Unfortunately, there is an extreme limit to where new lights can be hard wired into the ceilings. This house is mostly wood, and you can't just go hacking holes in wood to run wire through like you can drywall...unless of course you plan to replace the whole wall...which would require some pretty substantial funding. So, what is a light loving gal to do, but create her own light?
As you might have already read, we have begun work in the kitchen, and it has major lack of light issues. I'm hoping that when we replace the ceiling light, that will take care of most of the problem. But the sink needed some extra light, I don't want to be chopping of my digits because I can't see what I am doing. (I'm dangerous enough when I CAN see what I'm doing!)
(Oh, I see you peaking at my new faucet! Can't wait to show you more on that later!) I made this simple pendent light in about 15 minutes and it cost me $15. All you need is a portable pendent light, like this one. I got mine from Lowes. It is basically a super long cord that plugs into the wall with a light socket on the end, and an on and off switch attached.
Next, you'll need the shade of your choice. You can use a regular lamp shade, or just about anything else you can dream up to make work with it. (Bonus points if it's got rust on it!) My shade of choice was this metal pitcher I got at the thrift store for, oh, maybe 25 cents or so. If your object doesn't have holes in it, you'll also need tools to make some holes.
I punched a small hole in the center of the bottom, and a larger one off to the side of that. The larger one needs to be able to fit the plug through it. It doesn't have to be pretty, no one will see this part.
Pull the plug through from the inside.
Position the socket securely in the holes.
Now hunt down a light bulb and bask in the warm glow of your new light!
Psalms 119:130 The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.
Linking to:
Kammy's Korner
HomeStories A to Z
Chef in Training
Sugar Bee Crafts
Someday Crafts
Homemaker on a dime
Boogieboard cottage
Under the Table and Dreaming
I love this! Such a fun light makeover, esp. for the kitchen, very clever! I also love your entryway transformation, it looks beautiful!
ReplyDeleteVery cute!! And I love the faucet too. I got a new one this weekend also of course it is not sure nice but it was super cheap :) and it is new and works better than the old. I told Neil I was a very cheap date. We put my brother's stove in and a new faucet this past weekend and it made me so happy. :) Only down side was we found out the old faucet was leaking and we had to rip out the bottom of the cabinet and refloor it. Oh well a simple project is never simple here. Miss ya!
ReplyDeleteI can't stand parking lots that don't connect, either. And I have the bowl off of our light right now in our office because it gives the entire room horrible lighting. I love the DIY pendant you came up with. It's so pretty and lovely! Good luck with the rest of the kitchen work!
ReplyDeleteWoow, this lamp is the coolest! I'm moving in with my boyfriend this summer, I've been looking around interior design stores past weeks but haven't seen anything similar. I think I know what my next diy will be :)
ReplyDeleteThis is so darn cute and works perfect for above the sink.
ReplyDeleteGina
Lights either make or break a scene, so I agree to the fullest that bad lighting is totally annoying. What you've come up with was awesome, Abby! And you can do a lot more with it. Punch a few more holes on the sides, and you can have your very own disco ball! On another note, since the pitcher is solid metal, I think it would help if you wrapped an insulator inside. It can get really hot if the light's turned on for hours. -->Allison
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That’s true! It can be quite annoying if your house doesn’t have a good lighting. It’s either the room would look gloomy, or too much bright that it ends up hurting the eyes. It's a good thing you were able to find a solution for the problem, and created simple lighting fixture that definitely suited to your likings. Cheers!
ReplyDeleteEleanor Roy @ Douthit Electrical
Awesome post! very powerful information about pendant lights. Get a chance to buy online pendant lights , energy saver hanging lights in India at best prices which gives a great look to your home.
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