Sometimes the simplest changes can make a big statement, especially when it comes to updating an already-existing accessory in your home. In fact Allison proves just that with her simple and chic chandelier update. Here’s her letter:
My chandelier makeover was really easy to accomplish once I found the perfect modern shade to update my 1950s crystal chandelier.
I was lucky enough to locate a fabulous shade for $10 at a warehouse sale here in Dallas. Then I spray painted the ugly brass chain white (along with the “ceiling donut”) to match the already glossy white ceiling medallion. The open ring at the top of the shade made it easy to slip onto the chain, which I then re-hung from the ceiling. I think it makes my dining room look SO much better. I first saw this look in a Neiman Marcus home catalog, and of course had to try to copy it. I hope you enjoy my simple ceiling makeover as much as I do. – Allison
Of course we’re all over that nice clean-linen drum shade. And we love how it totally upgraded that already lovely crystal chandelier. Plus the fact that people spend a pretty penny on light fixtures just like it (check out this one for $718!) is the icing on the cake. Amazing work Allison! What do you guys think? Is anyone else looking for the perfect drum shade to layer over an existing fixture for a polished and modern vibe? Has anyone else taken on a similarly easy and affordable light fixture overhaul? Do tell.
Carol N. says
Oh I like Allison’s much better than the expensive one! This is exactly what I want for my dining room; now all I need is to find a shade big enough to cover my chandelier. Great job!
Erin says
Ooo gorgeous! I love the outcome! I wish I had a cool 1950s chandelier to make over like that :D
Marge says
I love that the bulbs are now covered and it has a natural looking element to go with the shine from the glass. It looks much more luxe and the light is so much softer. Nice work, Allison!
liz @ btb says
This looks way better than the expensive version. Someone should make a huge drum shade to hide a ceiling fan. I would definitely buy that!
Jessica @ How Sweet says
I love this one! Much more affordable and really looks great.
Shannon says
Love this! I’ve had my eye on one just like it on overstock.
Tracie says
Wow!!!!! I have a hideous brass chandelier in my foyer, I too have been searching for an exceptionally large drum shade. Excellent job Allison!
Courtney says
It definitely looks better than the expensive version. But I have to be honest and say that I would have just spray painted the chain and kept the chandelier as is. I love vintage chandeliers and you can always add other elements to the room for a more modern vibe.
kathy says
Allison,
I’m new in Dallas, and looking for fun places to shop. Where did you find the lampshade. Thanks so much.
And Young House Love, love your site. Thank you for the wonderful ideas and posts!
Kathy
Mel V. says
Ooh, creative idea! I’m not sure if I’d do it – it looks really strange to me to put a shade on a chandelier – but I’m guessing it makes a lot more sense in person when you can see how it affects the room’s lighting. Awesome quick & cheap update.
Tracie @ Gurtler + Home says
Oh what a creative idea. I would love to know how she actually got the drum shade to attach in there.
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Tracie,
There’s a bit of a description in her letter (it sounds like she used the ring inside the shade and slipped it over the chain to hold it in place) but here’s hoping Allison drops in with more details for you!
xo,
s
Cristi says
Hi guys, I just wanted to let you know that I’ve been getting 1 or 2 pop up ads each time I visit your page lately.
On a happier note, I love this lamp!
YoungHouseLove says
Argggghhhh! Nooooo! Can you tell us what advertiser they’re for? Ex: Lumber Luquidators. Thanks so much. Is anyone else getting these?
To everyone else: WE NEVER ALLOW POP UPS ON OUR SITE. They’re so annoying! So if you see them they’re a mistake and we need your help to know when they’re popping up aso we can get them taken care of. Thanks so much!
xo,
s
megan says
I need to do this to my chandelier. It’s supposedly vintage ( or so says the previous homeowner who said its from the south and over 100 years old). It’s brass and I’m not liking it anymore. Thanks for the inspiration.
Karen J says
NICE, really nice. Do YHL or Allison have DIY instructions for this? How do you know what size shade to purchase?
YoungHouseLove says
Here’s hoping Allison stops in with more details. We’d imagine you just measure the diameter of your chandy and get something bigger so it’ll fit over it. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Beth@EverydayLifeofBellom says
LOVE IT!
As you know, I recently used a locker basket as a lampshade. And I will admit that I have been telling rank strangers that you emailed me back with such kind words.
I plan on printing that email and framing it as inspiration to keep on DIY’ing!
Here’s the link to my light; http://everydaylifeofbellom.blogspot.com/2010/05/kitschy-kitchen.html
YoungHouseLove says
Beth, you’re making us blush over here! Love that light (and the adorable bell too).
xo,
s
Amy says
I love it! So clever. The effect is really elegant and chic.
Melissa says
Unfortunately, whether the high-end version, or the DIY version, I think this is an awkward melding of design aesthetics. :(
Points for pluckiness though!
Laura (youngDCliving) says
Wow! This is really well done, and I like it SO much more than that $700+,and it was virtually free. Awesome :)
Barbara says
I’d love to know how she attached the shade.
I just bought a big shade to do the light YOU did in your room – but boy, hers is fancy!! Either way, I’ll make one or the other!
Jamie says
Allison’s is so much prettier than the $800 one!
kathleen@betweenblueandyellow says
Man, I wish I had seen this a few years ago, i would have totally done the same thing to my chandy.
TG says
I love it. I wanted to know, what kind of paint and how she painted the brass parts?
shanna says
TG: I am not the original poster, but I have painted my own brass chandelier numerous times (from brass to copper and from copper to black). I just used plain old craft paint from Michaels. A few coats with a sponge brush did the trick nicely. :)
Karlee says
I am a HUGE fan of chandeliers.. huge. I’m also a fan of drum shades.. but I don’t understand putting the two together. A chandelier should never be covered up like that. Maybe it’s just a new look that needs to grow on me..
Alex says
Hey Melissa, I think you brought up a valid point that design styles aren’t universal. I think it’s best in these sorts of siutaitons to admire someones thoughtfulness and creaitivity to turn a former eye-sore into something they love.
shanna says
I adore the before and the after. Love it! Great work!
Jen says
Oooh, the new light looks absolutely amazing! She should be so proud of the mega dinero she saved!
I recently had updated a blah hanging pendant with the help of some wall decals: http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2010/03/inspiring-to-be-bright-kitchen-pendant.html
Thanks for sharing this inspirational RR!
xoxo!
Jen
jja says
This time I like more before version.
Miranda says
Sorry…I think it looked better before.
pam says
what a great “new” look for such an affordable price too!
Sara D. says
Allison, what warehouse was it? I live in the DFW area and have been trying to find a shade exactly like that for a long time! LOVE the price tag!
caligurl says
ohhhhh… that’s bad*ss!!!!!!!!! makes me wish i had a chandelier to cover! great job, allison!
Melly says
Well, how cool is that! You’ve made that old chandelier completely hip.
Melissa @ HOUSEography says
Great update! I have been thinking about adding shades to mine and just got some shades for some sconces in my living room to update those. I love the idea of a huge shade though!
Melissa
http://www.houseography.net
sherry hart says
LOVE that………Great idea!
anonymous says
Unfortunately, I’m not liking. It’s too overdone, but to each their own.
Ana says
I hope Allison stops in to answer questions. I’d really like to know the name of the lighting store she went to. I’m not in the Dallas area, but I’m planning on visiting a friend there soon and am always collecting recommendations for good home decor stores.
Amanda says
I’m not sure I could fall in love with this in my home but I’m thrilled with the idea and creativity behind it. I guess I’m not a ‘lamp shade’ lovin gal. I’m all about recessed lighting and shadeless lamps. Call me a weird-o I know! But I do love your idea. Might be fun to try in a nursery with a cute baby-esque lamp shade. :)
Ann says
bRILLiaNT! How clever–can you put the shade over an exiting chandy without taking it down??
Dett says
Wow, I guess that’s the first DIY-project you featured that I didn’t like. But hey, kudos for the idea!
Katy says
Dude, Allison, where did you find that shade? I live in Dallas and need some recommendations.
Trish says
I am so doing that the minute my kids get into camp and I have time to breathe! So much simpler than lots of little shades! LOVE IT!
Claudia says
It doesn’t meld very well for me. The lovely chandelier could have been freshened up with paint rather than a very clashing shade.
michelle says
OMG! This is too funny! Two months ago i did the exact same thing, i have a chandelier that looks exactly like that, but wanted to put a drum shade over it to make “contemporary”, i bought the shade on ebay. same color too! wow!
Erika says
I love, love, love, love, love this. We’re looking to replace our dated brass pendant over the dining table. I hadn’t seen anything like this yet. Yep, I’m in love.
Adam R says
I am actually re-purposing a 6 arm chandelier from my 1960’s kitchen to a luxurious spare bedroom. I already painted the brass fixture to white and added a few vintage chandelier pendants, but am having trouble finding a large drum shade in an off-white color or natural texture like Allison found. Do you have any recommendations on where to find a shade at least 16″ in diameter? Thanks!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Adam,
We found great local lighting stores thanks to google and the yellow pages so maybe you can do the same? Otherwise maybe try overstock.com or even ebay. Good luck!
xo,
s
Jana says
Not only cheaper but way cuter too.
Melissa says
I love drum shades, and this redesign is AWESOME!
In fact I’ve been looking to makeover my dining room chandelier by removing the glass bulb covers and replacing them with small drum shades.
Problem is, I cant seem to find small drum shades anywhere to purchase…we’re talking 8-10″ drum shades….any suggestions? Thanks!
Genie says
The new one is chic, yes, but the “before” is beautiful 1950s! I am glad she didn’t ruin the old one while updating it; she might like it someday! I spent my 20s making fun of the 1960s and 1970s…and now it is back!
Melissa E. says
Looks good, and it was a clever idea, but I feel it still gives it more of a retro ’70s appeal than completely modernizing it — perhaps because of the color. A white or soft silvery tone could bring it up to date.