Giant Brass Chandelier

You know how when a room just won't come together and then suddenly all the pieces fall into place? I've been having a bit of a hard time with our dining room - the space is so awkward (see more here). But today was full of some really big wins. I found a dining table and this GIANT brass chandelier for almost nothing.


It's hard to tell here, but it's really huge, the same size as the new table - about 60" wide! I'm going to paint it (probably pale blue), change up the chain and use round bulbs. I was searching around the web for a similar look for inspiration and look what I found from Decor Demon. It looks like the exact same chandelier, painted with round bulbs!


We had some freak snowy weather yesterday, but this weekend looks like it'll be warm enough to spray paint (probably the last chance for the next few months). I'm really hoping I can get this chandelier done so I can get going on the rest of my new ideas for the room. Tonight I chose new art, a pair of mirrors and a china cabinet color. I'm so glad things are finally starting to come together. The dining room is the first space guests see when they walk into our house, so I want it to be really pretty. Getting rid of that weird hanging lampshade will be a good start.

 

Oh, one more quick thing. Do you have any tips for hanging really heavy lights? The chandelier weighs a TON!
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42 comments:

  1. LilyNovember 9, 2012 at 1:29 AM

    That will look amazing painted and with round bulbs!! Love it!

    xxLily
    goldandgray.com

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  2. BarbieNovember 9, 2012 at 2:16 AM

    The chandelier will add so much. Can't wait to see the table too. For the weight I think you need to install a bigger/stronger electrical box above the drywall.

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  3. Water Lily WishesNovember 9, 2012 at 2:45 AM

    Would love to see the finished thing as pale blue sounds lovely :-) x

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  4. ZoeBNovember 9, 2012 at 3:22 AM

    In the UK a heavy light fitting would have an attachment to an upper floor joist/beam through the ceiling. Your current home looks to be a similar age to mine and we have large chandeliers.
    I ve never tried to paint shiney metal so will be vry interested in the process
    ZoeB

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  5. LaurieNovember 9, 2012 at 4:53 AM

    Love it! I am sure it will be amazing. That room in the inspiration photo is awesome.

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  6. UnknownNovember 9, 2012 at 8:36 AM

    Great repurpose of a huge light! I know it's hard to find a big enough one sometimes! Love those round bulbs. I think if you attach it to the properly mounted electric box on a stud it should be fine..but better consult an electrician! Have a great weekend.
    xo Nancy
    Powellbrowerhome.com

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  7. UnknownNovember 9, 2012 at 8:43 AM

    Love the red chandelier! Gorgeous! Have a great weekend!
    Leslie
    houseontheway@gmail.com

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  8. MegNovember 9, 2012 at 8:48 AM

    We just removed a giant brass chandelier from our entry way and replaced it with a northeastern lantern. We are moving the chandleir to our office space, but I want to paint it first...looking forward to seeing how you do yours, ours is also very heavy...make sure you do step by step on how you refinish it! I will be following!

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  9. MegNovember 9, 2012 at 8:52 AM

    I did just spar paint some brass pulls, we steel wool to remove some of the shine, it did leave small scratches, but they are invisible after painted. We also used some liquid deglosser which I think really helped the primer stick well.
    Best of luck!

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  10. sumslayNovember 9, 2012 at 9:28 AM

    Ahhhhh! First off, what a great find and secondly, I painted the existing brass chandelier in my place a matte black when I moved in. It's perhaps my only DIY job, although I think putting together IKEA furniture should count. ;) Anyway, I never thought about the round bulb thing. I am so doing that! Thank you!!!

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  11. A Pearl In The MakingNovember 9, 2012 at 11:06 AM

    How exciting. Can't wait to see the transformation.

    As far as hanging it I would hire a professional.

    Rub-n-buff has some amazing colors. http://www.ebay.com/itm/330746444190?hlp=false&var=

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  12. Lasko'sNovember 9, 2012 at 11:09 AM

    ask an electrician to install a box intended to hold more weight-i think the box is supposed to attach to a stud or joist! good luck!

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  13. Sarah Barksdale DesignNovember 9, 2012 at 11:41 AM

    I cant wait to see how the chandelier and the whole dining room for that matter turns out! I do think you might have to reinforce the ceiling to hang the heavy fixture though

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  14. HannahNovember 9, 2012 at 1:22 PM

    I would have never thought of round bulbs! That's going to look great... can't wait to see!

    Champagne Lifestyle on a Beer Budget

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  15. tricia @ mash-up chicNovember 9, 2012 at 1:36 PM

    I saw that post and copied myself, love the change!
    Trish
    www.mash-upchic.blogspot.com
    http://mash-upchic.blogspot.com/2012/08/what-difference-bulb-makes.html

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  16. TMykulaNovember 9, 2012 at 1:36 PM

    Ok, normally I'm a fan of everything you do but I'm not a fan of your idea for pale blue on the chandy (which I love). Don't you think it'll make it look a little country? Plus, I like the traditional shape of the bulbs. The round ones are a little weird for me. I know if anyone can prove me wrong it'll be you. Can't wait to see how you incorporate it in the room. Mandi at www.vintagerevivals.com has one similar in her entry way painted a bold plum color. Check it out.

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  17. AnonymousNovember 9, 2012 at 1:40 PM

    Oh gosh! The chandelier is going to be gorgeous! Frankly, when I have had something that heavy to hang, I call in my electricians. They usually go up in the attic and nail a couple of boards between the studs for a good sturdy suspension point.

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  18. Jessamie {Bird and Branch Redesign}November 9, 2012 at 2:07 PM

    We used some wire cable and then I bought a small pvc pipe to cover the cable and wire. Painted it the same color, done! it was pretty easy and you can't tell it's pvc pipe.

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  19. AbiNovember 9, 2012 at 3:02 PM

    That looks like a really fun project! i can't wait to see the finished project.. Keep up posted!

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  20. courtney McGNovember 9, 2012 at 3:45 PM

    perhaps call a knowledgable lighting store or local harware store for ideas?

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  21. fric and fracNovember 9, 2012 at 3:54 PM

    Love the large scale of the chandelier - can't wait to see it painted! By the way - I love your floor to ceiling windows!

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  22. Danika HerrickNovember 9, 2012 at 4:05 PM

    I have a 6' round one in my basement (now that is a sign of a hoarder) that I was given 3 years ago by a local hotel that was renovating. I need taller ceilings! Can't wait to see your finished project!

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  23. DanielleNovember 9, 2012 at 4:05 PM

    And this is why you're an interior designer! I look at that brassy gold chandelier and think "meh", but you see all the potential - and your ideas sound amazing! Can't wait to see the end result!

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  24. AnonymousNovember 9, 2012 at 5:04 PM

    Why would you paint that chandelier? Its a look that has seen its day and is starting to look really cheap, IMHO.
    I thought brass was on its way back? Keep the brass.

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  25. GirlieBekuNovember 9, 2012 at 6:56 PM

    I hope you do a home tour soon! I'd love to see how everything is coming together!

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  26. AnonymousNovember 9, 2012 at 10:18 PM

    ZoeB is right. You need to install a brace in place of the existing box that currently supports the famous hanging lamp shade. These are called "Safe-T-Braces" and are typically used in ceiling fan installations, and aren't tough to do at all even in old construction. They run about $15 and are at home depot etc.

    Here's a link to installation instructions on a typical brace.

    http://howto.homedepot.com/videos/watch/614019925001/How-to-Install-the-Westinghouse-Ceiling-Fan-Brace-The-Home-Depot.html

    I would hire a pro only if you're planning on a) sleeping under the new fixture or b) having parties where friends swing on the fixture or c) plan on moving the location of the light. Otherwise, save the $$! Be brave! I'm a SWF 30-something homeowner and I installed the braces successfully myself in 2 places where an old fixture previously existed. BTW, I think the braces are rated for like a 50 pound ceiling fan.

    Good luck and cant wait to see more!

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  27. cmNovember 10, 2012 at 12:36 AM

    I've always wanted to add a chandelier to my space! It's going to look so great. love love love. X

    http://someofhereandsomeofthere.blogspot.com/

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  28. Preciously MeNovember 10, 2012 at 6:51 AM

    Wow I love this "new" giant chandelier ♥
    It's much more beautiful in red and with the round bulbs! So modern, stunning!!!

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  29. AnonymousNovember 10, 2012 at 8:03 AM

    That brass chandelier is looking fine. It makes the room elegant and a great conversation starter during parties. It easily catches attention if I say so myself.
    House and Land Packages Perth

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  30. AnonymousNovember 10, 2012 at 12:44 PM

    I saw this post just before I headed out to hit the local thrift stores and picked up a great chandelier to paint! I blogged about it and linked back to your post. Thanks for the idea!

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  31. AnonymousNovember 10, 2012 at 3:52 PM

    Saw you in Lonny! Congrats!

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  32. Diligent DesignerNovember 10, 2012 at 3:58 PM

    Jenny, we just picked up a vintage brass Spanish chandelier and the thing is a BEAST. I am wondering the same thing about the weight. We were going to tackle it ourselves, but thinking I might just pay $50 and have someone install it. Can't wait to see the finished product.

    I am going to post about cleaning and installing my chandelier....it looks like this:

    http://diligentdesigner.blogspot.com/2012/10/last-weekends-loot-sneak-preview.html

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  33. JillNovember 10, 2012 at 9:07 PM

    I'm so excited to see this! It will be such a fun twist on a traditional chandelier!

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  34. The Cuban In My CoffeeNovember 11, 2012 at 8:33 AM

    I actually DO love when that happens!!! It's one of the best parts of a project, and often the most beautiful results are the unexpected ones:) Good score, I can't wait to see the rest of your room. I'm sure it will be stunning.

    XOXO,
    Whitney

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  35. Hollie @ I'm Busy ProcrastinatingNovember 11, 2012 at 10:36 AM

    Yes, your current light fixture is not quite the looker! I've seen that same image from Decor Demon before, and it's amazing, from the chandelier to the giant letter F, to the photo wall mural. Can't wait to see how your dining room turns out. Isn't it great when things come together finally?!

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  36. WWLNovember 11, 2012 at 10:49 AM

    The best tip I have for hanging a heavy chandelier is to hire a professional. If you hang it improperly and it falls it could damage the fixture, your ceiling, your table and possibly someone sitting near it.

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  37. ChristineNovember 11, 2012 at 10:05 PM

    YES!!! I already have #12 in my living room (but the armcahir version) with matching grey sofas and red velvet tufted chairs.
    Just makes me feel like I'm finally soaking in some style sense from my years of reading LGN! :)Everyone comments on that chair when they visit.
    I'm so proud of myself right now ;)

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  38. ChristineNovember 11, 2012 at 10:06 PM

    Oops, commented on the wrong post. That was meant for the chairs you suggested :)

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  39. UnknownNovember 13, 2012 at 12:47 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  40. UnknownNovember 13, 2012 at 12:50 AM

    I just stumbled across your blog and saw this post which beyond excited me. I am in love with chandeliers and I must say I never thought of painting any (not that I have any to paint...woe is me...). Anyways, pale blue sounds nice though I think a light turquoise would be gorgeous as well.

    www.excoffeeaddict.com

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  41. JenniferNovember 14, 2012 at 6:33 PM

    You'll probably need a 1-gang ceiling box with a metal T-grid hanger bar for support. The T attaches between and inside two joists (you may need to take out plaster/ drywall for this install). Most versions hold fixtures up to 50lbs.

    Can't wait to see it all, I'm super curious to see if you tackled making the dining room table.

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  42. KimberlyNovember 15, 2012 at 1:57 PM

    I'm usually a diy gal but I'd hire a pro for this job. I say this b/c in the Columbus OH temple their chandelier fell and shattered everywhere b/c it was so heavy. It had hung there for 14 years before falling, but still. Heavy lights can cause problems even if hung by a pro., so I'd just hire an electrician on this one.

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I so appreciate hearing from you. Nice comments make my day! Thanks for keeping things light here, friends! :)