Amazing Lighting Fixture Ideas Using Jute Rope That Add A Bright Touch

Long associated with rustic, boho, and nature inspired designs, jute rope has been in use for thousands of years. Lauded for its strength and durability, jute and other natural fibers have re-emerged at the forefront of industry and design — not only for the aforementioned reasons, but also because as our planet begs us to make more conscious choices, we are collectively seeking out more environmentally sustainable materials. Jute's plant-based, renewable, and biodegradable qualities make this natural fiber an ideal option in countless contexts — and its versatility makes it especially valuable in design and creative applications. From vases to placemats, candle holders to DIY rope wall room dividers, this dream material is the pinnacle of versatility. 

So, when it's time to add something special and personal to your lighting scheme, get yourself some jute strands, and let your creativity lead the way. The basic premise of many jute projects is to coat the fiber in an adhesive (basic school glue will work in many applications) and form it to your preferred shape. Balloons are often used to create the decorative jute balls you've seen all over home design stores and online — and the same process used to make those eclectic, rustic decorative touches will serve you well when crafting a jute rope light fixture. 

Your materials list for this project is short and straight forward: a balloon (or balloons), adhesive material, and the jute, of course. There are a couple of ways to coat the fiber with the adhesive. Run the strands of jute through the glue and then wind the fiber onto the balloon. Alternatively, you could wrap the balloon in your preferred style, then fill a shallow basin of some kind with the adhesive and roll the jute-covered balloon through it until fully coated. While this method may be somewhat cleaner, you'll also want to be sure to add a layer of clear plastic wrap between the balloon and the jute to keep them from sealing to each other — which diminishes the eco-friendliness of the project a touch. Not to mention the wasted adhesive. You can also DIY your own sustainable glue at home.

Before you begin, consider whether you need to leave space for the bulb and cord; a small cup stuck to the balloon will create a shaped, finished look. Now for the fun part: explore your beautiful light fixture's style. Running the fiber around the balloon in all directions will give you that classic, decorative rope ball look. But don't be afraid to play with the countless other options available. Consider circling the jute around the balloon, creating a tighter spiral near what will be the bottom of your light fixture, then leaving more and more space between each layer of the wrapped twine as you near the top. Or, cover just half of the balloon and intentionally criss-cross the string for a thatched effect. There are so many different, creative ways to DIY a light fixture.

Additionally, you can add texture and create interest by mixing jute in different weights, or including ornamentation of some kind. Perhaps swirls of large cable lay out the basic shape over your balloon, and twirls of a smaller weight strand fill in the gaps. Make knots with smaller weight jute to lend a little extra texture or fill out your design. You could even string small wood beads or other embellishments onto the strand. From a shaping standpoint, using a balloon gives you lots of options (obviously), and helps with the ease of removal, but round jute light fixtures are just the beginning.

Anything with a solid form — appropriately protected by cling wrap, of course — can theoretically be covered in jute and then removed, leaving you with unique, creative light fixture. You'll just want to be sure that your item can, in fact, easily be removed. An old bucket, for instance, will lift right out of it's jute wrapping. A twisted glass vase would likely prove more difficult. No matter how you craft it, once you've got your form, all that's left is to add the light itself. A DIY lamp kit will get you everything you need, or you can go big and create statement lighting in the form of a grand chandelier, in which case this pendant light kit by JACKYLED available on Amazon for $15.99 would be a better choice. However you do so, hang it with pride: you just created a trendy, eco-friendly, light fixture.