My Favorite DIY Modern Light Fixtures
Since we started thinking about moving to Brooklyn, I’ve been reading a lot about how to personalize a rental apartment. We’ve rented in the past, but after a few years of beefing up our home improvement experience, I feel like we’re much better equipped to make changes now.
One update that can be quick and easy (assuming that the wiring isn’t a total mess) is swapping out a light fixture. It made a huge difference in our kitchen, and we’d definitely consider doing it again. So, I’ve been gathering a few of my favorite DIY light fixtures. I’m especially digging the recent influx of modern geometric pieces. Check out my faaaves.
This light fixture was inspired by a $3300 chandelier and only cost $100 to make. Plus, those bulbs! Get more information.
Lindsey Adelman‘s chandeliers are amazing. They’re also very expensive. Luckily, she created a DIY-able version. Tons of brave bloggers have created their own, and you could be next! See photos of completed kits here, get the instructions here, and buy a kit with all the parts here.
Our angel Lindsey Adelman didn’t stop at chandeliers – she also provided instructions for this mobile. See photos here, and click “PRICING” for links to buy parts. Get the instructions here.
This one is easier than it looks – just buy some brass tubes, tie them together with twine and bend them into your desired shape(s). The link to the concrete lamp kit doesn’t go anywhere right now, but I think it’d look just as good using a plain base. Get more information here.
For something just a little more traditional, I like this simple pipe chandelier. See the tutorial.
8. Multi-faceted Geometric Light Fixture from Style Me Pretty
Think this one’s made with more brass tubes? NOPE. IT’S STRAWS. And the whole project only cost $10. Get the instructions here.
I’m not gonna lie: this one intimidates me. The cool shapes that surround the bulbs are made fluorescent light diffuser and plaster of paris. Looks pretty amazing though, right? Here’s the tutorial.
My old wedding blogging buddy Amanda and her husband made this mind-blowing chandelier a couple years ago, and I still marvel at it. Get the instructions.
This is another oldie-but-a-goodie, and it’s super simple. It’s made with that hammered Ikea bowl you always pass in the garden section and think “I love that, but do I need another bowl?” You do, because this one is meant to be a pendant light. Here’s the tutorial.
12. Arrow Light Fixture from Design*Sponge
The decorative arrows set this one apart from the brass light fixture pack. Get the instructions.
The tutorial for this one hurts my brain – it requires a digital protractor, and I barely know what a protractor is – but if you’re feeling courageous, get it, girl. Here are the instructions.
I’ve seen a lot of DIY orb lights made out of metal, but I like the warmer tone of this wood version made with embroidery hoops. Get the tutorial.
Uh, genius. This is just a cheap flushmount fixture mounted inside of a sunburst mirror frame. Get the instructions.
Wood and brass. Yesssssssss. Make a bunch and cluster them together! Here’s the tutorial.
This one’s super simple, but what’s great about it is that it doesn’t require hard-wiring – it just mounts on the wall with a couple screws and then plugs into an outlet. Perfect for renters. Get the tutorial.
18. Copper Pipe Icosahedron Light Fixture by The Gathered Home
Geometry is involved in this. But it looks like it’s worth the effort. Here are the instructions.
This one has shorter arms (legs?) than some of the others, which makes it a little subtler and lower-profile. I’m into it. Get the tutorial.
This guy’s made from a wood utensil caddy and bowl from Target, plus some copper pipes and stuff, and it’s SO. GOOD. Get the instructions.
This brass chandelier kind of reminds me of a baby mobile, except way more glam and awesome. Does anyone else see it? Here’s the tutorial.
So, you gonna give one a try? I think I might!
