Dress up your chandelier for $2

Let's face it. Chandelier chains are UGLY. After searching online for ready-made silk chain covers, I found I'd need at least 5 for my 3 chandeliers and they run about $40 each.

So here's how I made custom silk chain covers with no-sew sticky tape and fabric scraps, saving about $200! If you have an hour, a tall ladder, and good balance, you're ready to make one too!

First, head to Walmart's sewing department to pick up Res-Q Tape ($2/180"), a double stick tape for fabric emergencies...like when you pull the wrong thread and unravel your hem on the way out the door to a big event. THAT kind of tape.

• If you have leftover curtain fabric like I did, perfect. Otherwise, get some lightweight silk or poly
• Measure your chain length and double it for your total length
• Cut 5-7” wide strips, either across the width or the length of the fabric , but not on the bias. Cut width depends on the width of your chain
• Join the strips by sewing 1/2" seams, right sides together until you have your total length
• You'll have a long, narrow rectangle, 5-7" x your total length
• Press seams open
• As in the photo above, fold over the raw edges of the long sides 1/2" and press , wrong sides together
• Then do the same with the short edges
  
  


• Roll out Res-Q tape along the length of your strip, applying it to the wrong side of ONE of the long edges
• DON’T peel the paper backing off yet
• Machine baste the other long folded edge
• You can baste the short ends too (not shown)

• Move your dining table if you can, and get on a sturdy ladder
• Starting at the top, wrap the fabric around the chain, unpeeling the paper and pressing the sticky-taped edge over the other edge, wrong side to right side, forming a tube
• You’ll be scrunching it up as you go
• Pull it apart and redo if necessary, as you go
• Don't worry about the seam - it blends in nicely
• Trim any stray threads
  

Stand back and admire your work. You've saved about $80 on a 4 ft. chain, and you have an elegant, customized chandelier!

NOW: if you'd like a dramatic, burnished gold ceiling, complete directions are here along with wall paint color info.

If you like my dining room space, please rate it here.

Any questions, please ask me. I'd love to hear your feedback!