- 1). Study the chandelier to pinpoint its strengths and weaknesses. Some vintage chandeliers have really beautiful features that should be enhanced while other chandeliers might house some wear-and-tear damage or lack structural support. Identifying its strengths and weakness will help you to focus your design efforts to play up its strengths and mask its weaknesses.
- 2). Identify the home's design theme. While a vintage chandelier makes a wonderful focal point, it should still compliment the design of the home rather than distract from it. If the home holds many classical pieces, incorporating sleek, miniature lampshades around the light fixtures or candles might uphold the classic design. If you're unsure of the home's design, choose a few objects that really stand out to you. For instance, if you like a wooden statue that you purchased overseas, your style might be considered worldly or eclectic, in which case wooden or ethnic embellishments might be appropriate.
- 3). Establish a budget. Having a budget in mind will help establish a design focus when working with a vintage chandelier. Embellishments such as a strand of pearls or sheer fabric are cost-effective and make a huge design impact. Spray paint also offers a cost-effective way to transform a vintage chandelier from old to new.
- 4). Create a list of what you wish to accomplish with the vintage chandelier. If your goal is to create the illusion of having a larger space, incorporate crystals or miniature hanging mirrors onto the chandelier. On the other hand, if you want the chandelier to be the main focal point of the room, make sure it's not competing with another focal point, such as the fireplace.
- 5). Consider the chandelier's original charm and work to enhance it with minimal embellishments. While sprucing up a vintage chandelier is sometimes necessary and even encouraged, be weary of altering the chandelier so much that it becomes unrecognizable. At every stage of the design process, ask yourself whether the chandelier still retains its vintage integrity. If not, then perhaps you've taken the design process too far and it's time to scale it back.
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