24 Stunning DIY Pendant Light Ideas To Brighten Up Your Space

Decorating your home with trendy pendant lights sounds good in theory. But, you might quickly change your mind once you glance at their retail prices. Instead of making peace with your outdated lighting or dark room, you can craft stunning fixtures to grace your ceilings. The best part, though? You don't need to have extensive knowledge about installing new lights or figuring out the wiring. A plug-in option, like Zarnicy Store's Pendant Light Cord, will make the installation painless anywhere you have an outlet nearby.

Plus, you can even use items you have on hand to make pretty lighting features. For instance, you can DIY a beautiful pendant light using upcycled glass bottles. Similarly, you can use pool noodles, leftover cardboard, craft paper, disposable cups, salad bowls, or air dry clay to create eye-catching designs. But before you dive off the deep end, remember to use LED bulbs for all your projects since they emit minimal heat and aren't a fire hazard. Plus, avoid mimicking any design you aren't 100% sure about and consult an electrician to be on the safe side. With that in mind, continue reading so you can focus on illuminating your home one pendant light at a time.

Want to brighten your space with a statement lighting fixture without burning a hole in your pocket? Take a trip to your local Dollar Tree to buy foam floral rings. The quantity will depend on how elaborate you want the fixture to be. You'll also need a scrap piece of cardboard, a sharp pair of scissors, and your trusty hot glue gun to DIY the pendant lighting. Don't overdo the hot glue or the foam could dissolve. Paint it in your preferred shade and install the plug-in light cord (with an LED bulb) before hanging it up. If you want to hide the gaps between the rings, fill them with caulk before painting.

Looking for a light fixture to brighten up your kitchen? Grab two mixing bowls, one large and the other small, to DIY a contemporary light fixture. The bowls can be ceramic or stainless steel, depending on your preferences and decor theme. Determine the center point of the bowls and drill a hole large enough to pass the plug-in light cord. Then, hang them as is or spray paint the bowls before looping in the light cord.

One clever way to repurpose a colander around the house is to turn it into a pendant light. Otherwise, purchase a plastic colander from Dollar Tree if you don't have any extras. All you have to do is create a hole in the bottom to add the light cord. However, if you want to hide your pendant light's humble origins, snip off the curving top and spray paint the interior and exterior surface. You could also use an outdoor-rated solar light to illuminate your porch or backyard on a budget.

Complement your interior's bohemian decor with a striking pendant light. Simply get a basket (brownie points if it's rattan or wicker) and a roll of thick cotton string like Teceum's All-Purpose Braided Rope. Now, draw inspiration from TikTok and unwind the roped braids to decorate the basket with luscious tassels. Or, braid the cords to cover the base in macrame designs. Don't forget to wrap the rope around the cord for a seamless finish. To create a unique look, mix and match the colors of the rope to play off your decor.

This clay lighting idea is ideal for individuals who like getting their hands dirty — literally! Buy some air dry clay, like Crayola's Natural White Modeling Clay, fill a small bowl with water, and get your rolling pin to get started. Roll out the clay in your desired shape and cut out a hole in the middle for the light socket. Ensure the hole is in the center, or the fixture might tilt when it's hung. Create any designs you want and let it air dry. Lightly sand the surface to even it out, or paint the hardened structure for a high-end look.

Craft an industrial style hanging light using a Dollar Tree wire waste basket. Similar baskets with wide gaps for the light to shine through that you have around the house work, too. Overturn the basket and find its center. Now, cut a hole big enough to comfortably slide the light cord through. Although scissors will work for the thin containers, you'll need something sturdier (like a drill) to create a hole if the basket is thicker. Once done, you can spray paint the basket, or just hang the light as-is.

If you love decorating your home with one-of-a-kind pieces, don't settle for a basic pendant light. Instead, get inspired by this TikTok, and DIY an eye-catching fixture using fabric. We aren't 100% certain of the material used, but something like this Silk Organza Fabric should do the trick. Play around with different shapes and styles as you layer the pieces to craft a unique pendant light for your home. 

Although people proficient in the art of sewing will be most familiar with embroidery hoops, non-sewers can try this lighting idea, too. You'll need multiple pairs of hoops included in packages like Caydo's Embroidery Hoop Set. Similarly, you'll need sticks in two sizes, like Fartime's Bamboo Dowel Rods. After you have the supplies, glue the dowels to the hoops. Use some raffia straw to cover the area if you'd like. This fixture is customizable, so you can create as many layers as you'd like.

If your social media feed has been inundated with images of rattan pendant lights, use the inspiration to fashion one out of your woven baskets. Don't have one lying around the house? Purchase a straw woven basket from Dollar Tree. Drill a hole in the center of the basket for the light cord. Or, simplify your life by pushing in a thin rope, creating a loop, and using a rechargeable light like YKDtronics' LED Bulb with a hook.

While plant parents will constantly face a shortage of nice pots, ones lacking a green thumb will always have a surplus. If you fall in the latter category and feel guilty about the expensive planter gathering dust in your attic, turn it into a gorgeous light fixture. Paint the pot to match your room's aesthetic, thread the plug-in light cord through the hole at the bottom, and your hanging light will be ready for use.

Don't throw out empty plastic water bottles, particularly the large ones. Instead, clean and dry them to DIY a cloche-shaped hanging light. You'll need a craft knife, a fine sandpaper, and some cement to achieve the desired look. When it comes to the bulb, LED is your best bet since it produces less heat than incandescent and halogen varieties, so it won't overheat the plastic bottle inside. 

Scoring a gorgeous lampshade at a thrift store or an estate sale might be the highlight of your day. But it can quickly turn into a headache if you don't have a lamp to place the shade over. So, do yourself a favor and turn it into a pendant light instead. Wondering how? You'll just need a product like Aspen Creative's Pendant Conversion Kit and your new favorite lampshade. It will only take a few minutes to combine the two and hang your new light. For simplified, damage-free hanging, use Crhexpva's Adhesive Ceiling Hooks.

Tired of breaking down your cardboard boxes prior to placing them in the recycling bin? Grab your scissors, a marker, and a few solid cardboard boxes to DIY a gorgeous light fixture. You'll need to draw various-sized rings on the box and cut them out. Stack the rings in descending order by size and loop the plug-in light cord through once you reach the top. You could even spray paint the makeshift fixture before adding the cord. Keep this pendant light away from humid rooms, like the bathroom, since wet cardboard isn't sturdy and might harbor mold.

Although a balloon and a ball of yarn seem like the least likely ingredients for a pendant light, they're great for a kitschy fixture. Pick a yarn shade you'd be happy to look at day-in, day-out and dip the ball in some Mod Podge (watered down glue will work in a pinch). Now, for the fun part: wrapping the yarn in a haphazard way. Be sure to wear a pair of gloves to keep your hands clean, and let the yarn stiffen up prior to popping and removing the balloon. Then, add a bulb and a cord, and hang your new playful light source.

Searching for a stunning DIY ceiling design to elevate any room in your home? Look no further than this ultra-simple cloud-like light feature. To bring the clouds home, you'll need a plastic bottle (water or soda ones will work best), some floral wire, white or silver beads, a small bag of polyester stuffing, and a string of micro-LED lights, like Minetom's Color-Changing Set. After you assemble and hang the light, keep the remote handy to turn it on or off and to change the hue of your cloud to reflect your mood.

Are you obsessed with bubblecore, the curvy decor trend that's embracing chic bulk? Then, DIY a bubble ball light fixture for your home within minutes. These Clear Plastic Fillable Ornaments can serve as your faux bubbles while a string of invisible hanging wire (or fishing line) can help you build your light. Although the process is simple, be careful while arranging the balls. Try to distribute their weight evenly to avoid your fixture being lopsided when it's hung. Regarding the light source, get a round bulb like Harwez's Decorative LED Globe to fit seamlessly with the bubble shapes. However, if it's too expensive, opt for a cheaper option like Westinghouse's Round LED Bulb and nestle it between the bubbles to hide its not-as-round shape.

Create a rustic pendant light on a budget using some leftover cardboard, wooden dowels (thin stakes work, too), and some jute rope. However, there are a few things you must take care of. One, ensure your base is sturdy or it might not hold over time. And, be patient while creating holes around the cardboard's perimeter. This is important because you want the holes to be the right size for the dowels and be equi-distant for a clean look. 

Grab a couple sheets of white craft paper, and plug in your hot glue gun to make an airy pendant lamp. First, pick the design you'd like to hang up in your home. While the sky's the limit, choose something with easily-connected sides, like flower petals. Sketch and cut out the first piece and use it as a template for the rest. Then, glue the sides together and your paper hanging light will be ready. Since paper is flammable, go with battery-operated LED lights to steer clear of fire hazards.

Are you passionate about keeping as much glass as possible out of landfills? Then, repurpose your old jars as hanging lights. Just ensure you pick a jar with a thick lid to keep the bulb secure. Next, clean the jars and set them aside to dry, and drill a hole in the lid to fit the light cord. Finally, attach an LED bulb and tighten the lid on the jar. To create a statement-making fixture, repeat this project with multiple jars in various sizes, then hang them in a cluster at staggered heights.

You might be using your food covers to keep the bugs out. But, if you have a gorgeous fabric cover just waiting for its chance to shine, turn it into a pendant light. Just ensure the cover is transparent, not opaque, to really brighten up your space. Create a hole at the top and push the plug-in light cord through and add an LED bulb. You can even add some faux flowers or fringe to create an even more unique look.

Have some disposable paper cups leftover from your last party? Get a pair of scissors, a pencil, a roll of tape, and a hot glue gun to turn them into a rose pendant light. However, avoid using cups with printed designs on them or the feature won't look elegant. That being said, you don't have to stick with white cups. Get creative and experiment with different colors, like red, yellow, or pink, to mimic live roses. 

You don't have to spend an exorbitant sum to hang an exquisite pendant light in your home. A few pool noodles and a large concrete form tube can be turned into a DIY fixture. First, cut the tube and noodles to the height you'd like. Then, glue the noodles around the tube and affix two wooden dowels in the center to secure the bulb in between. Determine the aesthetic of your new fixture and paint it accordingly. For instance, if you're going for a minimalist look, a solid color will do. However, if you want something glam, glittery shades and metallic finishes can create a statement.

If you own a fancy salad bowl that you don't really use, give it a new life as a hanging light fixture. All you have to do is find the center of the bowl, measure the plug-in cord's socket, and drill a hole. Voila! Your restaurant-inspired hanging fixture is set. Since the light source will be clearly visible, use a stylish one, like Luxon's Half Chrome Light Bulb. 

This is a beginner-friendly pendant light idea that's simple to DIY and isn't too expensive to make. Just go to your local Dollar Tree and purchase a clear plastic serving bowl and a self-adhesive LED push light. Simply attach the lights to the bowl's inside and you're all set. To hang it up, create a chain from the curtain rings you have at home. Or, get a new set, like Uigos Silver Shower Curtain Rings, for a shiny finish. Sand the area of the bowl where you're going to attach the rings to help the glue adhere more securely.