iStock
DCL
In this economy, people are looking for creative ways to save money. Whether it's finding free stuff or trading clothes among friends, we're all looking for ways to pinch pennies.
If you've been noticing the outdated lamp in your living room a lot lately, or you can't stand the finish on your dining room chandelier, you don't have to live with it. And you certainly don't have to head to the store to buy something new. The solution is simple: Update.
For about $10 and an afternoon of your time, your fixtures can look fresh and undeniably modern.
Chandeliers
A simple and reversible way to update your chandelier is to remove some of the crystals, which will make it feel lighter and more modern. If you have a tiered chandelier, try removing some (or all but one) of the tiers. If the chandelier has a lot of teardrop crystals, try removing every other teardrop. If you're not satisfied with a simple modification, take apart the strands of the chandelier and completely re-design it. (If you have extra crystals left over, you can make yourself some fantastic jewelry and ornaments.)
Painting the whole chandelier?from the metal frame to the "candlesticks" to the crystals?will give your chandelier a modern edge. This is a great option if your "crystal" chandelier is really just cut glass. If you have a fine crystal chandelier, think twice about painting it out, as it's pretty difficult (if not impossible) to remove the paint once you've committed. Wash the chandelier—use a diluted vinegar solution for the crystals, and a wet cloth for the metal—and make sure to dry it completely. Apply a low-VOC spray paint in several thin layers, letting each layer dry before applying another. And remember to always apply spray paint outside, or in a garage or other well-ventilated space.
Lamps
The quickest way to update a lamp is to change the shade?which means you'll probably need to buy a new one, since lighting trends are first and foremost all about the shape. If your problem is simply a boring shade, there are tons of ways to perk it up. Glue a white or espresso-colored ribbon around the shade about one inch from the bottom edge to give it an elegant, custom look. Or recover it in a bold organic cotton fabric.
You can also modernize any lamp base with a fresh coat of paint. Just as you would with a chandelier, wash the lamp with a wet cloth, then apply several thin coats of spray paint for a professional finish. And don't be afraid to make a bold color choice?you can always paint over it if you hate it.
Difficulty level: Easy
Cara Smusiak writes on behalf of NaturallySavvy.com about how to live a more natural, organic and green lifestyle.
