How to Update an Old Ceiling Fan

I currently live in a rented home, and my dining room has an old ceiling fan that includes three lights with ordinary white fluted shades. This old ceiling fan that seriously needs an update would have never been my choice if I were shopping for a new one, and I’m basically stuck with it unless I want to purchase a new ceiling fan. Since my home is rented I don’t want to invest in a new ceiling fan, but I have decided to update the old one with a few simple changes that will make a big difference. When I decide to move I’ll be able to easily change the ceiling fan back to its former old, ugly, and outdated look.

A Simple Yet Impressive Update

Last time I visited Home Depot I noticed a wide array of attractive replacement globes that would be great to update an old fixture. The globes that caught my eye are cobalt blue, and I plan to replace the ordinary globes in my rented ceiling fan with the new blue ones. The new globes are about $15 each, but that’s a small price to pay to update my dining room and give it a completely new look. When I decide to move out I’ll take the new ones down and put the old ones back. This is a very easy way to update an old fixture, and if you can turn a screw you can easily change your old ceiling fan globes.

Update with Fan Pulls

I absolutely love fan pulls. I’ve changed every pull in every home I’ve ever lived in. I had a resin heart covered with tiny flowers in the bedroom of my former home. That one is now in my utility closet above my washer and dryer. I also have a resin hummingbird, a crystal pull with a stained glass hummingbird, Care Bears in my Daughter’s room, crystal pulls on ribbons, and a really unique ceiling fan pull that looks just like a shotgun shell. I plan on buying new ceiling fan pulls to update the old one in my dining room, and I’ll look for something unique that go well with my cobalt blue globes.

Room Enhancing Bulbs can Update the Entire Look of the Room

Instead of using ordinary light bulbs in your outdated ceiling fan, enhance your room with different light bulbs. General Electric has a line of room enhancing bulbs that bathe the room in natural light rather than the typical yellow lighting produced by ordinary bulbs. They’re a little more expensive, but once you try them you’ll want to use them in every room of your home.

Update with Newly Painted Blades

Since I’m renting I’m not going to change the blades in my outdated ceiling fan, but if you own your home consider removing the fan blades and painting them. Paint isn’t required to give an old outdated fan a new look, but it can make a big difference for those who don’t mind the extra work. Sand the blades to remove any wax or gloss so the new paint will stick. Prime the blades, and give them a coat of high-gloss latex paint in a color of your choice. You can even sponge paint the blades to give them a really unique new look. With a little creativity and imagination, and you can turn an old outdated ceiling fan into something very unique, decorative, and functional part of your home.