I’m a DIY nut!

It’s fun for me to think outside of the box and create a look that others might not think of.

When it comes to lighting, most people will go to a store or look online to see what’s trending, what’s available, what’s affordable.

If you stretch your mind a bit and look beyond the typical lighting store, you’ll see so many more fun options.

I’ve gathered some for you here.

Lighting & Design

Lighting has purpose.

It illuminates a space, a task or sets a mood.

It can create drama, atmosphere, intrigue and a-has in a room.

It serves a purpose.

So why not have fun with it?

Inspiration

Better Homes & Garden

I love these lanterns. They have a soft spot in my heart. What I really love most is how they grouped them.

When you find like items and choose to feature them as a collection, always choose to use an odd number.

Even is boring.

Odd is interesting.

Pretty Handy Girl: DIY Shade

Brittany at Pretty Handy Girl made this lampshade by decoupaging pages from a World Atlas to an existing lamp shade.

I did something similar by decoupaging old photographs of my mother-in-laws family onto a lampshade. My husband built the base I designed and we gave it to her for her birthday. She loved it!

Tutorial here

Dan Faires Recycles Old Books Into Lamp

If you’re a book lover like Dan Faires is, you’ll want to gather your favorite novels and turn them into the perfect reading light.

Consider the colors in your room to decide on the books you use. If you can’t find books in the colors you need, paint them.

Tutorial here

Down Home Inspiration: Rope Lamp Knockoff

Kristen did an amazing job knocking off this Pottery Barn inspired rope lamp. It’s so good it might tie you up in knots wondering how she did it.

The Pottery Barn lamp retails for $245. She made this for $25!

Tutorial here

British Designer Jake Phipps: Bowler Pendant lights

Hats off to British designer Jake Phipps! He collected and hung a variety of bowler hats to create quite a fashion statement! Whether hung alone or grouped together, they look amazing.

Think of the different types of hats out there. What about cowboy hats? My fave!

Should you take a project like this on, be sure to talk to a lighting expert and use the proper wattage. These will use a lower wattage bulb due to heat.

What hats come to mind for you?

Source unknown

I came across this on Pinterest and Google. I love how they took the branch, mounted twinkle lights to it and hung it from the wall. When plugged in, it’s a true natural wonder with the back-lighting.

I’d recommend placing this near a wall outlet, or you could have it hardwired by an electrician and have a switch for convenience. Again, talk with a professional.

Need to know how simple it is to wire a lamp?

Tutorial here

 

Inspiration for the sconce below.

 

Nomadic Decorator: Embossed Wood Sconce

Tutorial here

Live Edge Chandelier

H2O Bungalow: Stenciled Hanging Lamp

Look how beautiful this idea from Wendi at H2O Bungalow is. A simple drum shade can be found all over the place, along with a lamp kit.

Find a stencil you love that ties into your decor, and get to work. Wendi selected a beach theme and shares how to stencil on fabric.

 

Rustic Galvanized Pendant

Rustic Galvanized Pendant

I like both these galvanized options. For the price of $89-99, I think their fairly reasonable. If you are lucky enough to find some galvanized buckets at a flea market, and I know you can, you can save yourself some moolah and have the pleasure of DIYing these yourself.

Either way, they will add a great statement to your space.

Upcycled Globes

 With these, you can have the whole world! I love how they drilled along the edges of the countries to add a glow to what was a solid surface. Clever!

 

 

 

Basket Pendant

 

The texture these baskets give to this room is ahhhhhmazing!

 

Bushel Basket Pendant

DIY Brass Bowl Pendant

I love what Kristin at Hunted Interior did with her brass bowl. Now imagine if you have an old copper pot. I’ve got copper pots that belonged to my grandmother. And some are quite grand in size! What a statement they’d make if hung, especially in multiple numbers.

DIY Bottle Lamp

Melissa at The Inspired Room shows you how easy it is to turn a bottle into a lamp. Vintage bottles are the rage right now. You can pay a pretty penny for some.

If you like this look, keep your eye open at garage sales, flea markets or even Homegoods. I love shopping here; I feel like a kid in a candy store.

Tutorial here

That’s It

I hope these have inspired you to see all the options you have with turning items you never thought of into interesting light fixtures. The ceiling is the limit with your creativity.

What’s one thing you own that could make a cool lamp or pendant?

Think of your vases, jars, baskets, pots, etc.

Curious but maybe slightly afraid?

Which one is your favorite inspiration?

Pose your thoughts in the comment box below and let’s discuss.

Cheers to you and your beautiful home!