DIY Lighting

I need new light fixtures. And I'm finally tired of glancing at them and feeling depressed so the task is going on my list of home projects for the fall. I could spend thousands on pieces I love (not), hundreds on pieces I don't really care about (yawn), or I can try to do it myself which, at the very least, should fill me with some sense of pride.

So I've been researching DIY light options (it's a great way to procrastinate when I'm supposed to be working) and I am blown away by some of the lighting designs, especially the eco-friendly options I've found. It's been very inspiring to me, so I thought I'd share some of my finds with you. (And if you have any lighting designs that are inspiring you, please share them!)

 

With my love for industrial, this funnel light fixture from Country Home is the perfect accent to warm up a work area, a hallway, even task lighting in the kitchen.

 

I'm guessing this is Danny Seo's take on Anthropologie's Songbird Chandelier, with a much lower price tag thanks to an Ikea light fixture and chicken wire. (Photo via Daily Danny)

Egg cartons, a light string, and a hole punch. That's all you need to create these lovely flower lights. Charming (and clever)! (Tutorial and photo found on Apartment Therapy)

 

Water bottle lighting that's perfect for the environment it was photographed in. (Photo found via Cucumbersome)
 

This floors me. A graceful, feminine design made from...the bottoms of plastic bottles! (Photos via Inhabitat)

I love this. I could easily see this hanging over a kitchen island, especially in a kitchen with lots of stainless steel or white. (Photo via Inhabitat)

 

I'm not yet tired of this trend for exposed wire lampshade frames. In the right area, with the right shape, I find it refreshing. And with so many Edison style bulbs available now, this is the perfect kind of light fixture to show them off. (Photo found via Made by Girl)

 

I have saved the best for last. When I stumbled onto ReDesign Technologies' chandeliers made of PAPER CLIPS, I was humbled by genius. What's even better - the designer Penelope Bridge has made step-by-step tutorials available through her Etsy shop. The chandeliers come in four different designs and you can purchase a tutorial for a single design or all four. I've already made my purchase and I can't wait to take this on! And for those who love the concept but not the DIY, there are assembled chandeliers for sale as well. I'm in love. (Photo from ReDesign Technologies)

Comments

[Sue Keller]

Awesome lighting ideas. I am doing my kitchen romantic shabby chic and the forks and spoons will be beautiful. Thank you for sharing.

[Suzonne]

I think the lighting idea I found was from a restaurant but I do have this DIY tutorial for a utensil lampshade. If you followed the same technique (drilling the silverware and using wire) on a different base you could make something almost exactly the same. Now, where to get unusual bases I'm not sure, so that may send you on a different search. Good luck!

http://www.shelterness.com/diy-silverware-lamp/

[Jasmine]

I am in LOVE with the lighting made of utensils and MUST have it!!! Is there a DIY tutorial anywhere for it?

[JeanL]

I am just in love with the cage and crystal designs!

[Anya]

I still need floor lamps - we've been using some ugly things from my hubby's university-days! I find it really hard item to purchase.
I wish you luck! :)