Replacement shades for chandelier

3 years ago

My husband loves this chandelier in our dining room. It was at our house when we bought it. I am not the biggest fan but want to make it work. I'd love some ideas on swapping out these glass shades, which are very 70s, and updating them with something simpler and more modern. Also seeking some advice on how to measure/ensure I have the right fit.

Featured Answer

Jilly

3 years ago

last modified: 3 years ago

You have quite a treasure there. It’s from the 1920s or earlier and those are the original shades. Possibly Classical Revival, but I’m not positive on that.

I wouldn’t change the shades, but if you do, please wrap and store them well for future use.

What year is the house?

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Comments (7)

Whitney A.
Original Author
3 years ago
Wow, I had no idea! Thank you for this info, I'll do some research into now. The house is 1890s.
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Jilly
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
My pleasure! I love old homes.

I may be off on the years, they may be older than I thought. Hopefully an expert sees this and can say for sure. It’s such a gorgeous light!

ETA: Your shades are called “wheel cut”. These particular ones are from 1910:

https://theoldabove.com/product/1910-circa-with-wheel-cut-star-shades/

I’d love to know the exact year of your fixture! I’d also like to know if the round globe is original to the fixture. I’ve never seen that combo together, and the starburst is just a bit different than on the other shades. I love a good old house mystery. :)
Whitney A. thanked Jilly
PRO
RL Relocation LLC
3 years ago
Please please please do not put cheaply made glass on that fixture. if you don't love it sell it! its amazing. Its not a conversion so it is probably the early 1900's. A lighting company by today's standards could never make it as well as this. If they did it would be 2k. This fixture has value, not only is it old but it is original and not even tarnished. Rival era

https://www.1stdibs.com/furniture/lighting/chandeliers-pendant-lights/bronze-5-light-chandelier-original-globes/id-f_15845531/
Whitney A. thanked RL Relocation LLC
lindac92
3 years ago
I believe the chandelier i original to the house.....and pretty great!!
Dont mess it up...
And please don't try to "up date" an antique house. It never looks tight. Love it for what it is and appreciate how many before you have loved that house.
Whitney A. thanked lindac92
arcy_gw
3 years ago
"updating them with something simpler and more modern." What could be simpler??? The only fancy about them is the star bursts. If what above posters is saying is true this really is proof that style swings back around. The design of the glass is very simple, barrel type style...And to get the size right take one down and keep it with you as you shop. Check out restoration hardware see if they have any other options that date to the early 1900's that way your fixture won't look mismatched. My guess is you will find that is about a simple as glass got back in the day.
Whitney A. thanked arcy_gw
Whitney A.
Original Author
3 years ago
Thank you, everyone! You’ve convinced me not to change anything and educated me on the history of this piece. Thank you again, I have new appreciation for it.