How to Cover an Ugly Chandelier

The brass and glass chandelier is a jarring note in a simple, modern decor.

The mantra "one man's trash is another man's treasure" is a well-known cliche. In home decorating, there are times that the opposite is true. For example, the previous owners may have loved the chandelier in the dining area. However, you'd love to remove and destroy the hideous brass and glass monstrosity. If your budget forces you to live with a decorating disaster, a liberal application of paint can turn your ugly fixture into a unique craftsman-style conversation piece.

Things You'll Need

• Newspapers
• Alcohol
• Lint-free rags
• Clear craft glue
• Metallic acrylic paints, antique gold and bronze
• Paint brush
• Sandpaper, 180-grit
• Tack cloth
• Painter's tape
• Spray paint, dark bronze
• Soft white or amber light bulbs

Instructions

1. Spread newspapers over the work space to protect it from paint.

2. Remove the glass panels from the chandelier and lay them flat. Slide the glass panels up until they are clear of the clips on the inside of the chandelier frame. Clean both sides of the glass with alcohol and a lint-free rag to remove all dust and oils.

3. Mix 2 tsp. of clear craft glue with 6 drops of antique gold metallic acrylic paint. Brush a thin coat of paint onto the back side of the glass, from top to bottom. Allow the paint to puddle a little at random intervals and at the bottom edge.

4. Add a few drops of bronze metallic acrylic paint to the gold mixture and mix well. Apply a second thin coat of paint over the first, again brushing from top to bottom. Allow the bronzed paint to flow in an uneven coat over the gold, following the natural mottled look of a mica lampshade. Allow to dry completely.

5. Lightly scuff the shiny brass finish of the chandelier with 180-grit sandpaper. Wipe with a tack cloth to remove all dust.

6. Mask the electrical connections and bulb holders with painter's tape.

7. Paint the chandelier and its chain with a dark bronze spray paint. Spray using light, even strokes over the entire surface of the chandelier. Apply three coats of paint, allowing to dry between coats according to the manufacturer's directions.

8. Insert the glass panels back into the chandelier. Replace the original light bulbs with soft white or amber bulbs.

9. Hang the chandelier in the desired location.

Tips & Warnings

• Use metallic glass paints instead of glue and acrylics to paint the glass panels.

• For a modern take on a craftsman-style lamp, use brushed silver paint on the chandelier and a combination of pearlescent and metallic silver paints on the glass.

• Use stencils to add craftsman-style or Native American-themed details to the glass before adding the faux mica finish.

• Adjust your plan according to the chandelier and your personal style. For example, adding a simple drum lampshade over the entire fixture may fit your decor with a minimum of fuss.

• Wear gloves and safety glasses when working with glass and spray paint to protect your hands and eyes.

• Avoid breathing spray paint fumes; open doors and windows to increase air circulation in the area.

• Be careful when removing the glass panels from the chandelier; don't press too hard or you may shatter the glass.

• Keep the glass and paints out of reach of children.

References

• Michaels: Glass Painting Craze
• Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores: Dazzling Metallics Acrylic Paint - Many Colors
• Suzy's Artsy Craftsy Sitcom: Feature Friday - Faux Tiffany!
• Micashades: Mica Colors

Resources

• Apartment Therapy: Reversible Decor: Martina's Chandelier Cover-up;
• Vicki Howell: I Love to Create: Chandelier Make-over
• In My Own Style: Dining Room Chandelier Make-Over