I had a major lighting issue in my living room. The issue? There was none. Now, I don’t know why my 1940’s builder thought the residents of this home would not need overhead lighting in their main living space, but he didn’t. So, we needed to change that. My dream would’ve been to install several pot lights in key places, but between the plaster walls, 62 year old wiring, and no access, this dream was a no go.
I found a matching pair of chandeliers on clearance at Lowes that were a perfect solution. I still have the hardwiring issue…so, what’s a DIY girl like me to do? I purchased two chandelier conversion kits, like this one from Lowes. It’s a kit that will turn a fixture that’s meant to be hardwired into the ceiling to one that can be plugged into an outlet. I did not take pictures to walk you through this step-by-step, mainly because I am not an expert with electrical things, but you can follow these instructions on eHow.
Once the chandeliers were rewired, I hung each one from a chain covered by a custom made linen cord sleeve. I then installed some plastic cord covers to hide the cord along the ceiling and wall. I am going to paint them to match the ceiling and wall colors and tape the remainder of the cord along the widow frame, which will be hidden by drapes.
I’m having a great time in Florida, but I can’t wait to get my living room finished, so I can share it with all of my girls! Since I came up dry at yard sales last Saturday, we’re going to hit a Flea/Antique Market this Saturday. Hope I find some cool things…that will fit in my suitcase!
19 Responses
Thanks for showing us the chandy/swag… what is that wiring cover called?
I'm looking at doing something like this in my bedroom.
Very pretty chandeliers and a creative way to use them!
I got the same problem in my living room too. I love the chandie that you found. I think I have drooled over the same one in Lowe's here.
Great lights! We have a similar problem in our 30 + condo. No lighting in the living room and bedrooms. I will have to resort to something similar. I have been putting it off. Now I am inspired!
Great solution to a funny problem! Old houses are so quirky aren't they? What could the builder have been thinking!
The chandelier is beautiful, just the right amount of glam…
🙂 Flick
Love the chandy! I thought I was the only one that uses cord covers
I was eying that chandelier for over my tub! Love it!
this is such a great solution!!!! i used that chandy in our guestroom ….so cute 🙂
We are a military family in the midst of a move half way cross country. Can't wait to get outta this hotel and it's slow internet service so I can get a better look! LOVE LOVE it! My 6 year old has requested a chandelier for her "new" room!
This is so pretty! I love all the detail.
Gorgeous chandie! Did you redesign your blog recently? I just found you a couple of weeks ago but it seems to be different. I love it! I just added your link back to my rookie blog. I hope you stop by sometime. You're amazingly talented and would be excited to have you!
Where in Florida are you??? I lived there until two years ago. There are a few good thrift stores in Vero and the Goodwill's and Salvation Army stores have great finds unless the dealers get there first. Webster Flea is good too.
Where in Florida are you??? I lived there until two years ago. There are a few good thrift stores in Vero and the Goodwill's and Salvation Army stores have great finds unless the dealers get there first. Webster Flea is good too.
GORGEOUS chandelier- that should provide some amazing romantic lighting- and you can use cool vintage lamps for extra task lighting as needed.
Way to think outside the box! Oh, and those chandeliers would be worth any trouble, I love them.
How NEAT!!! I would have never thought of that! It looks so pretty and chic!
i had to laugh when i saw your post title….please take a hop over to my last post, you will get a chuckle too.
great idea, never thought about the conversion kit. we too have many a pull chain or no over head lighting due to the age of our home.
have a great weekend!
judi 😉
Why DO builders do that? I'm in the same fix in several rooms and thought about trying that. Did you make the linen cord sleeve?
thank you so much for letting me know this. i've had a chandy for 3 months that's been waiting to be rewired into the ceiling. i'm skipping that i doing what you've done. lauren@mylifeandmyloves