It was almost a year ago when I found myself knee deep in a kitchen remodel. It was intense but also so amazing.
Not only was it great to see an old kitchen turn into a gorgeous gathering place, but I also enjoyed seeing how far we could stretch our money.
And would you believe we were able to remodel a large kitchen for under $1,000? How did we do it?
Well, we did a lot of items ourselves. Which came in handy because now that we’ve moved to a new home, some of those things we’ve learned to do have been helpful as we redecorate our current home.
But one of those items that have saved us a ton of money and required very little effort is creating our own decorative lights.
Creating Budget Friendly Lights
1. Buy the Kit
You will have to purchase a pendant light kit when creating your own lights. It will come with a circular base that will hide the wires.
Plus, you get the actual pendant light. It will not come with a shade.
But you can choose the finish of your light.
So if you choose to go with nickel (if you have mostly silver items in your house) you can do that. We’ve been using the darker bronze and have been really pleased with it.
But this is all about your personal preference and home décor that is already present.
2. Do a Little Wiring
Next is the tricky part. You will have to do some wiring. If you are unfamiliar with how to wire a light here is a video to help you along the way.
But remember, when in doubt, always call an electrician. You don’t want to get shocked, hurt, burn your home down, or worse – all of the above.
So please use caution. My husband has some electrical experience so he has been very capable of doing this for us multiple times. Just use caution and be wise in making the decision to do so. You do this project at your own risk.
However, if you do decide to complete this task yourself, remember to never work on a light with the power switched on. Always cut power to the area you are working.
Now, as I was saying, you’ll begin by taking down the light that was previously there. Then follow the wiring instructions that you either already know, have learned from the tutorial, or call in an electrician.
Once your new light is wired you carefully wrap the cord into the circular cover, and screw it into the ceiling.
Then you’ll need to screw in your new light bulb and carefully turn on the light switch to make sure everything is working as it should.
If it is not, cut power to the light and call for professional help.
3. Add Some Light and Flare
Once you’ve tested the light and you know it works, you are ready to pick out your light bulb choice and add your flare.
First, you’ll need to decide on what type of light you want. You can choose an Edison bulb which looks really cool and rustic.
But it does not put off the same type of light that other bulbs do. If you don’t want as bright of a light this could be a great selection for you.
Second, you have a traditional light bulb. These don’t last as long but do put off a decent amount of light.
Plus, they are super affordable which is always a big thing in my book.
Finally, you can go with a LED light. They put off great amounts of light and last a long time as well.
So as you can tell, this is all about your personal choice.
Then you’ll get to add your flare when deciding on what type of shade you’d like to use. You can purchase a shade that looks hip and modern.
Or you can go with creating your own shade such as using a mason jar.
But you can also purchase other kits that will allow you to create your own pendant chandeliers too.
So if you can create your own light once, you can surely do it again and again.
4. Enjoy
Now that your light is wired, designed, and fully functional you have nothing left to do but to enjoy it.
Also, realize how much money you saved by creating your own light instead of purchasing one from the store.
Not to mention, your light will be unique to you. That is worth a lot to me when I’m decorating my home.
16 Incredible DIY Lights
Need some more design ideas? We’ve got those for you too! Here they are:
1. The Bottle Lamp
Need a really awesome idea for lighting? Then try this bottle lamp. It is unique as you can choose similar bottles to this design or a totally unique bottle.
But either way, you will have awesome lighting for any room. It will definitely catch the eyes of all who walk past it.
2. The Wine Bottle Pendant Light
I really like this light option as it is another really unique style. It also comes with a thorough tutorial that will definitely help you along the way.
So if you’d like to have a beautiful lighting option this could be a good fit. Especially if you wanted a gorgeous light to hang over a kitchen counter or table.
3. Sisal Rope Pendant Light
This is another really unique and fun lighting option. You build it around a ball and basically use a paper mache method.
But it also comes with a great tutorial to help to create this unique look for your home. Hopefully, that will make this project a little easier.
4. Globe Pendant Light
Do you have an office, study, or homeschool room that needs a little light shed on it? If so, then you might really love this lighting option.
So they turn a globe into a great shade for a pendant light. Plus it has a great tutorial to help you along the way.
5. Brass Geometric Pendant Light
This pendant light looks a little more complicated than the others. But it also looks as though it could fit in pretty much anywhere in the house.
So if you’d like to have a different style light in your home, then you need to consider giving this tutorial a try.
6. The Shade Pendant
Do you have a ‘boob’ light in your house that you’d like to ditch? If so, then you’ve come to the right place.
So this tutorial tells you how to change the ‘boob’ light into a basic shade pendant light. This is nice if you just need a simple light for a hallway or bedroom.
7. The Industrial Mason Jar Pendant Light
In my previous home, I used mason jars for my pendant lights and loved them. This look is pretty similar.
Plus, they give you a great tutorial to help you along the way, too. So if you need something that is budget friendly and simple, then give this a go.
8. The Wicker Shade Pendant Light
This light looks very similar to the shade pendant light I shared earlier. This one is a little different though that serves as great inspiration.
So if you like the idea of adding a shade to a pendant light but want something a little more sophisticated, then try this wicker lamp shade.
9. The Candleholder Pendant Light
This light is really cool. I would have never thought to use a candleholder as a pendant light shade.
But they thought of it, used it, and made it look absolutely amazing. So if you are interested in having a similar look follow this tutorial.
10. Tropical Pendant Light
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This pendant light is very interesting. Do you have a room where you’d like to have a tropical theme of sort?
Well, if so, then you should consider following this tutorial to create this really neat shade to your pendant light.
11. The West Elm Knock Off Pendant Light
This light kind of reminds me of a modern, wooden chic pumpkin. If you (like me) like this style, then you may very well be interested in this tutorial.
So if you are looking for something a little rustic to add a little décor to your kitchen, then you might want to check out this tutorial.
12. DIY Basket Pendant
This is another really unique pendant light cover option. It is a woven basket.
But even if you don’t care (or have access to) this particular basket. You could recreate this look with many other basket options.
13. The String Covered Pendant Light
This pendant light is one that is unique, but would also work for those working on a super tight budget.
So you basically cover your pendant light in a unique design. No one would ever be able to duplicate your creation.
14. Concrete Pendant Light
This sounds like a heavy duty project. But don’t let the use of concrete scare you too much in this idea for a pendant light shade.
However, if it does, this tutorial seems pretty thorough. So you should (hopefully) be able to get through it pretty painlessly.
15. Italian Linen Pendant Lights
These lights are so cool. They use basic items to create the look but in ways you probably would have never thought of.
So they just use linen as a way to cover their pendant light. It truly adds a classic look that would work in most homes.
16. Pendant Teacup Lights
These lights are so cool. They provide a gorgeous look with such simple items. Example—a teacup. Who knew that a teacup could be your next awesome light?
Well, thanks to this tutorial it can. So don’t feel like you have to buy awesome lights. Follow this tutorial, and you’ll have a great pendant light for very little money.
So now you know how to create your own pendant lights. You know where you can purchase your own pendant light shades.
But I’ve also shared with you 16 of the internet’s best DIY options for unique pendant light shades.
So now it is your turn. Do you have any ideas on a unique pendant light? Have you made one? What was your experience like? Do you have any tips for those that may be new to this project?
Just drop us a line in the space provided below. We love hearing from you all!
