Help Me Hide My Ugly Chandelier Please!

Home Forums Ask Mr. Kate Help Me Hide My Ugly Chandelier Please!

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  • #76810

    Alyssa Woodard
    Participant

      Hello!

      I moved in with my boyfriend 7 months ago to this BEAUTIFUL 1 bedroom, 2 story loft in Burbank. The best part is that my boyfriend has given his absolute trust in me decorating and I’ve never felt more at home. I absolutely love it, except for the ugly light fixtures.

      The metallics in our apartment is a mix of bronze, yellow gold, and rose gold. We are not a HUGE fan of silver, and of course, that is exactly what the lighting fixtures, knobs, and etc are. It wouldn’t be that much of a problem, except it is the most generic silver I’ve come across. It’s matte which makes it look like plastic, and is way too cool toned compared to the metallics around it. Our building does not want us to change the chandeliers which is totally understandable, but I’m certain the only reason we can’t is because they want to remind us life isn’t fair.  (Jokes!)

      I have searched Google, but they either have suggestions for chandeliers that are not as long as mine, or they suggest I hide it with a DIY plastic spoon chandelier and my dining chairs are way too elegant for spoons!

      So what do I do? Do you think I could hide the bulbs with a lamp shade? Should I embrace the bare bulbs, and get some Edison lights to create a warmer tone? I’d love to hear your ideas! Our decor is a mix of mid century and rustic. Thank you in advanced!!

      #76822

      Mr. Kate
      Keymaster

        Hey Alyssa!

        Your home is so lovely!! You’ve done such a great job decorating, I agree that this funny light fixture should not limit you!!

        It looks like what happened here is that there was originally a chandelier hanging from the ceiling, but when the new light fixture was put in, its ceiling plate was connected to the chandelier’s chain! If it’s possible to get an electrician out to your apartment to remove the chain and attach the light fixture to the ceiling with its actual ceiling plate, that would be a big help!

        But there are definitely ways to DIY around that!! You mentioned changing out the bulbs, and that would be a great way to switch up the appearance.  Vintage-inspired filament bulbs, especially so exposed, could make for a great impact in the room. Here are some great ones!: http://bit.ly/2cxiSU7

        Another option is buy an extra large Chinese lantern and use wire to connect it to the hooks on the top of the light fixture. If you find one large enough (maybe 28 inches?) it could cover the whole thing! Then, if you’re looking for cool ways to update that Chinese lantern, I DIYed some with Maya!

        I hope this helps!

        XOXO,

        Kate

        #76910

        Alyssa Woodard
        Participant

          Hey Kate!

          Im super flattered that you like my space! I wanted to happily report that I changed up my chandelier this week using a little hot glue, some jewelry making skills, and help from your channel!

          First of all- you were right. The chanelier used to hold this ugly flying saucer piece that I HATED, which says a lot because I love space! (Seriously! I have an 11 foot gallery wall chalk full of Star Wars art!!) we decided to take it off because surprisingly, it looked better without. It was still an eye sore though!!!

          The whole process cost about 15 dollars! First, we took a trip to Hobby Lobby and bought 3 yards of black rope. I got glued it to the pole, which worked out so well, because the rope had a fabric edge to it, meaning I only had to add a few dots of glue to the actual pole, and glued the rest of the rope to that fabric edge! It ended up being the perfect amount of rope with none left over!

          Then I took an old IKEA lamp shade, but obviously it couldn’t go through the three bulbs of the chandelier- so that’s were your DIY videos helped! I remembered your DIY dream catcher video you made and ended up tying twine I had laying around to the prongs of the lampshade in the style of a dream catcher. I then secured it with a metal wire.

          That alone made it look SO much better, but I wanted to add gold elements and I wanted to give those three nubs up top SOME sort of function, so I added my own DIY chandelier dangles! My mom taught me how to make jewelry a long time ago, so I was up for the task.

          Before making the dangles,I covered the base with gold washy tape. It’s this really pretty floral design and part of it is clear so the silver pokes out a little, so yes! I was able to embrace the juxtaposition a little! I then took jump rings ($3), Moroccan style beads ($2), spiritual themed pendants (99¢) and two necklaces with a ton of tassels from the dollar store and made the dangles! My boyfriend had no idea what it would look like but kept saying “I trust you” and he loves it!

          Thank you so much for your advice and ideas! I’m so glad I was able to personalize my apartment without damaging the existing chandelier. the best part of this adventure, however, is when my boyfriend and I took a trip to Hobby Lobby. As we wandered throughout the store I told him ways of how I wanted to personalize the apartment more to which he said these magical words: “Now you’ve got my excited about cabinet knobs!” Is he not a dream boat?! On to the next project, I guess!

           

          Also, quick question! Where in LA can a girl find cute decorations at Thrift shops? I’m always so amazed at your thrift store finds!

           

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