Happy Monday, Friends! I’m excited to share with you my latest project. I call it my rags to riches chandelier! Actually, it is still in the “rags” stage, but I have BIG plans for this baby! Come see what it currently looks like and how I plan to transform this chandelier into a one of a kind beauty!
I spotted this chandelier curb-side in Doylestown several years ago. I knew I didn’t have a spot for it myself but I couldn’t bear to leave it for the garbage man either. So, I circled back, popped it in my car and hauled it home. It sat in my treasure room (aka storage room) for a while until my sister came to visit. We were discussing her future master bedroom and bathroom addition and I thought this would work great for her new bedroom. So, she hauled it to North Carolina and recently gave it back to me to fix! Here is how it looks currently.
It’s hard to tell from the pictures, but the fixture is quite large and is an aqua blue color with brass accents. The chandelier needs lots of work, but first it needs to be checked out and possibly rewired by an electrician. It looks pretty old so I want to make sure it works and is safe before I put a lot of time and effort into the restoration. You can see the paint has rusted in several spots and it needs a good cleaning. I’m also wondering if there were glass shades over the bulbs based on the shape of the sockets?
In the center of the chandelier is a bowl of sorts. I’m not sure if it originally had some kind of shade or globe. Since the light will be mounted fairly high in the tray ceiling I don’t think you will be able to see this part anyway, but I’ll keep an eye out for a glass bowl or something decorative that might work.
There seems to be plenty of chain and wire so I think a good cleaning and coat of paint will freshen up the chain. If all else fails, we can use a fabric chain cover. Also, all of the pieces such as the canopy and the mounting plate are intact. Always good news.
So, what is the plan? After the electrician checks out the fixture, I’ll give it a thorough cleaning. Then, I’ll gold leaf the entire piece. And my sister, being my sister, wants lots of crystals! This is where my husband/handyman comes in. I want him to drill tiny holes in the bobeches so I can hang crystals all around each one. Can you imagine loads of sparkly crystals?
Then, in between each arm will hang chains of octagon shaped glass crystal beads. (From bobeche to bobeche.)
Finally, I want to use Edison Bulbs to make the fixture look truly vintage. This light fixture is such an unusual piece, I think the old style bulbs will really make a statement. Edison and Victorian Antique bulbs can be pricey but they are well worth the bang for the buck.
I’ve tried and tried to find a similar chandelier to the one I’m making over for my sister, but I haven’t had any luck. So, picture something a bit like a combination of these but with larger crystals, bulbs and chain? I have a feeling once I get started my plans and design will change, regardless.
One thing is certain, there won’t be another chandelier like it anywhere! I can’t wait to get started! Happily my sister’s master bedroom suite is underway and should be completed before Christmas! Which means I have plenty of time to finish the project. This light fixture will hang in the center of her new bedroom and maybe since it’s Christmas, she will put up her magnificent silver Christmas tree and color wheel in there as well!
Now I need to track down my gold leaf paint and crystals and the magic will commence! I’ll keep you posted on the progress, but for now the chandelier is headed to the electrician. Fingers crossed for good news regarding the wiring. Thanks for stopping by and I hope you have a lovely day. xoxo Dell
4 comments
You are so creative!!
You are so sweet, Peggy! Thank you!
I love it, Dell! You’re such a sweet sister and you are so talented. No one but you could transform this unique chandelier. I can’t wait to see it finished.
Thank you so much, Wendy! I can’t wait to get it done for you and see it in your beautiful new master bedroom! xo