Before & After: ’80s Pendant Goes Cagey
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(Image credit: DeaAnna Beaty)
DeaAnna really wanted a caged geometric pendant, and she saw potential in this ’80s brass fixture. See how she made it modern:
(Image credit: DeaAnna Beaty)
From DeaAnna:
Over the past year I have been obsessing over the open metal geometric shaped chandeliers that are popping up just about everywhere. I love the modern yet classic look they give a space and I have been wanting a more interesting light for our eat-in nook in the kitchen.
Happily, I was on my local Frugal Yard Sale Facebook page for my neighborhood, and someone listed this large fully functioning light fixture for $20. The 6-light brass and glass chandelier design has been around since at least the 80s but in my head I envisioned greatness. I figured even if it was a total flop, I was only out $20.
I knew I wanted that ‘cage’ look, so the beveled glass panels had to go. Since the glass couldn’t be pried out of the frame without damaging the metal, I *carefully* broke out the glass panes with a towel and hammer (therapeutic, but seriously, only do this if you know what you’re doing).
Then came the process of painting it. I wanted a black frame to replicate the look I’d seen on other fixtures, so I purchased one can of flat black spray paint at Home Depot, and gave it 4 (yes, 4) complete coats of paint. This process was a bit tedious since there were so many crevices, but worth it for the smooth even finish.
Finally, I purchased fresh candle bulbs and my husband hung it above our eat-in nook in the kitchen. Voila! Super bright and modern cage pendant light.
All in all, with the purchase of the original fixture, paint and new bulbs, I spent $40 on this ‘new’ fixture! Be still, my frugal little heart.
See more photos on DeaAnna’s website, Salt Design Interiors.
Thank you DeaAnna!