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Home Decorating

Can I add shades to this light fixture?

6 years ago

I've been in this house about 7 years and am feeling unhappy with the light fixtures I chose when we built our home. They seem dated and cheap to me, although they came from a nice lighting store and weren't extremely inexpensive. I didn't think it through at the time. Anyhow I am thinking about replacing this but after looking through photos of fixtures I like, I was wondering if I could add shades to this fixture, by taking off the glass and replacing the bulbs. I've never had a chandelier with shades so I'm not sure how it works. Could this work or not? I called Ballard and the service rep couldn't help me other suggesting to buy one and see how it worked.

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Comments (12)

bossyvossy
6 years ago
I kinda doubt it and would look weird to me. Shades would face upwards like the glass.
blfenton
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Can you post a picture of one of the lights without the glass?

The shades wouldn't face up, they would clip onto the lightbulb and face down.
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mjb_1234
Original Author
6 years ago
mjb_1234
Original Author
6 years ago
The shade would have to be low enough to cover the threaded bulb socket
mjb_1234
Original Author
6 years ago
blfenton
6 years ago
Those bulbs are pretty wide, I'm not sure you can buy the small chandelier shades that would work. But, if you have a shade store near you there is no harm in trying. Take a picture of the chandelier and a light bulb with you and give it a go.
seww1
6 years ago
Time to shop for new light fixtures!
bossyvossy
6 years ago

Maybe little drum shades like these and smaller bulbs could work but pricey. Money better spent in a new fixture.
PRO
JudyG Designs
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Measure the “fitter”. That is where the shade fits into the cup. Must a new shade screw in or simply sit in? That’s important.

Take the chandelier down and spray paint it black.

Look at some shades here and see if any appeal to you.

https://www.rejuvenation.com/catalog/categories/lighting/shades?sort_by=best_sellers

Or keep the brushed finish and do a shade like this one (turned up, of course).

Or if you want a shade, shade:

Again, you find a fitter in the appropriate size and then add a shade you like for it.

Just keep in mind how much space there is for shades.
mjb_1234
Original Author
6 years ago
I found some adapters to make chandelier bulbs fit, and then I could use the shades. By the time I buy everything needed to rehab I may as well buy something else. Anyhow I found this which I really like. Any ideas what type of pendants would complement it? I will have to replace the pendants over my island if I switch out the chandelier.
patty_cakes42
6 years ago
You'll need to trade out the regular bulbs for small chandelier type bulbs before you can add shades. Make sure you take note if your bulbs have a large or small screw in bottom~maybe take a picture with your phone so you'll remember. Also check to see if the 'arms' can be turned to face down, some do, if you would prefer it that way. I use 25W since 5 of them give plenty of light. Think about installing a dimmer switch also.
torreykm
6 years ago
Honestly, I would replace it.

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