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Undersized Chandelier

14 years ago

Does any one have experience in making a too small in diameter chandelier larger? My mother's crystal chandelier is pretty but too small for my dining room. My entry foyer will only accommodate a flush mount due to the arc of the entry door. I'd love to use this old chandelier...

TIA for any ideas.

Java

Comments (20)

  • 14 years ago

    I can't think of a way to make it larger without recrafting it somehow. Have you thought about hanging it in a bathroom, bedroom or a hallway?

  • 14 years ago

    Can you post a pic of it?

  • 14 years ago

    @graywings - I wanted it over my master bath but code requires that wet environment type of fixture...

    @dianalo - no picture...it's all packed away. The link is just an idea of what it looks like...mine doesn't have crystals on the center, but it does have crystal swags from the top to the bottom. It's more sentimental than beautiful.

    I also have matching sconces to "steal" from.

    Here is a link that might be useful: Example chandelier

  • 14 years ago

    I am NOT advocating ignoring code, but just be aware that many who rehab their baths or build new homes install chandeliers after approvals.
    Dee

  • 14 years ago

    @deeinohio - The real problem is that there is currently a to-code fixture in place and it's not accessible to get it out without ripping out the ceiling around it (already tried). It's installed in the eaves at the very low end so getting to it from the unimproved attic space is not possible. I can handle a simple fixture replacement, but I really don't want the mess involved with dry wall. No handyman at my house :(

  • 14 years ago

    Hmmm. too bad. Is it possible to use it as a hanging candle holder by removing the electric, or would you rather keep it as it is? Or, watch ebay and wait for a duplicate to show up and then use 2.
    Dee

  • 14 years ago

    I would do as dee mentions and remove the electric and use it as a candelier in a nice spot, or, another option is to use it as a bedside or other table lamp by hanging it from a hook or ceiling location and having it hang very low (at table light height) by adding a lot more chain to it (might have to have it rewired to have enough wire as well). This is a really pretty look and a great look when you don't want to use a lot of table space for a lamp. It works best with smaller chandeliers like yours because they don't overwhelm the space.

  • 14 years ago

    @deeinohio -- good idea to look for a 2nd one on ebay.

    @igloochic -- combining with deeinohio's suggestion, if I could find another on ebay, I can re-wire for plug-in and hang them in the MBR (saves the cost of tearing into the DR ceiling to move existing connections and install 2 new ones).

    Thanks all. If someone pops up with experience in making it larger, I still want to hear from you!

  • 14 years ago

    I have a crystal chandelier in my laundry room. It's one with crystal fruits, really gloppy, and it cracks me up when I enter from the garage. How would it be in a laundry room?

  • 14 years ago

    What kind ceiling fixture do you have in your bath? There are many lighting adapters/can converters that could possibly work for you. Go to your local lighting store and ask for advice. They can also help with someone to install your chandelier. I can't think of any way to make your fixture larger but you might be able to add crystals or shades for a heavier look. Can you post pictures?

  • 14 years ago

    KD - I only have a laundry closet next to a FR with door that opens out, so again, flush mount fixture only.

    caminnc - Didn't know there might be a converter. I'll check that out. No pix at this time -- it's packed away. I might be able to get to it when I unpack for Christmas decorations in a couple of weeks.

  • 14 years ago

    Since I don't have any ideas on how to make a chandy bigger, I would look for a smaller room. Since the bathroom and laundry room suggestions won't work, consider a walk-in closet, over the kitchen table or klitchen island.

  • 14 years ago

    That is good advise from ratherbesewing, even a corner would work. This is a great example

  • 14 years ago

    add a sheer drum shade that is meant for chandeliers.

    You can see mine, it's the one over the table:

  • 14 years ago

    Ditto on the drum shade. Just about to post, bee beat me to it.

  • 14 years ago

    beekeeperswife(Beautiful home!!) I thought the same thing:)

    There are companies/lighting stores that do this 'add-on' to an existing fixture.

  • 14 years ago

    When you have a great piece like that chandelier (and if you don't do the drum) consider not matching it in your bedroom setting. It would look a lot less like a kit and much more special to compliment it with another fixture. I'd look for a gorgeous glass lamp for the other table or a lamp with significant crystal accents. It would be a much better look than two fixtures of the same type, which sort of get lost in the background.

  • 14 years ago

    Beekeeper's wife,

    I like your island. Can you tell me what size it is (how long/wide) etc.

    Thanks!

  • 14 years ago

    I like the ideas of bedroom with coordinating lamp; corner setting; and drum shade. I can work with either... YAY!

    Note to BKW: your arc floor lamp is on my someday list - love it!

    Playing off the corner idea (with a twist), I have been thinking of using just one lamp on my credenza and off-setting (and lowering)the art work over it. Could the chandelier work on the left side of the credenza as lighting for the adjacent chair? Hmm now that I'm looking at the photo, a chandelier may just look a little too disconnected here...


  • 14 years ago

    msvic, tiny island. 24x48. (plus the granite overhang of a couple inches) It works great for us in this space.

    java-keep your eye out at Home Goods, that is where that light is from. It was under $100 when I got it. I stopped by mine today, they had one of the ones with the metal globe/shade. and love that living room.

    Regarding your question about the lights, I think you could do one, and lower the artwork. Another idea is to maybe find a differently shaped shade for the light--like a drumshade, or a tall cylinder type? That would be something I would try, it would really work with your lounge-looking living room

    bee.