INSIDE: How to update a builders ceiling fan with a metal farmhouse basket and vintage metal flowers for easy, fast farmhouse home decor.
We live in Arizona and it’s hot. H-O-T!! Ceiling fans (and air conditioning and ice cream and cold lattes) are a must. So as we melted away in our fan-less kitchen, it was time to swap out the ginormous chandelier that came with the house for something much … cooler.
DIY home projects always help when you can score a deal at the hardware store! We brought home a $69 plain ole white ceiling fan.
Out with the mega chandelier (no takers on Craigslist, shock!) and in with an eclectic take on a standard (read: boring) builders ceiling fan…
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How To Update a $68 Builders Ceiling Fan
There’s nothing like hitting a sale at the hardware store! My husband came home with this $68 ceiling fan gem. And before you knew it, we are completing making it our own courtesy of a wire basket and some vintage metal flowers.
Supplies:
– Standard ceiling fan
– Light Kit
– Wire metal basket
– Bailing wire
– Wire snips
– Vintage metal flowers (purchased via Etsy.com)
– Floral wire
– Ceiling medallion (optional)
DIY ceiling fan with metal farmhouse basket
Install the ceiling medallion per manufacturer instructions.
(My husband installed the fan, stood back all proud of himself, only to realize the ceiling medallion was still sitting on the counter. A few groans later, the fan was down and the medallion was up.)
Step #2:
We opted to hang the wire metal basket upside down.
Using the diameter of the light kit, we cut a hole in the bottom of the basket with wire snips.
The light kit was secured to the underside of the basket using bailing wire.
The goal is for the basket to be sandwiched between the fan and the light kit.
Step #3:
Install the ceiling fan, per instructions by manufacturer.
Step #4:
So the fan looked good hanging up there. Nice and cute…but boring.
An online search later, I found a variety of metal vintage flowers on Etsy.
Originally intended for making jewelry, these metal stamping flowers would add the needed touch of whimsy.
I gave them a quick coat of paint to match our decor.
Step #5:
Using floral wire, secure the metal flowers through the basket and twisting on the inside of the basket.
Cut off any excess wire.
Who knew a simple ceiling fan – with an update – could make such an impact in a space.
Cool baby!
Other Budget-Friendly Home Decor You May Like:
- Turn a mirrored tray into a frame for a photograph
- Make an $1800 dresser knock-off for about $20
- Reuse an old umbrella stand for a patio side table
- Hardcover book turned wall frame
- $10 vintage suitcase photo display
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Nydia says
This is just my style. Great job!
vrmm26@hotmail.com says
Thank you! Kudos to you on your great floor lamp knock-off.
Helen Fern says
Great idea! We have an old ceiling fan that needs a facelift! Thanks for sharing on Pleasures of the NW’s DIY party!
Lori says
Hi Victoria! So creative, and a great way to update an old fan. Thanks for sharing and linking up at Dishing It & Digging It 🙂
Julie Bagamary says
Cool!
Dee says
What an awesome update! Thanks for sharing at Merry Monday!
Teresa says
It turned out great, you did a wonderful job, and on a budget too! Thank you for sharing at The Really Crafty Link Party this week. Pinned!
Laurie says
This is such a cool idea for an update! Thanks so much for sharing with us at Snickerdoodle Sunday! Pinned to share 🙂
Sharon@BlueWillowHouse says
A fantastic update to a plain jane fan. Thank you for sharing your wonderful tutorial at Vintage Charm.
Mary says
Huge improvement over the other light fixture Victoria. It looks great!
DazzleWhileFrazzled says
Thanks Mary! Can’t be plain in my house. 😉
Kate | The Organized Dream says
This is so fun! I love the flowers and the “cool baby” sign!
DazzleWhileFrazzled says
Thanks Kate!
Jen says
I think every builders fan in my house needs a redo now! Love it 🙂
Audra @ Renewed Projects says
The “cool baby” sign made me laugh! Cute idea.
Michele Michael says
Loving this and as far as I’m concerned it’s an upcycle….it’s better than the original.
DazzleWhileFrazzled says
Oh thanks! Very kind.
Julie says
Such a clever idea. Sadly for us it is never hot enough here in the UK for us to need ceiling fans. (well maybe for 5 or 6 days per years when everyone looses their minds and buys table tops fans that then sit in the cupboard for the other 360 days of the year!)
I do love your creative repurposing of regular things though – so creative.
Chas says
Such a great idea! I have a basket laying around and I think I’ll do a spin off this idea to a fan that is need of some TLC. Thanks for sharing on To Grandma’s House We Go!