• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Start Here
  • Shop Favorites
  • About
    • Welcome To My Repurposed Life Home of Repurposed Furniture
    • More About Gail
    • Disclosure
    • Privacy Information
  • Gallery
    • Repurposed Furniture
  • Repurposed Items
    • Building Supplies
    • Miscellaneous Household Items
    • Picture Frame/Chalk Board
  • DIY
    • Home Reno
    • outdoor living
    • Painting
    • Shop Talk
    • Tips for Around the House
    • Build It
      • Furniture
      • Home Decor
      • Storage
    • Crafts
      • Dollar Store
      • Easy
      • Holidays Seasonal
  • Furniture
    • Chair
    • Desk
    • Dresser/Chest
    • Headboard | Bed Parts | Cribs
    • Kids Furniture
    • Table
    • Kids Furniture
My Repurposed Life® Rescue Re-imagine Repeat
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • About
  • Start Here
  • Project Index
  • Furniture
  • Subscribe
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home » Thrift Store Makeovers » Chandelier Solar Light | Hanging Solar Light

    Chandelier Solar Light | Hanging Solar Light

    Published by Gail | Published May 23, 2019 | Updated June 30, 2021
    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Pin
    Share
    Tweet
    I Love this thrift store chandelier repurposed into a patio or garden solar light by #myrepurposedlife #repurposed #chandelier #outdoors #light #solar via @repurposedlife

    Y’all know I love a good deal and a great repurpose! I have a fun and simple project today. I’ll show you how to repurpose a  chandelier into a useful outdoor patio solar light.

    my-repurpose-life-thrift-store-chandelier-repurposed-garden-patio-solar-light

    Thrift store chandelier

    thrift store chandelierI picked up the chandelier on the left for $2 at a local Habitat for Humanity ReStore. These old brass chandeliers are so plentiful at thrift stores.

    Gut the chandelier

    how to gut a chandelier to repurpose itThis is not the first chandelier I’ve taken apart. I’m getting much better at it. The most important thing to remember is how it comes apart so you can put it back together. I unscrewed the pieces and started snipping wires and pulling them out.

    Test out various solar light options for the chandelier

    test your solar light in the repurposed chandelierAfter getting all the wires out, I removed one of the bobeches to see if my solar light would fit on the arm. It did! Perfectly! NOTE: see the big brass piece to the right? I decided to leave it off.

     

    Reuse original nuts from chandelier

    save original nuts from chandelierTIP: the threads of the arm are a funny size, so I always re-use the original nuts that old the candle tubes. The one on the right is original, the one on the left is after I bent it back and forth several times until it snapped off. Voila! I have the perfect nut to hold my original bobeche on the threaded arm.

    Spray paint the chandelier

    spray paint chandelierFor this repurposed chandelier, I used Krylon Dual Paint+Primer in Oil Rubbed Bronze on all of the pieces. I did a little sanding on the bobeches because they were gross.

     

    oil rubbed bronze spray paint on repurposed chandelierAfter letting the pieces cure, I got busy trying to figure out exactly how I wanted the finished repurposed chandelier  project to look. Isn’t the finish of the Krylon ORB gorgeous?

     

    Hang repurposed chandelier on shepherd's hook

    solar lights chandelierI tried it with the solar lights directly on the arms without and bobeches or candle tubes. The lights fit very snugly by themselves.

    repurposed chandelier with solar lights

    I replaced the bobeches, and tested to see if the candle tubes that come with the solar lights would fit. They sort of do, but MY oh MY, they are TALL.

    Looking for the best solar light option for the repurposed chandelier

    solar lights on repurposed chandelier

    See? I sort of felt like Goldilocks. These are too small, these are too tall….

     

     

    repurposed chandelier as a solar light

    I cut the candle tubes with my compound miter saw, making each tube have a short and long piece.

    New solar light fixture made from a chandelier

    use solar lights on repurposed chandelier

    For now, it has the bobeches and the shorter candle tubes. But it is totally customizable to the new owner. The solar lights could be removed if the new owner would like for it to be a candelabra.

    solar lights charge in shady areas

    Have you bought solar lights lately? They have come a long way. These will charge in the sun or shade. How cool is that!? How about wrapping a chandelier with rope and using it as a candelabra?

    gail

    Sharing at Serving Up Southern Homestyle Gathering

    I think you will love these solar light projects:

    Floor Lamps and Solar Lights

    Whiskey Barrel Planter with Solar Lights

    Dollar Store Solar Lights on Reclaimed Landscape Timbers (five tall landscape timbers)

    Easy Reclaimed Landscape Timber Solar Lights (three short landscape timbers)

    Glass Globe Solar Lights (ceiling fan globes)

    Floor Lamp Solar Chandelier

    Pin
    Share
    Tweet

    Related Content:

    • repurposed Brass Vanity Light
      repurposed Brass Vanity Light
    • Floor Lamp Solar Chandelier
      Floor Lamp Solar Chandelier
    • Small Brass Table Makeover
      Small Brass Table Makeover
    • Repurposed Lamps Chandeliers and more
      Repurposed Lamps Chandeliers and more
    • Floor Lamps and Solar Lights
      Floor Lamps and Solar Lights
    • Glass Globe Solar Lights
      Glass Globe Solar Lights

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      See comments Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    1. pauline

      December 02, 2017 at 5:00 am

      Your solar chandelier is amazing, thanks for sharing - wish we could find such reasonably priced vintage STUFF here unfortunately most old wares are snapped up by antique dealers and resold at huge profits.

      Reply
      • Gail Wilson

        December 03, 2017 at 9:03 am

        Pauline,

        That's so sad about the high priced wares. We have junk malls here where people sell at highly discounted prices and it really helps when I'm looking for something.
        Thanks for stopping by!
        gail

    2. Peggy

      September 17, 2016 at 9:43 am

      LOVE THIS! I have a chandelier in my garden that all I had to do was sit the solar light inside the glass. Now I have found 2 more chandeliers I can't seem to figure out how to attach the lights. Wondering if you could explain that part. Yours just seemed to fit perfectly.

      Reply
      • Gail Wilson

        September 19, 2016 at 7:53 pm

        Peggy,

        These lights did fit perfectly. You could try some E6000, or some Gorilla Glue construction adhesive.

        have fun, good luck!
        gail

    3. BethN

      August 25, 2016 at 10:03 pm

      Love this project! I have made a few with little instructions and learned a little more each time. With I had this tutorial first! Working on another one now as a matter of fact! If you have a Habitat for Humanity store in the area they are a good resource for old chandeliers. I also paint them different colors. I even take the top off the solar lights, tape the sensor and place the fixture in a cup and spray the top to match the rest of the chandelier. Look online for the best deals on solar lights. I highly recommend this project, everyone will be impressed!

      Reply
      • gail@myrepurposedlife.com

        August 26, 2016 at 9:04 am

        Yep, I buy mine at the ReStores as well, and have done all kinds of variations. Old light fixtures are so much fun. I only kept one, and it's a floor lamp with a single solar light-it's on my side porch. I love it!
        Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment.

        gail

    4. Vatina Pulliam

      February 25, 2016 at 7:57 pm

      love this idea too, I made a multi bird feeder out of a Candler by gluing with goop glue some saucers and a tea cups to the Candler. the birds love it. I won second place at our town's craft fair.

      Reply
      • gail@myrepurposedlife.com

        February 26, 2016 at 9:06 am

        I've never done a birdfeeder yet... I know they are very popular. I'm on the lookout for some chandeliers, but not finding any right now.

        congrats on your award at the craft fair. So excited for you.

        gail

    5. Sandi

      November 05, 2015 at 8:55 am

      decorating my new Pergola. Love the idea of solar lights in old chandeliers. Please send me tons of DYI's

      Reply
    6. Bonnie Saxton

      October 06, 2015 at 1:18 am

      I have this exact light and tried to do the same thing. I can't figure out how to get the little cup to stay on or how to attach the solar lights. I see your pictures but can't figure out the steps. I did throw away some parts so maybe I won't work. Any suggestions

      Reply
      • gail@myrepurposedlife.com

        October 06, 2015 at 9:18 am

        Bonnie,

        Thanks for stopping by My Repurposed Life!

        Scroll down to see the TIP paragraph. You have to have a nut to told your "cup" on the stem. I used the original ones by bending the piece till it broke. The black tubes slipped right over those nuts.

        If you have a neighborhood hardware store like True Value or Do It Best, they are very helpful for these kinds of things. Just take your chandy in the store and they will help you find the right parts. 🙂

        good luck with your project!
        gail

    7. Christina

      July 20, 2015 at 6:06 am

      Oh my yes, this is one of my favorite projects!!! I can see this hanging in a gazebo 🙂 Thanks so much!!

      Reply
    8. Pam

      March 19, 2015 at 11:57 am

      I love it....been looking for one to this with but I can't never seem to find one esp for $2.00. Great job Gail.

      Reply
    9. Paige

      January 06, 2015 at 12:04 pm

      Thanks so much for the great tutorial! What brand/line of solar light did you use?? I'm in need of lights that charge in sun or shade like yours

      Reply
      • gail@myrepurposedlife.com

        January 06, 2015 at 6:04 pm

        I believe these lights were Westinghouse, but many of today's lights charge in the shade. 🙂 I was shocked!

        gail

    10. Christal

      June 28, 2014 at 1:35 am

      Totally badass! I absolutely love it!

      Reply
    11. Bev

      June 27, 2014 at 3:30 pm

      This is so cute, & would look so cute hung in a tree over a couple of vintage lawn chairs, or in a gazebo!

      Reply
    12. Nigel

      June 26, 2014 at 12:36 pm

      Your spray painting skills are impressive. The finished product looks great. I love it.

      Reply
    13. Thea

      June 25, 2014 at 5:33 pm

      This really is a fabulous project! I am very impressed and inspired by what you did with an old chandelier lamp and how you problem solved your way to make a really neat outdoor solar hanging light!

      Reply
    14. Korrie

      June 25, 2014 at 11:52 am

      This is awesome!

      Reply
    15. Susan@ Rustic ReDiscovered

      June 25, 2014 at 11:48 am

      It turned out great, liking the solar lights more then candles that are often used- Terrific Repurpose!

      Reply
    16. Nancy @ Artsy Chicks Rule

      June 25, 2014 at 11:25 am

      What a neat idea!! I love it!

      Nancy

      Reply
    17. karen

      June 25, 2014 at 10:56 am

      Gail, this is the coolest project! I would never have dreamt this one up. I have an old brass chandelier on my work bench, and just yesterday was checking out solar outdoor lights. I see one of these in my future. I would LOVE if you could link this up at my group link party tomorrow afternoon at Redouxinteriors.com Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    18. Christy @ Our Southern Home

      June 25, 2014 at 10:44 am

      What a cool idea! I've got to go hunt down and old chandelier now!!! ~Christy

      Reply
    19. Rita@thissortaoldlife

      June 25, 2014 at 10:01 am

      If you want one more chandelier make-over, we've got one, too: http://www.thissortaoldlife.com/2012/07/15/make-your-own-diy-solar-chandelier/

      Reply
    20. Bliss

      June 25, 2014 at 9:28 am

      OK... so if I have to vote (and I do because you have options) then I like the last way with the short tubes.

      Reply
    21. Eliesa @ Pinterest Addict

      June 25, 2014 at 9:09 am

      OMG! I just said I need to make one of these on someone else's post! Great idea - going to copy it, hope you don't mind! 🙂

      Reply
    22. Sonya~At Home with The Barkers

      June 25, 2014 at 8:55 am

      Such a great idea!! It looks wonderful.

      Reply
    23. Randi - Dukes and Duchesses

      June 25, 2014 at 8:54 am

      This is so smart and so fun! I love the idea of solar lighting but I hate the look of those little sticks in the ground ... this would totally solve that problem!

      Reply
    24. Holly

      June 24, 2014 at 10:01 pm

      Looks great! I like it with the short ones the best. Good job!

      Reply
    25. Stephanie

      June 24, 2014 at 6:36 pm

      This Was An awesome Idea, That Would Look Beautiful Under A Canopy As well. You have such an awesome creative mind. I wish I could think of things like you.

      Reply
    26. Haley Webb

      June 24, 2014 at 12:36 pm

      I love this! Last weekend I actually repurposed a light fixture. You can find it at http://simplyhaleywebb.blogspot.com/2014/06/repurposed-chandelier.html? I thought about making a couple of them solar lights instead of ferns but the ferns were on clearance so I saved a couple of bucks!

      Reply
    27. Stephanie@cre8tive

      June 24, 2014 at 10:46 am

      I am so going to do this! I love this idea. It really looks nice with the ORB color, great choice. I found some solar lights at Costco but I put them in the ground replacing old ones that I had, I forgot to get extra for this project dang it, hopefully I'll remember to get some more next time.

      Reply
    28. Mindi

      June 24, 2014 at 10:34 am

      You are super smart Gail! This is just awesome, so perfect for an outdoor space I love it! I have been toying with the idea to do one, but $2 that is a steal, they have not been that cheap when I have seen them! Pinned!

      Reply
    29. Margaret

      June 24, 2014 at 10:00 am

      This is so pretty and unique! My husband has always wanted some of those stick-in-the-ground solar lights and I don't particularly care for them, but I love this! I'll be on the lookout for a chandelier for sure!

      Reply
    30. darrielle tennenbaum

      June 24, 2014 at 9:56 am

      Great idea! you are so creative-love it!

      Reply
    31. Nadine

      June 24, 2014 at 9:38 am

      I'm getting ready to do the same thing! I have an old black iron shandy that was in my living room and just found some solar lights, hoping it all comes together as nicely as yours.

      Reply
    32. Terri

      June 24, 2014 at 8:07 am

      You are nothing short of pure genius...love this idea!

      Reply
    33. Anne@DesignDreams

      June 24, 2014 at 6:58 am

      That's fantastic! I totally love this idea.

      Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, there! I’m Gail Wilson, the author and mastermind behind My Repurposed Life. I’m obsessed with finding potential in unexpected places and believe that with a little hard work and imagination, any old thing can be made useful again—myself included! I hope you’ll enjoy the journey and pick up a few tools along the way… literally!

    More about me →

    Join Our Mailing List

    ​

      Click the topics you're interested in below:

      Subscribing above means you agree to our Privacy Policy​

      Footer

      ↑ back to top

      SEEN ON

      Might I Suggest

      • Start Here
      • Furniture Makeovers

      Newsletter

      • Sign Up! for emails and updates

      About

      • Gail's Favorites on Amazon
      • About

      As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

      Copyright © 2023 My Repurposed Life · Privacy Policy · Disclosure