When I was looking for repurposing ideas for my thrift store chandelier (that eventually became a terrarium) I uncovered a lot of great project ideas from super create bloggers.


I’m not talking about just spray painting the chandelier and using it as a chandelier but the ideas that totally transform the fixture to the point it isn't recognizable.

And since you always see these types of lights at thrift stores and re-use centers I thought I would share some of these great outside of the box ideas in one place.

First, my original inspiration piece: this gorgeous Glass Mirror from Sarah M. Dorsey Designs:

Or what about this fantastic Style Mutt Home Lamp (which actually doesn’t require you to take apart the glass panels!)


The Curtain Queen Creates turned the beveled glass panels of her flush mount fixture into these lovely etched Christmas Ornaments:

A birdhouse is also a great idea, from Christy’s Thrifty Decorating:


These are pretty alternative Terrarium ideas from DesignSponge and May Richer Fuller Be:


Or here are some Garden Cloches via HGTV and DesignSponge:




You can also get a similar look but this time insert candles instead, by Addicted2Decorating and 4 Men 1 Lady::


If you still need a chandelier, but want to get rid of the 70s and 80s vibe, here are some great transformations:

From Rose Hips and Red Ink. She transformed it using PAPER:
And here it gets a traditional lantern look on 320 Sycamore: 

A Pottery Barn Inspired version from Remodelaholic (yes, seriously, this was an 80s brass and beveled glass ‘before’):

Here Beckie replaced the glass with paint sticks:

Can you believe this is made out of rope and HULA HOOPS!!?  House Dressing Style created quite the makeover:

Or the more streamlined Restoration hardware version from The HoneyComb Home:


Or a pretty drum shade redo by Dwellings By Devore or Restyle 4 Life::


Or completely transform the look from dated to timeless via Decor to Adore:

Amazing what you can do with those lighting fixtures isn't it?  Have your own upcycle? I'd love to see it in the comments section.  

If you have a brass-phobia like I do, you also may want to check out these posts: 

Plus here are some other repurposing and upcycling ideas that have been really popular: