Upcycling a ceiling fan is a great way to make creative use of a fan’s various parts. Ceiling fans are remarkably reliable fixtures in the home. If you maintain a good cleaning schedule for your fan, it could very well continue to function properly for decades, perhaps even beyond your own lifetime.
When to Update a Ceiling Fan
Still, there are a few reasons why you might decide it’s time to swap your old ceiling fans for newer models. For example, you might be interested in the features of a smart ceiling fan, which can give you unprecedented control over your home’s internal environment. Or, maybe you are redecorating, and you are upgrading your standard-looking fans for fans with a bit more style and personality.
In any case, once you are done installing your new ceiling fans, you may have one or more older fixtures on your hands. If they still work well, you might consider reselling them or donating them to other homeowners in need. Then again, if your old fans are well past their working prime, you might consider trying any of the following upcycling projects.
Upcycling a Ceiling Fan into a Sculptural Dragonfly
Using the blades and brackets of an old fan and a turned wooden table leg, you can have a stunning work of art to hang in your garden — or inside your home. Dragonflies are incredibly beautiful in nature, and you can capture their beauty with this simple upcycling project.
When upcycling a ceiling fan into a dragonfly, first, you need to disassemble your fan, setting aside the fan blades and brackets as these will become your dragonfly’s wings. The rest of the fan can be thrown away, donated, or reserved for a different upcycling project. Next, you need to acquire a turned table leg; the length and style of the leg can be to your preference. You can find single legs at home improvement stores near the lumber aisles, or you can pull a table leg from an unwanted table acquired from a thrift store.
Here’s the fun part. You paint the blades of the fan and the table leg in whatever colors you wish, though you might take inspiration from the natural iridescent hues of dragonflies and opt for blues, purples, turquoise, and greens. Some artists paint an ombre pattern on the blades for an added effect. Once your colorful paint has dried, you should trace black lines on top of the blades, mimicking the stained-glass effect of dragonfly wings. Once all the paint is dry, you should attach all four fan blades to one side and section of the table leg and hang your art on the wall.
Ceiling Fan Coatrack
If you are looking for a more customizable upcycling project, this one can utilize as much or as little of your old fan as you please. The only components you absolutely must have are the brackets that hold the fan blades to the motor. When mounted with the blade portion sticking up, these brackets can function as attractive hooks, on which you and your family members might hang coats, hats, bookbags and more. We love how much the brackets look like whale tails!
Source: Prodigal Pieces
Farmhouse Ceiling Fan Update
You may want to keep your ceiling fan for its functionality but hate the outdated look. In this case, you can update the hardware for a more modern farmhouse aesthetic. It can be as simple as painting the hardware black and adding bulb guards instead of the classic glass ones.
Source: Whiskey and Whit
Nothing lasts forever — even ceiling fans. Fortunately, you can preserve the glory of your old fixture with these repurposing projects that add beauty to your home. For more ideas on how to refresh your home on a budget, check here.
