I would spray paint and epoxy finish it in a bright color and leave the shape as it. Do change the bulbs though.

This one's easy: it looks like metal so scuff it and spray it some fantastic color you love, and get those nifty mini-flickering bulbs. Paint the ceiling a coordinating, but lighter shade of the chandelier and it will really make a statement.

If you're worried about heat and flammability, you could try the Rustoleum spray paint designed for high-heat applications. I've used it on electric heat baseboards with good results.

Do the crown-like bases detach easily, or are they welded/molded in place?

Have it powdercoated professionally. Affordable with an impeccable finish.

You should be able to use tin-snips to cut the decorative metal cut-outs off... use a file to prevent sharp edges! It looks dissasemble-able above the center (before the turned metal part, which looks like it was added). Switch it to a straight, thick cord (like the ones used on shop lights). Paint the whole think a high-gloss bright color... perhaps yellow or kelly green, for a sense of humor with it. Throw in some globe light-bulbs with a frosted finish for a contemporary look.

Good luck!

Remove from ceiling.
Spraypaint it Black.
If it's over a table, let it hang the full-length of the chain - if not, shorten the chain and cord before remounting it to the ceiling
Add Clip-on Chandelier Lampshades.

Done.

Sell it to me and buy a fixture that you actually like.

You could paint it a pale colour so that the gothic design isn't so obvious, then string beads/faux pearls from one arm to the next like those anthropologie yummy chandeliers that cost an arm and a leg.

If it's your style see the following link to design site for image of beaded chandelier

http://designheaven.wordpress.com/2010/06/02/diy-a-beaded-chandelier/

I agree with the posts that recommend using heat resistant paints. They are easy to find in many colors! You could also put some larger cylindrical shapes shades over each of the bulbs to cover the crown shaped bases.

string seed beads (or small beads) onto thin wire, then wrap it around the arms and center column.

spray it a colour you love, then change the bulbs to something funky. I love either something nostalgic like this:

https://www.1000bulbs.com/product/7624/IN-L4080.html

or a silver bowl:

https://www.1000bulbs.com/category/silver-bowl-decorative-globe-light-bulbs/

I like the idea of cutting off the crowns and filing the stubs down. Then paint it white so it blends in with the ceiling and isn't so obvious. The cord, height and bulb change outs are all good suggestions. Please let us know what you've done, it looks like a great project. Good luck!

Wow! Thanks for all the amazing comments!

The crown shapes spin, but we haven't been able to get them off. And we have to shorten it because, even though it is over the dining room table, my husband keeps hitting his head on it.

Has anyone tried making their own lampshades? That's mostly where I'm concerned about flammability. I'd love something that scatters interesting shadows (like DWR's "Random Light" yet much tinier).

@Clio- love the idea of making an anthro knock-off! I love their stuff, but its way overpriced!

@jokerman- thanks for all the amazing suggestions!

@annekeo- thanks for the link for the silver bowl bulbs. I've seen them before and liked them, but haven't gotten around to looking for them.

Thanks all! Keep the good suggestions coming!

I wonder what it would look like upside down, with maybe globes instead of candles

"If the fixture is hot it's because the house is on fire."

This quote by Jokerman should be framed and marketed.

There's no issue with regular paint. I found an antiqued pink chandelier at a thrift store and re-coated it using flat white spray paint.

The best bet would be to take it apart and spray paint (using a brush will leave a bit of a texture) each piece separately and then put it back together after its finished to give it a professional look.

If you don't like the bobesches head over to Grand Brass - http://www.grandbrass.com and find something suitable. Their selection and turn-around is awesome.

As for the chain, just take a couple pairs of pliers and pull the links apart a little bit and remove the section needed. After that all you have to do is pull the cord up into the canopy.

Hope that helps.

If you'd like to make the lampshade very contemporary and avoid some of the work of painting, changing bulbs, crowns, etc., consider mounting a large cylindrical or drum shade over the chandelier.

Take measurements of your chandelier, (height and diameter) then visit a lampshade or lighting shop, or home furnishings store and see what they have in cylindrical/drum lampshades. Once you find a shade you like you can attach it to the chandelier chain by separating the links at the appropriate height, and inserting a short 1" or so post, attaching the shade to the post, then rejoining the links.

Depending on the height of the shade you buy and where you position it on the chain, you can hide the whole chandelier within the shade, or allow portions of the chandelier to be visible above or below it, such as the hoops on the bottom of the fixture and/or the crown on the top of it.

If you fear this modification may be too much of a challenge, ask the lighting or lampshade store to install the shade on the fixture for you.

sell it and buy 1 you like. why waste time fiddling with it if you don't like it? thrift store if you're poor!

How about turning it into a drum shade?

http://www.younghouselove.com/2010/08/reader-redesign-the-beat-of-her-own-drum/

I just gave my chandelier a makeover, see if it gives you some inspiration!

http://rightathelm.tumblr.com/post/1545364907/diy-chandelier-makeover-part-ii#usernotes