DIY Pendent Lights in Under 10 Minutes

Alicia W
by Alicia W
5 Materials
$18
30 Minutes
Easy

While I was shopping at Hobby Lobby, I spotted the perfect thing to use to update the pendent lights in our home.

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.

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  • Kim Moore Scott Kim Moore Scott on Oct 23, 2018

    Thanks for posting! Do you have any ideas about installing a pendant lamp when there is no electrical outlet? I thought about this with a led battery light but I still need to figure out what cord/chain or rope to hang it and how to hang it. Any suggestions? This is going over a kitchen table in a small dining space. Any advice would help. To get an electrician I was quoted $600. Help! I would like it done by Thanksgiving. TIA

  • Judy Constance Judy Constance on Oct 29, 2018

    Are the lanterns held by only the light bulb holder? Do you think that's strong enough?

  • Tina Tina on Aug 26, 2020

    Love! The light and shadows they create are amazing.❤️👌

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  • Kay Kay on Oct 24, 2022

    Hi, I really like these. I was thinking they would look nice painted gold or silver to. Thanks for sharing a great project! Kay Hallett Adelaide

  • Patty Patty on Oct 24, 2022

    These actually look better than I imagined,and put out more light. Love the shadows it makes.

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