DIY Pendent Lights in Under 10 Minutes

And all of the metal items were 50% off!!!

We have three pendent lights in our basement. While I like the glass shades, there were 10 years old and needed to be update.

Step 1: Remove the existing light shade

1 - I began by removing the light bulb

2 & 3 - then I unscrewed the plastic ring that holds the shade onto the pendent light

4 - and left the socket waiting for the new shade

Step 2: Shopping

I purchased three of these metal baskets (that sort of look like kitchen graters). I liked them because of the holes and they had a metal bottom.

Step 3: Remove the handle

I didn't want the handles so I carefully cut them off using a tin snips.

Step 4: Mark bottom

1 - I measured the bottom of the metal basket and marked the center

2 - As a guide, I used the plastic ring that held the glass shade in place

3 - I centered the ring in the middle of the bottom of the basket

4 - and drew a circle

Step 5: Create a hole in the bottom

1 - Using a screwdriver and a hammer, I punched a hole in the center of the circle,

2 - then I used a tin snip to cup away the circle.

Step 6: Hang new shade

I threaded the light socket through the hole in the bottom of the metal basket

Step 7: Secure shade

I reattached the plastic ring, screwing it securely to the socket and added a light bulb.

And Ta-da! New metal light shades...

...and they cast a really neat glow in the evening.

Each shade took under 10 minutes to create so the whole project took under 30 minutes total and cost under $20.