On one of our trips to the local antique mall, my Mother-in-law saw me admiring an antique silver chandelier. Turns out it was wrapped and placed under the Christmas tree just for me!
Here’s what it looked like straight out of the box.
As you can see, before we could even test it out to see if it worked, we needed to replace the OLD wiring (which just looks like rope in this picture). It was frayed, rope-like, and very unsafe looking. My husband picked up a new wire at the hardware store, disassembled the lamp and rewired it.
And here it is in all of its rewired glory.
Still a slight issue. The bulb covers were too tall and the sockets are sized for medium Edison based bulbs….hence the CFL. I chiseled and cut the covers down with a hacksaw and a small pair of sewing scissors. We do things real technical-like over here. 😉 A quick trip to Walmart and we found the correct size flame shaped bulbs.
Our standard brass chandelier came down last night and up went my new silver beauty!
I LOVE it!
Now the questions are, should I polish the silver or leave it tarnished? And, should I put the glass globes it came with on or leave it bare?
Update: Here it is with the globes. Sorry they’re just a bit dusty!
oh my gosh i LOOOOOVE it so!
It looks so amazing 🙂 I love that you kept the original patina and didn't polish it to be super shiny!
Good Evening Emmeline, What a beautiful chandelier and such a wonderful gift to receive. How lucky to have such a kind mother-in-law.
Now, I know it is all about personal taste and I think the majority of people will advise you to leave the patina, but for me, I would have to clean the silver….I know, I know, that isn't a popular opinion, but with the lights on and the silver shining…..for me, it would look beautiful. What is more important though, is what you really love. Best Wishes Daphne
what a sweet, thoughtful gift! I love when people are so attentive that they see the little things. And how exciting for you to have something in your home so treasured. AND LUCKY to have a hubby that can do things like rewiring a lamp 🙂
Enjoy your light!
Beautiful! I would keep the patina but probably put the glass globes on. Enjoy!
What a beautiful chandelier and very blessed to have such a wonderful mother in law besides.
Me, I would like to see a picture with the glass globes on just to see what it would look like with and without.
I like silver;tarnished or shiny so it's your personal preference.
If you do decide to shine up your chandelier, try using banana peelings.
I know that sounds crazy but it really does work.
When you’re done eating a banana, don't throw them peelings away. All you have to do is rub the inside of the peel along your favorite silver accents.
ColleenB.
GORGEOUS!!! My vote is to leave it tarnished without the globes. I love it!!!
Beautiful! I think its lovely as is.
I love it. My vote is to leave it tarnished I would have to see the glass globes to make a decision. But the chandelier is beautiful!
Gorgeous in all of its “tarnish-y goodness!!
I love love love (100 times) love it!!! Don't do it!!! Leave it AS IS….. It's gorgeous.
I'm old school. Polish and enjoy the brightness, and if you don't like it, leave it alone and the tarnish (oops, patina!) will return. Definitely yes to the globes. Can't wait to see it!
So pretty!! Just discovered your blog and LOVE all your projects….new follower!! Come and visit me at shabbygals.blogspot.com too!!
That is seriously stunning! I have total chandelier envy!
Your Christmas gift chandelier is gorgeous and your mother-in-law is both smart and generous. I like it tarnished and without the glass.
Traci
I love it! It looks beautiful tarnished just as it is. 🙂
Another vote from me for tarnished & unadorned!
What a great present – it sounds as though you have a super mother-in-law.