Ever considered a glass bubble chandelier?
A glass bubble chandelier.
When we toured the home with our realtor before we bought, I remember walking into the foyer and knowing that was exactly the fixture I wanted to put in the space.
It’s certainly not a secret have a huge soft spot in my heart, and a massive hole burnt into my wallet, thanks to my love for lighting…particularly chandeliers.
When we bought our home in the country, about an hour outside of DC, sure enough, the first thing we bought for the house was this glass bubble chandelier.
Here was the foyer BEFORE:
And here we are in the midst of the update. We rented scaffolding, painted the walls and moulding.
And removed the old entryway chandelier, to make way for the new glass bubble chandelier.
Truth be told, I don’t feel like this space is *quite* finished yet, but it’s coming along.
Because I blew our budget on the glass bubble chandelier, the rest of my grand scheme like to-die-for elaborate moldings is going to have to wait a while longer. But here’s the progress…
(we’ve linked to all exact items if available, and similar items for things like thrift-scores and DIY projects)
- glass bubble chandelier
- black/chrome modern entry table
- cowhide rug
- paint: Ben Moore “Nimbus”
The walls are painted in Benjamin Moore “Nimbus”. We decided on a modern entry/sofa table with chrome legs and a tri-color cowhide rug.
The lamps were purchased at Homegoods and the mirror from Etsy.
The settee was found on Craigslist, and I re-upholstered it in burlap.
It was one of my first attempts at re-upholstery. I love it in this space because it’s neutral, which makes it easy to change the look with pillows and what-not for the seasons.
You should see what this piece looked like before.
It’s a pretty big change.
We love the glass bubble chandelier, but here’s the trouble…how the heck do you clean this baby? Being the completely impractical, “form over function” person that I tend to be, I hadn’t really thought about that prior to buying it.
This light is made up of individual strands of glass bubbles. It’s pretty fragile.
SO, after months and months of trying to think of some scheme OTHER than climbing up a 12-14′ ladder and cleaning each bubble individually, that’s EXACTLY what I had to do…
Not so much fun. AT. ALL.
But, it’s a very pretty light…until once again, I have to clean it…then this thing is going back on my $%^&-list.
Pssst…before you go, I sure would love to hang out with you again really soon! Click here or on the image below and get a FREE copy of “Builder-Grade To Beautiful: 10 Totally Transformative Home Decorating Solutions, All Under $100!”
Amanda says
What color is the paint on the walls? I have been looking for one very similar!
Heather says
Nimbus (Ben Moore)
Betsy Coss says
I have several crystal chandeliers and sometimes have to take them apart to clean. But other times I use a spray to clean chandeliers. You spray it on and it works! Guess you would still need a ladder and of course you need to spread plastic or towels on the floor below. I got it off Amazon. I think it is called Bright.
Heather says
Thanks for the tip Betsy!!
The Gifted Gabber says
That light is EVERYTHING! Fabulous as is the rug! Thanks for sharing!
Angie Forte says
Love this chandelier! I have to say, my stomach dropped when I saw the pic of you at the top of the ladder! Thanks for sharing!
Kathy Baugher says
Thanks so much linking up! I never get tired of looking at your beautiful home. Hope to see you this week at The Creative Circle.
Angela Neese Rathbun says
That light fixture is perfection, and it has be itching to finally splurge and change out the chandeier in our two story entry way (a project that's been on my list for 6 years). Thanks for linking up at The Creative Circle!
Becky Dempster says
Wow! What a stunning chandelier. So do not envy that cleaning process though 🙂 Thanks so much for linking up to Motivational Monday! Hope to see you again this week!
Jess says
BEAUTIFUL! OH my. LOL I LOVE this!!
Thanks for joining the Link Up this week!
Southern Couture says
What a gorgeous home. So pretty! Thanks for sharing at Motivational Monday Link Party! Hope to see you again next week.
Bethany from The Southern Couture
Jacque says
Wait, we are supposed to clean our light fixtures? I knew I was doing something wrong this whole time haha
Heather says
I just spit out my coffee (and yes, it is 2:45pm). I couldn't agree more. It's preposterous.
Gail @Purple Hues and Me says
Your light is absolutely stunning and it really transforms your foyer along with the staining of your floors and bannisters. I've tried the spray on cleaner for lights and it doesn't work so don't waste your money. I would imagine you're in the same boat with having to clean that window in the picture too. Just have to get it done when needed. The beauty of your piece is worth any problems it may cause! I'm visiting from Project Stash!
Sheila Johnson says
wow this is amazing! this gives me ideas.
Andrea Tabler says
LOVELY! Thanks for sharing with Sunday Features!
Carrie says
We are building a home & this is the chandelier I've been looking at on Houzz. So glad I came across your blog on Pinterest. Your foyer, especially the chandy, look amazing. Just wondering, what are the dimensions? I"m trying to figure out what length would be appropriate for a foyer similar to yours in height.
Kathryn Ferguson Griffin says
You guys do such amazing work! Thank you for sharing. You are the Star Feature at the Before & After Wednesday part at The Dedicated House. Here is the link to this week's bash. http://www.thededicatedhouse.com/2014/12/before-after-wednesday-week-37.html Hope to see you again at this week's party with another one of your great project. Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse
Heather says
Gosh, thanks so much Kathryn! That is such great news 🙂 Happy Holidays!
Sarah Stewart says
Your entryway is stunning! Such a gorgeous makeover! Thanks for linking up to the Pretty Preppy Party.
Julie says
Wowza! Love the rug, too!
Erlene A says
It's a beautiful light fixture…reminds of the Neiman Marcus butterflies. I did wonder how you would clean though 🙂
Lydia Pudel says
Wow, that looks amazing!
Pretty chandelier;)
I want that too, but my space is too small for that;(
So I made one small bubble lamp, to fit my needs;))
http://pudel-design.blogspot.de/2012/05/diy-bubble-chandelier-from-ikea.html
Love & hugs
Lydia
Kyla @ HouseOfHipsters says
My husband would have murdered me if I would have asked him to hang this GORGEOUS! light! WOW! *eyes popping out of her head* The transformation is amazing! GREAT JOB!
Lindsay Eidahl says
Oh my goodness! You are a brave woman on that ladder! The chandelier looks amazing! Thanks for linking up to Show Me Saturdays!
Stacey says
I love this chandelier and your foyer so much!! I fetured you over @the Think and Make Thursday link party. Have an awesome day!
Anonymous says
I think that there is a product for prisms that you just spray on or dip and let dry. It wouldn't save you getting up high but you didn't really go into detail about the actual cleaning technique. Covering the floor might be in the plan if you find the spray/dip and removing the lights too. Not sure about the electric part though.
Heather says
I haven't heard of that product, and it sounds like a great possibility! Thanks for letting me know!
Susan S. says
Many, many moons ago I read a post from Martha Steward where she had a tip for cleaning chandeliers. Cover floor with drop cloth (plastic?), fill a spray bottle with ammonia and water and spray the prisms. In theory the dirt should ‘drip away’. Not sure how that would work in your case because your prisms seem to lay flat but it’s worth a shot. ( can probably ‘google’ her cleaning tip for exact parts ammonia and water.) Love that rug!
Susan S. says
*Martha Stewart (spell check is so not my friend 😉 )
Heather says
This is an awesome suggestion! It’s definitely worth giving it a try!! Thanks so much Susan!
Kimberly Lewis says
Beautiful! Pinned. We appreciate you being a part of our party. I hope to see you tonight at 7 pm. We love to party with you! http://loulougirls.blogspot.com
Happy Monday! Lou Lou Girls
Carol says
The light is absolutely gorgeous! But you are a braver soul than I am — I have trouble on a 10' ladder! My hubby would take one look at that, realize that he would be the one to clean it, and simply say "NO!"
Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. says
The chandelier and the rug are amazing! But oh my, cleaning all those bubbles must be quite the challenge!
Lory at Designthusiasm says
Fabulous spacious entry, great chancy and who knew you could rent scaffolding? Lol. Really nice details in your entry as well… 🙂
Carmody Tisdale says
Absolutely beautiful! I love the entire room and especially the kid's artwork near the front door.
Damjana says
It must have been a looot of work, but the outcome is magnificent. Despite the cleaning hassle 😉
Good job
Shonee Smith says
Um wow! That light is gorgeous! Your entry way looks amazing. Thanks for linking up over at Bewitchin' Projects Block Party! Hope you will join us again this Sunday morning.
-Shonee
http://www.hawthorneandmain.com
Rebecca Lopez says
Uhm, gorgeous! Love every part of it. Thanks for linking this up to The Creative Collection Link Party.
robin lorraine williamson says
love the chandelier but like you I would end up swearing at it thanks for sharing visiting from bewitchin projects have a great day
Shannon says
So beautiful! WOW, just stunning. xo
Sarah @ 702 Park Project says
Wow! That fixture is stunning!! Definitely money well spent! Where did you find the cowhide rug?
Lauren @ Bless'er House says
So gorgeous! The entire space is stunning! Definitely pinning this for your paint color too. Tall grand ceiling are gorgeous until cleaning/painting and then you want to curse every inch of it. 🙂 Thanks for linking to Craft Frenzy Friday. One of my faves!
marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says
Oh my word, the chandy is gorgeous, but the room is amazing. I love the cowhide rug too, totally perfect. Thanks tons for linking to Inspire Me.
Christine Graves says
Absolutely gorgeous fixture! and I know what you mean…cleaning lighting is one of my least favorite chores. I think I am going to start putting it on my christmas wishlist for my children to gift to me!
Danielle Wagasky says
Oh my gosh it is absolutely gorgeous, but oh boy is that ladder high. I would pee my pants! You are a brave chicka I would love to have you link it up to my Feature Friday Link Palooza!
Danielle @ Blissful & Domestic
http://www.blissfulanddomestic.com/search/label/Feature%20Friday%20Linky%20Party
awal.ny says
You win for having the hardest chandelier to clean. I won't complain about my many prisms any more. Alaina
queenopearls says
Yeeeeaahhhh….. GORGEOUS chandelier…. pigs would be flying up there to clean before I would. lol Maybe the manufacturer has some insight… suggestions… on how to keep it clean. It looks like a dynamic wind chime too.
Jamie Haynes says
Awesome chandelier – also loving the cowhide rug…kind of want one in zebra print!
HeatheredNest says
Watch for tomorrow's post! Zebra rug here we come! Thanks Jame 😉