How to modernize antique bronze chandelier?
Hi - My parents are gifting me this antique bronze chandelier they bought in Europe many decades ago. I would love to use it, but I find it is just too busy for my taste. It's a bit frilly. Are there any ideas for how to calm this things down a bit or make it a bit more modern? We aren't minimalists, but we do tend towards transitional and modern tastes, but not contemporary. Our color scheme where this would go is a black, white and golds/wood tones. (Note: the large center lowest hanging crystal is missing from the photo.)
Do we paint it? Remove some of the crystals? Replace the handle sticks (they are quite yellow with time)?
Do you have any ideas?
Comments (12)
Maureen
3 years agolast modified: 3 years agoIf possible, try removing glass at the bottom of each candlestick and the brass decorative piece near chain. Spray the cream cylinders white. Then start removing crystals here and there; just experiment.
It‘s heavy, so the above ideas may help create a more toned down version and there is no harm trying. If you don’t like in dining room, if your bedroom suited, could be a fun addition.
Jennifer Roberge thanked MaureenRelated Discussions
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Comments (4)I just realized I had to click on the picture to see the mirror. The style isn't modern at all and I really don't think anything you do is going to make it look modern. Is there any chance you can take them back and look for something that's more the style you want? I'm curious where you're using them. I don't think I've seen mirrors on a tall stand like that before and just wondered what you do with them. Laurie...See MoreHelp Blending Antique and Modern Dining Room Furniture
Comments (34)I get where you are coming from, you want something that looks good right now! And don't want to spend a lot of money on something you don't love or won't want for long. Two ideas. #1. Clear off all the junk on top of your current buffet. Go to Michaels or Bed Bath and Beyond or some home goods store around you and get some low storage baskets, not too tall, like maybe 6". You can put some of the junk in there to hide it if you want, like board games, linens or desk items that you might use on the dining table some of the time. While you are there, get a light colored tablecloth that goes with your desired color scheme. I'm not sure why everyone avoids tablecloths, I can't live without them, and I can't think of an easier way to "lighten up" a dark brown wood table and lessen its dark presence in a room. Later on you can take it off. Also while you are there, get some fun blingy shades for your current chandelier in a light color you like. Maybe even some crystal bling to hang off of it or shades with crystal edging. And while you are at it, get some cheap square frames the size that would suit a calendar art page or old record sleeve. You can then make a quick and dirty inexpensive art montage to go atop your current black buffet. Pick something colorful and bold that you can see from up there. Done for now, and you can wait to find the perfect hutch. Idea #2. Go to IKEA and find a plain jane white hutch set. The one Nosoccermom posted would be perfect. Doll it up with some shelf paper on the back and a fancy set of knobs, or not. Done for now. Once you get your nice things in it, it will look great. That's what I did in my last house. I still have the IKEA stuff in a different iteration in my current home, as bookshelves in the library, so not money wasted. Now I have inherited "Big Bertha" my mom's Rococo revival china cabinet. Suggestion #2 will give you a chance to figure out if you want or need a hutch as opposed to a buffet and also give you time again to find the perfect antique or more expensive piece. Or not, you may find that IKEA is fine for your needs. Since I see you are in NJ, there may be some unpainted furniture stores around you. The one near me was just over the river in Allentown where I used to live. That would be another option, as I mentioned, if you don't want to try and refinish an already finished piece. Edited to add after I saw Beverly's mock up, that is another way to go. Looks perfectly fab that way to me. I'm no Photoshopper, but there are any number of ways to doll up what you currently have and make it work wonderfully....See Moremodernizing antique furniture
Comments (17)Handles won‘t modernize and it’s a shame to remove. Embrace the pieces but accessorize in an interesting/modern way. I’d remove what’s on top of both and just accessorize shorter cabinet like below and filling up the wall a bit. Consider the colors and style you are drawn to and I think a vibrant and bold, yet traditional rug would be interesting and work but offset with the traditional furniture - it will feel modern/classic. When choosing art, look for that same balance. Drapery would also help the room feel more cozy. Not sure if that‘s electric heating and if so, you could add bamboo blinds instead, which feel warmer and more modern than a valance...See MorePaint chandeliers or leave it alone (in bronze)?
Comments (6)I’d vote save the effort and money you’d spend painting them. They aren’t offensive as is, no one will point and gawk, and replace with what you like when you can. Creating the house you want in the house you bought is a process, and as much as you want to cross that finish line right now just know you’ll get there eventually and it’s better to cross to-dos off the list once than do them again and again to tide you over....See MoreJennifer Roberge
3 years agoJennifer Roberge
3 years agoGreat advice on not painting it - I agree. We were going do do brushed gold handles on our new remodeled kitchen that has some shaker and some flat panel cabinets. But maybe we go with more of a bronze color to go with the candelier that we'd like to hang over our dining room table or in our living room. It's open concept, and not a huge space, so we have to be careful with the lighting. I don't have photos because the reno hasn't started yet. But here is a rendering from IKEA.
freedomplace1
3 years agolast modified: 3 years agoVintage/antique + "modern" can actually be stunning in combination. In my opinion, It can be much more interesting, oftentimes, than the modern cliche type spaces many people think are so cool these days. For me, in a word, a lot of that is just BORING. So maybe consider embracing the gorgeous piece, as it is.
Jennifer Roberge thanked freedomplace1
pricklypearcactus