How amazing is this light fixture! Image how beautiful a bunch of these all over a wedding reception. I am so excited to show you how I gave this light fixture a makeover and create this simple doily chandelier for under $20.
A few weeks ago, my mom purchased this gorgeous chandelier on Facebook Marketplace for her master bedroom. Although, she though it would be perfect for the space, my dad on the other hand did not.
I was talking to her on the phone one night and mentioned that I wanted to change the ceiling fan in our bedroom. She then proceeded to tell me about the chandelier she bought and how useless it was to her now and asked if I wanted it.
I’m pretty sure the first words out of my mouth were “YES PLEASE!”. It didn’t really work with the decor vibe in our home however, somehow I would make it Work.
Typically, I thrift just about all decorative pieces in our home or DIY it myself and this was no different. Before I got the chandelier in hand,I certainly needed to come up with a plan to give it a makeover.
Let’s be honest, I could have left it alone and it would have work out just fine. But of course I needed to tweak it a little. What bothered me was the black ribbon the most around the shade, it was just to dark for the space.
Materials For This Simple Doily Chandelier Makeover
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- Scissors
- Can of spray paint Rust-Oleum in Gold
- Vintage Doily or Lace ribbon
- Glue Gun and Glue Sticks
How To Create This Simple Doily Chandelier Makeover
STEP 1
I needed to figure out how to gently remove the crystals from the bottom of the base. This was a tedious task and thankfully nothing broke in the process.
STEP 2
Find the end of the ribbon and cut with scissors and start unraveling it to remove from the shade.
STEP 3
To prep for paint I took two grocery bags and wrapped all the crystals up and tapped it with painters tape. It took me awhile to remove the crystals from the bottom base, that I didn’t want to take them off completely.
SPRAY PAINTING TIPS FOR THIS SIMPLE DOILY CHANDELIER MAKEOVER
- Clean and dry your surface before spraying.
- Avoid painting in direct sunlight and hot, humid weather.
- When spray painting indoors, always ventilate your room well by opening windows and doors. A fan may also help to keep air circulating.
- Read directions properly before you begin.
- Test your spray on a piece of cardboard to ensure a smooth, even spray paint application.
- Take your time, multiple coats instead of one think coat.
- Always begin and finish spraying off the project. YES MOTION DOES MATTER.
- Make sure of spray paint redcoat time. Some cans maybe different, so double check!
- Check and clean spray can valve after using.
- Turn can upside down and spray for 5 seconds. This helps prevent the spray tip from clogging.
STEP 4
Sprayed paint all the base of the chandelier, the cord and the electrical cap gold.
For best results, follow the tips from above.
STEP 5
Decide what type of fabric you would like to surround the shade with, it could be ribbon, lace,burlap or fabric. I found these vintage doilies at a local Flea Market, the were such a great deal at 2/$1. There was a whole bunch of them many sizes and shapes to choose from. Sorry, I cleaned them out for that price, as sometimes they are hard to find.
Be sure to measure twice and cut once!! Always measure the shade, to be sure you have enough to cover the entire surrounding. I was searching through my recent doily score, I found 3 identical rectangle pieces that fit around the shade. Although, the width need some trimming.
STEP 6
With a glue gun, start glueing the vintage doily to the top and bottom of the shade.I put a bit of glue in the top corner first, then the bottom corner and kept going around.Because if you don’t it may make the lace uneven or you will have to take it off and start over! Please trust me I did it over a few times, eventually I got it.
Definitely a trial and error situation when it come to being creative. Being totally transparent here, sometimes my ideas don’t always turn out. However, it’s always worth a try in my opinion.
After gluing two pieces on,I realized that it left a gap between each one. Using the trimmings from the doily I wrapped it to cover the holes. Remember that saying “MEASURE TWICE AND CUT ONCE” well I checked it a few times still ended up with a gap.
Problem solved and honestly I love the extra detail plus it adds a bit more charm to this vintage vibe I’m going for. Let’s keep that a secret!! (HAHAHA)
COST FOR THIS SIMPLE DOILY CHANDELIER MAKEOVER
- Well the chandelier was given to me by my mom
- Doilies were 2 for $1 I used 3 of them so $1.50
- Spray paint was $15
- Glue gun and sticks I had on hand
Total cost: under $20
If you have an idea for a project, take the risk. Iv’e made many mistakes in our home renovation and decor. Keep going, life is to short not too!!!! My goal is to inspire you to thrift and create a home you will love.
Voila! That’s that! Creating this vintage chandelier is easier than you’d imagine, and the results are stunning!
This diy project was very budget friendly and my mom could not believe it was the same light fixture. I hope you found some inspiration in this simple makeover.
And stay tuned, we’ll do a final bedroom reveal of all the changes soon!
Let me know in comments what you think.
PIN IT FOR LATER
