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My Naked Chandelier

August 17, 2015

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Looking for a quick way to update your old chandelier? Me too.

I wanted a change in my kitchen and I was sure that a new light fixture was the answer.

I just didn't expect to love my old one so much! 

Kitchen Chandelier in antique brown

Here she is, my naked chandelier.

Isn't she a beauty?

I've had this lovely light fixture since 2003, a long time, but you know, until recently, I never really noticed her elegant lines and pretty patina.

That was all hidden behind her shades.

I've got some more pretty lamps to show you at the end of my post, today is another Dose Of DIY blog hop...but first, back to my chandy story.

When I opened the box, I unwrapped those shades and stuck them on the bulbs, it never dawned on me that they were optional.

Besides, I liked the look. They warmed the space and softened the bulb glow.

Over the years, I have looked into replacing them, but never found anything that I liked better, so they stayed.

Country Kitchen Red and White decor and rooster curtains

Then a few weeks ago, I decided that the old, tired look needed to go.

I had reupholstered my chair, rearranged my furniture and made a new sign. Wow.

It was definitely time for fresh lighting in the kitchen.

I wanted something simple with cleaner lines and a rustic feel.

At first, I thought about buying new, but that's not really my DIY style and I knew I could turn the old one into something truly fabulous.

I could paint it, embellish the old shades or add crystals.

Of course, I would need my husband to take it down first and knowing that would not happen immediately, I decided to get a jump on the process and remove the shades.

Chandelier Mini Shades

Now, this is the point where I would normally tell you exactly how I went about transforming my old light fixture into the new, showing you step by step with lots of pretty pictures, but you see, I already did.

It was quick. Did you miss it?

Yup, no shades.

That's the big reveal.

Rustic Kitchen Chandelier hanging in a breakfast nook.

You see, once I took them off, I loved it and the room looked so different and so open.

It stands out even more now that I've replaced the curtains and exposed the matching rods.

I stared at that chandelier for hours, no kidding, while I was cooking, washing dishes, folding laundry, at the computer and watching kids in the pool.

I kept trying to imagine some way I could make it look better, but I couldn't.

The absolute easiestKitchen Chandelier Makeover text overlay on chandelier

It was just perfect the way it was.

I didn't want the shades back, at least not for now, so embellishing them was out. I asked myself what color could I paint it to make it look better, but nothing stood out in my mind. Not even red.

Shocking, I know.

The crystals are still a thought, but not now, I am still enjoying the newness and its chic simplicity.

I will say that choosing the proper bulbs was a challenge.

That did take some careful thought and a lot of time. Without the shades, the light was quite harsh.

I bought several bulbs and since I was going for a rustic look, I even tried the vintage filament styles.

In the end, I opted for a basic frosted number. It was the easiest on the eyes.

Rooster Kitchen Decor in small kitchen nook at night

I wasn't going to share this change.

While technically it does qualify as a DIY ~ after all, I did remove the shades all by myself ~ it's not really what you expect when you hear that term.

Then I reconsidered, because frankly, it's exactly the kind of "project" I talk about all the time, the tiny tweak that can have a huge impact on a room.

Feathering your nest doesn't have to be costly, time consuming or complicated.

More importantly, it illustrates my other favorite point, that anyone, regardless of their DIY ability or experience, can be creative to some capacity and decorate on their own.

AND frankly, if today's post doesn't prove that, well, I don't know what to say anymore.

Except that nakedness is a good thing.

Well, not for me, but definitely for my chandy.

Do you go shadeless?

Are you looking for some actual DIY projects?

Well, you're in luck, I have a brilliant lighting transformations from my friend Sarah.

A dose of DIY Graphic  with DIY in a ladle


 


Kim Signature


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  1. We don't have shades on our hanging ceiling fixtures, but instead they have ball shaped glass on them, The one over the kitchen island needs something done since the bulbs are blinding. I need my husband to lower it I think so it's not shining into our eyes when we sit and eat at the island. It's on his 'to do' list. I do like your light better without the shades. xo

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    1. Thanks! Me too, but yes, the bulb issue can be dicey. I think height does play into it, we also use a dimmer switch and the frosting on the bulbs tones it down. It was a combination of all!

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  2. Don't you just love when it doesn't take much to make something fabulous! You have show exactly that here today!

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    1. Thanks Tammy, super simple is my mantra. This one is ridiculous easy, not even a real DIY, but I figure when it works, don't argue!

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  3. I love when a super simple makeover happens and changes the whole look of a room! It's amazing how different it looks - like a whole different room!

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    1. Thanks Jill, I was ready for a big makeover, turns out, it wasn't needed. :)

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  4. "Shadeless" looks perfect on you . . . (above you).
    I have a huge chandy and mine was "kinda" a DIY . . .
    I found it at an antique store . . . and thought it would be perfect hanging from my cathedral ceiling. (One of those ceiling fans hung there before . . . not a "fan" of ceiling fans.).
    I debated and debated about that polished gold, very old, one hundred dollar chandelier . . . and decided not to buy it. I couldn't get it out of my mind though . . . One day a friend phoned who frequented the antique store and exclaimed . . . 50% off . . . and off we went to make the purchase. My hubs painted a black brushed metal, I had it rewired at my favorite lighting store, (no out of business) had an extension added and my electrician SIL hung it for me . . . and added a dimmer in too. PERFECT . . . (I will try for a photo . . . and send it your way.).

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    1. Thank you, Lynne! I am not a ceiling fan “fan” either. I just don’t like to dust them and they’re not great for allergies. I bet your own chandy is fabulous! That sounds like a whole family DIY!! Love it!!

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  5. Your light fixture looks great and I understand completely about finding the right light bulb. All of my light fixtures have glass shades. When we moved here there was no air conditioning so we installed ceiling fans in all of the rooms and they all have glass shades. Nice job.

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    1. The glass shades sound pretty, Lorri and I bet they cut the glare. This was a bit tough to get used to, but once I found the right bulb it was all good. Of course, the dimmer helps enormously!

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  6. I prefer the nakedness myself, um, the naked chandy. I've done this too and it's amazing how removing some shades and using new bulbs completely changes a light fixture. Great change Kim!

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    1. Thanks Kristi. I’m not sure it really qualifies as a DIY, but it has made a dramatic difference in the room and I love it! :)

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  7. The chandelier over my table is naked too. I like the little shades but they tend to be such dust catchers.

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    1. I agree, Stacey, no matter how many times I dusted and vacuumed those suckers off, they always seemed to have a slight coating of fur! Ick!!

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  8. Hi Kim, Love your chandy!! Love the look without the shades. Sometime less is more and gives a special impact for the room. I often take the shades off mine and it changes the whole room. I just voted for you and so excited for you to be nominated. I know you are going to win!! So nice to be back to my computer this week. Sure missed it but the time away was just what I needed.
    Have a great new week.
    Hugs, cm

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    1. Thank you so much! I am so glad you enjoyed your computer break and thanks for the vote...and you're right, in this case less is more!

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  9. I like the chandy without the shades! Cleaner lines and little bit of the rustic feel you were going for! It's great that you can put them back on and take them back off depending on the look you are going for!

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    1. It always looked so unfinished to me without the shades, but now, I love it. I guess we change, huh? Maybe they’ll go back on at another time, but for now, naked is awesome! ;)

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  10. Looking good, Kim. I really think I like it either way but a change is always good. Your room looks so pretty and in the picture it looks so open. I really like that..Happy Monday..Judy

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    1. Thank you, Judy!! The kitchen just feels more open now and I love that!

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  11. I love when one little change makes a world of difference. Removing the shades truly does give your room a different feel! I bet your husband not to have to take the chandy down!

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    1. He does not, and as you can imagine, he is thrilled!! ;) This is his favorite project so far, AnnMarie! ;)

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  12. Hi Kim, your light fixture looks great without the shades and yes something so simple can change the look of a room.
    Thanks for sharing this at Cooking and Crafting with J & J.
    Have a wonderful day.
    Julie xo

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    1. Thanks Julie. It was a simple tweak, but it made a huge difference.

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  13. I don't have a chandelier in my house my I love this.

    I've learned that emptying a space then slowly adding things, or leaving it empty for awhile, helps me be a better decorator. It's very easy to add too much. Sometimes the extras are encouraging & make me happy...other times they can weigh me down. Starting with a clean slate helps.

    I'm looking at my ceiling fan with a new eye! I wonder if removing the light shades & adding the edison bulbs would modernize it very much? I'm painting my living room ceiling & walls right now then adding new flooring next month. Tweaking the fan might be next on my list for this room!
    thanks for the inspiration :)

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    1. I’m glad I offer a bit of inspiration, Jenny! I like emptying a room to decorate, too. You’re so right, when it’s empty for a bit, I can see the space better. I have been guilty of adding too much. As I have gotten older, I find that I like the look of less…it truly is more! Thanks for the comment and keep me posted with the fan decision!!

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  14. Hi Kim,
    All my chandy's are all natural no shades. I think the beauty of the chandelier is so much better without shades. Just using the frosted or lower watt blubs helps. Beautiful Naked Chandy! Love it.
    Kris

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    1. Thanks Kris! I really like the naked look. It’s the only chandelier in the house, otherwise, I’d be removing the shades in every room!! :)

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  15. I like it both ways, but I know what you mean about simplicity. Not in my home of course LOL

    I do wonder what it would look like red though ;)

    xo,
    rue

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    1. Red, hmmm? You guys have me reconsidering...but not now. No more renovating! ;-)

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  16. I love this post, sometimes it's a simple touch that makes such a big difference. I really like how your whole room looks with this "new" light. Love all the red too :)

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    1. Thanks Sarah! It really has made a big difference...much bigger than I would've expected!

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  17. Hi,
    I like it both ways as well.
    I would like you to try red. Keep us posted. :-)
    Carla

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    1. You are not alone Carla, I have been getting a lot of red votes! We’ll see…

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  18. You know what, I think I haven't yet! I should try that on my chandy!

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    1. It's an easy DIY, Vel! I say give it a try! ;)

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    1. Brand new...and my husband is thrilled! ;-)

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  20. I love it without the shades Kim.... you're right, it does brighten up the space :)

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    1. Thanks Susan! I really like the new look.

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  21. Good Afternoon Kim!
    I love that this DIY project and it turned out perfectly and didn't require a saw, or hammer or glue gun! I think you are one savvy gal to see the opportunity within the project and not make it a bigger project than it needed to be. You know, I made a Summer wreath a bit ago and I decided that I was not going to use a glue gun and it was such a freeing experience! Maybe we are on to something....
    Have a lovely afternoon,
    Jemma

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    1. I think we are Jemma! I am all about super easy projects. I bet your wreath is lovely!

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  22. What a gorgeous chandelier! I liked the shades, too, but I know how that goes. Have you ever taken curtains down to wash them and then just reveled in the prettiness of the bare window and sunlight?

    I've been shadeless since I first bought my chandy for over the table. I need to get those white stick thingies to make everything higher for a shade but I'm not at that point yet. Also---if it helps, I get a low wattage bulb, I think 10 watts. Funny, I couldn't find them at Home Depot but did at CVS. Go figure!

    Jane x

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    1. Yes, Jane, you’re right, it’s exactly like the window! I usually start to feel the need to put the curtains back up after a week or so. Let’s see what happens with the fixture! ;-)

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  23. Hi Kim, I did the same thing a few years ago! Great minds ;) I love mine so much, I wondered why I hadn't done it sooner--it's like getting a whole new chandelier for FREE! Blessings, Cecilia

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    1. It IS like a whole new chandelier, Cecilia! You are so right and free is for me! ;-)

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  24. Sometimes it can be just that easy!! I love it!

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  25. Very charming, Kim. I like it! Sometimes less really is more.

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  26. It looks just perfect! Just a small alteration for such a big change! Yes, we go shadeless too these days :) Have to make sure hb always puts in matching bulbs of course :)
    Helen xox

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    1. Yes, Helen! I wasn't concerned about the matching before, but now, it's a must! :)

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  27. It's a good story Kim and a good example of how sometimes a little creativity and ingenuity is the answer.

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    1. Thanks Ronda. New and more isn’t always necessary. It’s a philosophy I am embracing more and more and trying to teach my kids.

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  28. Hi Kim, I love a good chandelier shade, but I have to admit to loving the barenaked look as well, lol! Always great to rethink what you have and free changeups rock! Thanks for the sweet comments on my blog the other day. Happy weekend to you! Jane

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  29. Yes, I think this looks better without the shades! :) So neat!

    Thanks for joining Cooking and Crafting with J & J!

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  30. Yup, it's funny how something as simple as that can make a big change! I had a chandy with a shade in the living room of our previous home. Our youngest son bought it and removed the shades. It brought it up to date. Like you, the shades were fun for a while, but needed a change. Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

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  31. Kimmie, I love chandeliers! Yours is gorgeous! Perfect patina and curves! You are so very creative with what you do in your home. I like lamp shades, but when they are on a chandelier high up, I'm not the biggest fan because of all of the dust they collect. We had one at our old house in the kitchen and it had grease and dust all over it. It was horrible. Thank you so much for your lovely comment on my pouch. I'm a little discouraged with everything at the moment and have been thinking about stopping IG and my blog. Sometimes I feel the competition is much too much for me to handle. I have some thinking to do. Your love and encouragement has always meant a lot to me. xoxoxoxo Jen

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    1. I am so sorry you are feeling down, Jen. I really do enjoy everything you share. You are very talented. I do understand the feelings regarding competition. It's tough to keep blinders on. I have been trying to just keep my head focused on what I love to do and if only one person reads it, great, if more fine, that's very nice. It's my passion and I can only measure me, against me. It's not always, easy that is for sure. Whatever you choose to do, I must say that I have enjoyed your posts and photos immensely, you are creative and inspiring, not to mention sweet! I am glad to call you friend!!

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  32. Your chandelier looks absolutely beautiful just the way it is. I love her gorgeous and unique lines!

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    1. Thanks Gigi. I never really appreciated her form before, but yes, now I love the lines too! :)

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  33. I'd say that's the perfect diy......well, my hubby would like that kind of diy for sure! Light fixtures with those simple curved lines and exposed bulbs are all over the place these days, so you are "spot-on," Kim!

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    1. Thanks Carol...and yes! Easiest DIY ever. I think it's my hubby's favorite, too! ;)

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  34. It's amazing how with just a couple of small changes you have a whole new look. Great job, Kim!

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    1. Thanks Kimberly! It was the easiest DIY ever!! ;-)

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  35. I recently went shadeless, and it was like the room lost 15lbs!

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    1. A ten second facelift, I love it!! ;)

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    2. It's a five minute facelift! I love it! 😉

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