Transform A Serving Bowl Into A Luxe-Looking Light Fixture With An Easy DIY Idea

It's not always easy to choose the perfect lighting for your space. This is an important decision, as light fixtures can completely alter the look and feel of a room. Sometimes we choose ones based on the natural sunlight level coming in the windows, while other times we try to capture the essence of inspiring decor we see elsewhere. This was the case for Instagram user the_avantgarde_, who was captivated by a pendant shade she saw in a hotel while in Greece. The cost to order a replica from In Common With was $1,900 at the time (now $2,200). Fortunately, she knew how to get the look for less by making it herself. To create the same piece for your home, you'll drill a large hole in the center of the base of a plastic bowl, spray paint the interior, cover the exterior in a textured material, sand it down, and hang it with a pendant light kit.

This project walks you through the steps to transform a cheap plastic serving bowl into a chic hanging lampshade. The original product includes a glass diffuser covered by a molded ceramic shade. By tweaking the design to include dollar store finds and a few handy home renovation ingredients, you can have an illuminating work of art without spending designer prices. Check out how to make your own luxe light fixture in this out-of-the-box DIY.

To start this project, you'll need a serving bowl, like the large clear plastic ones at Dollar Tree for $1.25 — you can choose the size you desire. You'll also need a drill with a hole saw attachment, gold spray paint, a pendant light kit, and Bondo putty, which you can get for $16 at Home Depot. The_avantgarde_ also added Rub 'n Buff for a metallic finish, which is available at Michaels for $7. With supplies at the ready, it's time to get to work.

To begin, drill a small hole in the center of the bowl and use the hole saw to widen it. Next, spray paint the interior of the dome gold and use the wax to bring it to a high polish. This next step is messy, but it's what gives the fixture an artistic quality — coat the exterior in Bondo. In the video, the Instagram user uses spackle, but that may chip and crumble later. Once dry, sand the putty. Finally, install your pendant light kit, hang the light fixture, add the lightbulb, and enjoy the expensive look in your home. If you want a unique lighting feature that will make your home feel like a Greek vacation, it might be time to pick up a serving bowl and give this DIY a try. Not exactly what you were looking for? Try personalizing this high-end light fixture to better suit your style.

This is a great project for so many reasons, one being the level of customization available. Along with the size and design of the serving bowl you select, you can also alter the overall shape by adding a different texture to the putty. Dapple it on for a popcorn effect or smooth it down with a spatula to create the clay-like look of the piece from the brand, In Common With. In her video, the_avantgarde_ left the exterior of her DIY light fixture the color of the dried spackle. Again, this enhances the rustic molded quality. However, if desired, you can paint yours with a matte spray to retain the finish while changing the shade's color to match your interior design. 

There's also the bulb type to consider before installing a pendant light. LEDs are best with plastic because they don't give off much heat. An incandescent bulb, in comparison, might melt the bowl and become a fire hazard. To counteract this issue, swap out plastic for glass, but keep in mind this would make drilling more difficult. To use the hole saw on glass, it would need to have a diamond-coated edge. Water must also be continuously poured over the hole as you drill to reduce friction and keep dangerous dust from rising. Whatever modifications you make, this DIY light fixture has the potential to provide you with stunning new home decor on a budget. Also check out how to create a beautiful light fixture using another kitchen gadget: a cheese grater.