Lighting often goes overlooked as an easy way to update the look of a room… maybe it’s the cost, since lighting can go as high as the stars price-wise, or maybe it’s a an assumption that you would need to call in an electrician… whatever it is, overlook no more! I’m really excited to bring to you this series on how to create your own light fixtures with fun, creative materials and no electrical expertise!

Part 1: Basic fixtures crafted from wood, along with some plans to customize
Part 2: Going beyond wood – ideas to customize your own piece in material, color, and shape
Part 3: Choosing a fixture
Part 4: Drilling Through Glass
Part 5: Bloggers’ Best DIY Lights

I’m going to start with a few light fixtures using wood.  Then I’ll move to other fun materials, and finally I’ll get into some tips and tutorials on working with glass and finding good fixtures.

Wood dowels are awesome to work with – they are rather inexpensive, come in a variety of sizes, and require little sanding. They are also great for customization in terms of paint and stain.  You can even give them a metallic look with spray paint.  These fixtures are also drama queens in that they create awesome shadows! So without further ado, here are some of my fixtures and ideas. For simplicity, I’ll share detailed plans on these in separate posts.

Basic Frame Light

The first fixture I made went into the Plaid House, my 2nd flip house.  It really opened the floodgates for me in terms of customizing my own light fixtures.  Unfortunately, I have too many ideas to use.  So I’m passing them on to you!

This fixture was made with a simple wooden dowel frame, with a glass shade and pendant light. I then used this frame as a starting point for my Fixer Upper inspired X light and my fretwork light.

Fixer Upper Inspired X-Light

This light is inspired by these gorgeous fixtures on Fixer Upper.  I love their scale and am always a sucker for an X.

So I made my own, and now I have a spot to hang it… in the kitchen of the skinny house!  Check out more details here.

Fretwork Light

I started this fixture as a table lamp. But I built my prototype large, and I couldn’t find a shade in the proper scale.  It was tedious enough that I didn’t want to make another one right away, so I set it aside.  Now, though, it looks beautiful as a pendant. For instructions, click here.

I also think it would look awesome spray painted in a brushed brass or gold finish. Or, flip it upside down and stick an uplight in it like this one to make a statement in any room!

Double Prism Light

I haven’t had a chance to make this one yet, but I have a couple of ideas about where I could put one. This is a smaller basic frame nestled inside a larger one to give it some dimension.

Modern Basic

And lastly, a bit of a different take on the basic light.  This one is the absolute simplest to make! I especially love the unfinished wood with the black pendant, but then again, these wooden lights can take on any color and style you choose.

  

Next I will be back with some fun materials so you can really branch out and customize your lights, and I’ll give more details on making these fixtures. Of course I’d love to hear from you if you make any of these!

Source List: A guide to items shown or similar ones.

Black Pendant

Brass Uplight

X-Light


This post contains affiliate links which cost you nothing but may pay me a small commission should you decide to make a purchase.  Thank you for your support!

Marianne

View Comments

  • This light is sooo cute! I love it so much! I am wanting to do some home projects when the kids go back to school and I would love to recreate this. I am planning on doing some kitchen cabinet refinishing this month so maybe after this. Thanks so much for sharing!!!

  • This light is sooo cute! I love it so much! I am wanting to do some home projects when the kids go back to school and I would love to recreate this. I am planning on doing some kitchen cabinet refinishing this month so maybe after this. Thanks so much for sharing!!!

Recent Posts

Bath Renovations – Saving Money with Tile and Mud Bed Removal

I mentioned in my first post about our Primary Bath Reno that the idea of…

2 years ago

Primary Bath Reno – The Evolution

The renovation of the shower in our Primary Bath has inched along slowly, and as…

2 years ago

Primary Bath Reno

Why we are renovating our Primary Bath

2 years ago

Rough Ranch Sources and Finishes

If you missed the reveal, be sure to check it out here. If you're trying…

2 years ago

The Rough Ranch Reveal

It's here! One of my favorite parts of flipping... being able to walk through the…

2 years ago

Rough Ranch Update

Progress on the Rough Ranch reno!

2 years ago