Ceiling Fan Ideas: How to Upgrade and Repaint Your Fan

Is your old ceiling fan in need of a refresh? Let's explore a budget-friendly ceiling fan idea to give it a new lease on life.


Before we dive in, remember to turn off the power supply to ensure safety.


This post was transcribed by a member of the Hometalk editorial team from the original HometalkTV episode.

Tools and Materials:

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Step-by-step guide to repainting a ceiling fan

1. Disassemble and Clean

Grab a screwdriver and begin by removing the fan blades followed by the housing.

Gently remove the housing cover to access internal components

Take off the blade arms, housing cover, and any mesh inside for cleaning.

Wipe down each part with an all-purpose cleaning solution

Once disassembled, clean the fan thoroughly.

DIY ceiling fan makeover: From drab to fab

Begin by removing dust, you can use a paintbrush for this step to make sure you get into all the nooks and crannies.


Wipe all the parts down with an all-purpose cleaning solution to remove any remaining dirt.

Cleaning thoroughly ensures a smooth and long-lasting paint finish

The hardware can sit in a bath of soapy water. Again a paintbrush is a helpful tool to shine up the pieces.

How to repaint a ceiling fan

2. Prep for Repainting

Before painting, tape off any areas you don't want to be painted.

Transforming your ceiling fan on a budget

Now, it's time to bring out the paint.


I opted for Rustoleum white matte finish primer and paint to refinish all the parts.

Easy DIY tips for upgrading your ceiling fan

Apply multiple thin and even coats for the best results.

Budget-friendly ceiling fan upgrade ideas

3. Add Character with Wrapping

Get ready to add character with jute twine wrapped around the blade arms. Measure and cut jute twine to the desired length for each blade arm.

Enhance your space with a revamped ceiling fan

Securely fasten the twine in place with hot glue or adhesive.

Make your ceiling fan stand out with these tips

Wrap the twine evenly around each blade arm for a uniform look. Experiment with different wrapping techniques for a personalized touch.

Transforming your old ceiling fan: DIY edition

Jute twine adds texture and interest to your ceiling fan makeover.

Contact paper with a wood grain pattern

4. Cover with Contact Paper

Add a touch of rustic charm with wood grain contact paper on the blades.

Give your blades a fresh look

Place your fan blades on the contact paper and measure them to size

Ceiling fan update with contact paper and twine

Carefully apply the contact paper to each fan blade.

Easy ways to add character to your ceiling fan

Leave the edges exposed for a unique and rustic look.


Trim any excess paper to fit the size and shape of each blade.

Upgrade ceiling fan

Smooth out any air bubbles or wrinkles for a seamless finish.

How to upgrade your fan

5. Finishing Touches

Complete the makeover by adding some final touches.

Creative DIY ceiling fan ideas with ribbon, twine and contact paper

Use a wide jute ribbon to match the woodgrain shade and apply it around the sides of the housing using hot glue.

Wrapping jute twine around a fan down rod

For extra detail, tightly wrap jute twine around the down rod and secure the end with hot glue.


Ready to tackle another ceiling fan project?

Explore this Ceiling Fan Makeover project for additional ideas to enhance your fan's style on a budget!

The easy way to update a fan

Ceiling Fan Ideas | Restyling and Repainting a Ceiling Fan

And there you have it, a stylish transformation for your ceiling fan!

Simple steps for giving your ceiling fan a new look

I hope this ceiling fan hack has inspired you to revamp your own fans.

Transform your old ceiling fan with these budget-friendly ideas

Have you tried any DIY ceiling fan upgrades? Share your experiences in the comments!

Preethi | The Nomad Studio
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
3 of 5 questions
  • Bei70759922 Bei70759922 on Mar 09, 2024
    I would definitely coat any twine or fabric pieces with Modge Podge high gloss for easy cleaning
  • Diana Chapman Diana Chapman on Mar 09, 2024
    It’s beautiful! You really need to take the ribbon off. Motor could overheat and start a fire. Love the idea on the blades. Has it held up with the movement?
  • Stephenmiller27 Stephenmiller27 on Mar 09, 2024
    My first thought was, how do you clean the jute and trim? Looks like a major dust trap. I agree with some previous comments that the extra weight and covering the venting for the motor doesn't seem very practical and/or efficient.
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2 of 11 comments
  • Jan50780756 Jan50780756 on Mar 12, 2024
    I have an orange chinese ball light under my brown fan held up by a coat wire hanger in a V shape, it's really cool, I wish more did this. And use washi tape on the front of floating shelves too!
  • Diane Nusser Diane Nusser on Mar 15, 2024
    That is too much work for me. I'd get the 1st couple steps done, get interrupted and never get back to it. More power to the people who can get it done.
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