!

When deciding on placement, don't think your vintage chandelier needs to be in the middle of the room. You can still use the existing ceiling mount for the wires and swag the chain to any corner of the room. Just add a sturdy hook to the ceiling in a stud. Use it to accent a beautiful piece of furniture or a grouping.


Cup hooks screwed into the ceiling can swag the chain to where you want the chandelier to hang.

For another update, cover the chain with fabric. You can either purchase a cord cover or make one in any fabric you'd like to coordinate with the room.If you know how to sew and want to create your own, you can find a simple how-to on my full blog HERE.

Lastly, definitely put your vintage chandelier on a dimmer switch! No matter where you decide to place it, the beauty of these decorative ladies are accented when you can have it just barely on, or full blast! If you'd like to see where we hung this sentimental family chandelier as part of a pretty room makeover, click HERE.

Resources for this project:
See all materials
Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Hometalk may collect a small share of sales from the links on this page.More info
Lora Bloomquist
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
Go
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
  3 questions
  • DeAnn DeAnn on Feb 17, 2020

    Where can I buy more crystals for my grandmothers chandelier???

  • Stephanie Mack Stephanie Mack on Feb 17, 2020

    So my chandelier has the “fake melted wax” running down it’s tubing... will that change the decoupage of the paper??

  • Christie Ross Christie Ross on Feb 18, 2020

    How much water to how much vinegar?

Comments
Join the conversation
3 of 8 comments
Next