How to transform a dated brass fixture into a Restoration Hardware–inspired French sconce using paint samples and jewelry beads
It seems like Opposite Day is a permanent fixture in my brain.
When I was a kid I loved declaring Opposite Day and then arguing that the opposite of Opposite Day would be Not‑Opposite Day. Childhood logic aside, I still enjoy turning things into what they’re not — painting non‑brass items to look like brass and painting genuine brass to look like aged, elegant French fixtures.
These thrifted brass sconces were $3 each and the perfect candidates for a makeover.
I’ve previously painted light fixtures and mirrors to resemble aged brass, but with real brass in hand I decided to go the opposite direction and create a French‑style painted sconce. For this month’s Trash to Treasure Tuesday I turned two inexpensive sconces into a Restoration Hardware–inspired pair that look far more expensive than they cost.
I wanted a subtle, elegant pair to flank the dining room window, and these thrift finds had the perfect shape to become French sconces with just a little paint and some beaded detail.
Supplies Used: (Items listed as references; purchase sources may vary.)
- Brass sconces (thrift stores, antique shops, and online marketplaces are good places to look)
- White paint sample (I used a warm white similar to Raw Silk)
- Gray paint sample for dry‑brushing (I used a soft, muted gray)
- Dark wax for antiquing
- Medium artist brush for painting and dry‑brushing
- Strand of glass teardrop jewelry beads or chandelier pendants
- Jewelry wire or fishing line for attaching beads
Here’s the step‑by‑step process I used to achieve the aged French look:
- Start by cleaning the sconces and applying two even coats of the white paint. Allow each coat to dry fully.
- Add depth with a dry‑brush layer of gray paint. To dry‑brush, lightly dip the tip of your brush in paint, wipe most of it off on a paper towel, then gently brush the sconce so only the raised details pick up color. This creates subtle shadowing and texture.
- For a vintage, slightly tarnished feel, dry‑brush a thin layer of dark wax over the surface, focusing on crevices and decorative details.
- Separate the glass teardrop beads and paint each one to match the sconces: a base white, a light gray dry‑brush, and a faint touch of dark wax for an antique finish. If you prefer a more glamorous look, leave the beads clear.
- Thread the beads on jewelry wire or fishing line and attach them to the arms of the sconce, securing and trimming any excess wire. Position the strands so they hang naturally and enhance the silhouette of the fixture.
The finished pair looks soft and refined — a French‑inspired update that brings character to the dining room without breaking the bank.
Because I already had the paint and wax from previous projects, my only expenses were the sconces and the beads. The makeover cost about $8 total, and the result is a pair that reads like a much pricier Restoration Hardware or antique find.
They add a delicate architectural detail on either side of the dining room window and coordinate nicely with the room’s charcoal walls and warm wood tones.
I still plan to swap out the dining room chandelier eventually, but for now these sconces provide the perfect finishing touch while I juggle other updates like a kitchen refresh, living room slipcovers, and nursery planning.
Other thrift makeovers from this month’s Trash to Treasure collaborators (clockwise from top left):
Prodigal Pieces | Confessions of a Serial DIYer | Girl in the Garage | Artsy Chicks Rule
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