I don't own a chandelier, but I have to say that I am currently experiencing a loud inner voice telling me that I need one … now. Of course the ones that I've been eyeing lately also come with a price tag that begs the obvious question — That price is a typo, right? So I started thinking, could I make one?
I'll be the first to tell you that my DIY projects are usually of the thirty-minutes-or-less variety, but I am feeling adventurous and, more importantly, incredibly inspired by the gorgeous DIY chandeliers I have seen lately.
Right now, I am leaning towards the whirly bubble chandelier I found on CB2 In the Loop (via Pinterest, of course) made from hanging candle holders and plastic cording — beautiful! All I need now is a rainy weekend, an extra dose of motivation, and I think I can pull it off.
Here is a roundup of five brilliant DIY chandeliers:
1. Design*Sponge
2. CB2 In the Loop via Pinterest
3. Live and Learn via Pinterest
4. Interior Design Sense
5. Michelle Brand via Gear Fuse
Images: As linked above
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I'm loving all the DIY lighting inspiration around blogs lately, and I fully intend to make something out of an old/ugly chandelier frame. Seriously, it's so much easier to use an old, already wired frame, strip off any ugly, paint and hang crystals, etc.
I made one with an old pulley and mason jars. Love all the ones above!http://fun.kyti.me/index.php/2011/07/vintage-pulley-chandelier/
I always thought it was pretty awesome of Lindsey Adelman to post instructions on how to make a version of her chandeliers and Brick House did a great job, even with modifications. http://www.the-brick-house.com/2009/12/chandelier/
I found an old, plastic Urban outfitters one that I had stored away with other college dorm stuff, and it was missing so many pieces that I should have thrown it away. Instead, I cleaned it up and straightened the mangled wires, and inspired by the Voliere lamp (which sadly UO later ripped off), I attached multi colored craft birds to the frame where it was missing "crystals"! Now it's a glamorous little aviary over my dining room table.
Wonderful post, thanks! And do share more if you come across another batch, please!
@Annie-O thanks and will do!
These are brilliant (sorry, excuse the pun).
RE the Lindsey Adelman how-to (my fav, thanks eurieka) - what are those light bulbs? They are not mentioned in the parts list. Anybody know?
Great collection!
I recently DIYed the capiz shell chandelier, like the design*sponge version. You can check it out here: http://thesweetestdigs.com/2011/09/15/the-diy-files-faux-capiz-chandelier/
@thesweetestdigs nice work - it looks awesome. would love to see a new pic once you have it up!
Best faux capiz ever is at A Happy Place Called Home done by Kelli and her mate -better than the $300 rectangle one from
West Elm. Amazing. Well done instructions to make your own. http://www.ahappyplacecalledhome.com/home/2011/8/9/you-light-up-my-life.html
The beaded chandelier is awesome, I'd love to do one in pearls for one of my Hepburn loving friends, but I wonder what kind of light they would give off. It seems like they would cast a lot of shadows. It would probably work better as a show piece than a functional light source.
Those are some really cool ideas! Thanks for this post. I think it will be really helpful. I definitely want a chandelier, but they're so expensive. I found this chandelier that I like, but I'm not sure what I'd rather do.
Cool ideas