Lighting plays a huge role in the overall mood of a space. Instead of spending money on store bought fixtures, try one of these DIY lighting ideas to brighten up your home.
From recycled cardboard to mason jars, these creative lights are sure to transform any room. If storing your DIY lighting project temporarily or during a move, make sure to protect it with bubble wrap or a padded box.
Industrial Pipe Sconces
Industrial style is a trend that can be seen in many different areas of the home, including lighting. One of the best ways to get this look is to build your own DIY wall sconces. You can make these sconces using a variety of materials, but pipes are probably the most popular. They are easy to work with, inexpensive and they come in a variety of lengths. You can also find these pipes in various finishes so you can create a light fixture that fits your specific taste. To give your pipe sconces the perfect look, you can spray paint them any color you want. You can also use the same technique to create a hanging light. This would be perfect for a bedroom or the kitchen over an island or table. You could even hang it outside on a covered patio. To build this type of sconce you will need PVC pipes, 90 degree elbows, a flat holder, a socket and a wire cage light. You can find all of these items at your local hardware store. To put this sconce together, you will first need to drill holes in the elbows for the nipple. Next, you will feed the nipple through the pipe and attach it to the flat holder with a hex nut. Once all the pieces are assembled, you will need to connect the socket to the swivel. To do this, you will need to cut the cord wire’s jacket (the protective covering), so that it can be fed through a hollow nipple and connected to the socket.
This light from grillo-designs is a great example of how you can make a sconce with just a few items. The sconce features an interesting shape and the metal and wood combination makes it very versatile. It can be used in almost any room of the house and it will add some character to your space. The only downside of this particular sconce is that it isn’t a plug-in light, so you will need to have it hardwired to your electrical system.
Mason Jar Pendant Lights
Mason Jar Lights are beautiful and functional home decor & lighting ideas that add a touch of rustic and farmhouse style to your home or garden. They make perfect DIY gifts and are easy to make. These mason jar lights can be used as kitchen lights, bathroom lights, or living room lights and are sure to please anyone who loves decorating with mason jars.
This mason jar chandelier uses 11 mason jars to create a gorgeous monogrammed chandelier that looks fabulous in a farmhouse or cottage bedroom, dining room, or bathroom. It is a great DIY project that can be completed in just a few hours and would look fabulous as a centerpiece at a dinner party or wedding reception. It also makes a fantastic gift for someone special.
For a more casual look, you can use one mason jar to make a simple mason jar light that is perfect for a country kitchen or living room. This mason jar light uses a mason jar lid as the shade and has a simple design that will not take up too much space in your room.
Another great option is to use a mason jar as the base for a lamp shade that is more complex in design. This mason jar light uses jars with wide openings and has a curved lid that covers the socket. The curved lid allows the light to spread out and illuminate more of your room. This mason jar light also includes a wired pendant adapter that can be hung from a ceiling hook.
You can purchase a kit to make your own mason jar light or you can use a mason jar you already have at home. For this project, you will need a mason jar with a wide opening and a metal lid. You will also need a standard Edison-base (E26/E27) light bulb and a metal ceiling hook.
You can paint the jars or leave them plain. If you want to tint the jars, you can use either food coloring or Modge Podge. Before beginning your project, make sure the jars are clean and dry. If you are tinting the jars, it is recommended that you allow them to fully dry before adding any electrical components. You can also choose to decorate the jars with decoupage or stenciling.
Book Lights
The right reading light can be a lifesaver for bookworms and other nighttime readers. But these lights can be expensive and difficult to find in stores. Fortunately, there are a few DIY options to consider. The simplest is to simply place an LED strip behind the bookshelf. This will give the shelf a soft glow that’s perfect for reading and is a cheap way to illuminate your book collection.
A more elaborate option involves creating a custom book light using a recycled old book and a simple LED fixture. For this project, you’ll need a few materials, including a book that you’re willing to sacrifice (preferably one with thick pages), a cord kit, and an electrical wire cutter or stripper. Strip 1/2 inch off the ends of the cord to expose the copper and silver wires inside. Then, feed the cord through the hole in the middle of the book and around the rod, securing it with the screws on the bottom of the light fixture.
After the wires are secure, you can then connect the light bulb to the fixture using a screwdriver. Finally, plug the cord into an electrical outlet and enjoy your new book light!
There are plenty of commercially-made book lights on the market, but you can also make your own. Film maker Shane Hurlbut describes how to create a simple book light with an LED video light, a reflector, and a diffusion panel. While the LED video light he recommends is expensive, a standard shop light will work just as well and is much cheaper.
When shopping for a book light, consider color modes and brightness levels. The best book lights have multiple settings to help you adjust the brightness to your liking and prevent eye strain. They may also have a narrow beam mode, designed to help you read small text without disturbing those sleeping nearby.
Another handy feature is a rechargeable battery. Many book lights come with a USB charger, which can save you money and reduce waste by eliminating the need for replacement batteries. This option also eliminates the risk of a dead battery, which can be inconvenient for avid readers.
Hanging Lanterns
Lanterns are a great choice for DIY lighting because they offer an eclectic look that falls somewhere between a pendant light and a chandelier. They also work well in spaces where a chandelier would be too large, such as powder rooms. They can be hung from the ceiling or placed on a tabletop to create a unique lighting display. Using battery-powered lanterns is an excellent option for outdoor spaces or places where you don’t want to worry about tripping over cords.
One of the best things about this type of lighting is that it can be customized to match any decor style. For example, you can make a simple, modern lantern from a mason jar and twine or even a chandelier out of bamboo and wood. These projects are perfect for those who want to add a bit of elegance or warmth to their home, but don’t have the budget for more expensive decorative elements.
A lot of these DIY light fixtures use a variety of materials, from old furniture to Ikea canisters and even fabric. However, there are a few that are more unique. For instance, you can turn a metal lamp into a Japanese lantern by adding a paper covering to the existing fixture. This will not only give your home a touch of Asian flair but will also add a pop of color to any room.
Another fun idea is to make a hanging lantern from a paper bag. This is an easy project that will not only help you save money on a new light fixture but will also let you create a beautiful photo prop for your home or wedding. To make this simple and inexpensive light, simply cut an uneven opening in the bag. Then, wrap it around a flash unit to diffuse the light and create soft shadows.
If you’re planning a party or want to add some festive lighting to your home, consider incorporating a paper lantern with built-in LED lights. These are available in a wide range of colors, from traditional white to deep purple. These lanterns are also great for outdoor use or for adding some rustic charm to your entryway.