Do you know what kind of lights are a little hard to enjoy? Sconces. I mean, there are some great ones for sure, but (there is always a but) most of the ones that I really loved are SO expensive. Or they don’t have enough personality. Or I look at it and say “hmmmmm. I could make that myself.”
Today’s project falls in category #3.
After the hallway makeover started I knew I wanted to change out the lights. I pondered and pondered and pondered and could not come up with something that made my heart skip a beat. So I asked on FB what your favorite online lighting stores are, and ended up at Shades of Light (which is an AMAZING store BTW.) and I fell in love with these convertible wall lights.
In fact they reminded me of these happy bowls that I had just scored at the thrift store that morning (.75 each)
So it was decided. I was going to track down a bowl (actually 2) to make a light out of. I hunted for a few days and found bowls of all shapes and sizes. It was impossible to find one that was footed and large enough, so I changed up my search a little. I ended up with these bamboo bowls from Target that were on CLEARANCE!! Bam.
To do this yourself you will need:
A Bowl
A Light Socket
Lamp Wire
An awesome light bulb. (I always get mine at Lowes.)
Start by drilling a small pilot hole into the center of your bowl. Then using a 1/4” drill bit drill the hole larger. The purposes of the pilot hole are 1. to make sure that it really is in the center of your bowl (that way if you flub it up you can re-drill) and 2. so that when you drill into the bowl with your larger bit you get a smooth clean hole and don’t need to worry about the wood splitting.
If you already have had a sconce on your wall then there should be a hanging bar with your old light. If not then you will need one. Your socket kit will come with a nipple that attaches to the bottom of your socket (you can see detailed pics on what this looks like here) Splice your wire in with the wires that are in the wall with wire nuts, then attach your hanging bar.
Feed your wire through the hole in your bowl and attach the socket per the included instructions (or have your cute husband do it while you take pictures and he says “can I move now?”)
A light that has a visible light bulb screams for an Edison/Vintage style bulb. You can find them online or at your local Home Improvement store. They will run you about $8.00 each. The most important thing to remember is that it is part of the design. Don’t skimp on something so fantastic!
If you are itching for more light projects make sure you check out these:
I love this Mandi… I am pinning!
This is awesome Mandi!! You are a genius!!
How did you deal with the cord? I can’t see it in the pictures?
You always come up with the best stuff! It looks great!
Mandi, This is adorable!!! We are looking to move in the next few weeks and I will def remember this trick! Thank you!!
Wow, Mandi! This is so awesome! Pinning 🙂
Dang, I still have the same bowl in the basement and was just wondering the other day what to use it for…well you have an idea!
Love it! (I recently also made a ceiling fixture from a bowl)
LOVE this light Mandi! I have that same bowl from Target 🙂 Pinning your fabulousness!
This is awesome! Great way to save money and make it your own.
Very cool. I have to find someplace to copy this in my house!
what a great idea! I had to laugh at your “can I move yet”. My husband says the same! 🙂
Love this! Will pin it for a future project. Thanks
ali
http://www.40tasks.blogspot.com
I noticed this the other day in your awesome crewel art post. I was wondering what it was…you are a genious.
Thanks for sharing!
my hubby is an electrician and he says those “edison” light bulbs are going away and you won’t be able to find them much longer.
Genius!
This is so great! Pinning! I have many lights that could use improvement in my home!
I wanted to see a picture with the light on. nice idea.
PLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEASE audition for design star. They are casting right now. OHHHHHH. I’m SERIOUS. HGTV.com.
I too, would like to see a picture with the light turned on. Speaking of turn on, your Hubby wears bright colors, and that is awesome!!! Plus, that whole shoulder/back/arms package is pretty sweet too! Jast sayin! 🙂
First of all, your hubby is so dreamy ;)Second of all, so is your light. My poor son has the ugliest light in his room because I refuse to put just any old light in in there. Everywhere I go I am looking for something to re-purpose. 🙂
Dear Mandi-
When you finally get your lighting line, please remember to make it affordable. I’m struggling to find thing I love for a decent price, and I suck at DIY-ing lights. (Fear of electrical perhaps?)
Luv yo gutz!
You are GREAT!! I love all of your posts. I believe I can do these and they don’t cost an arm and a leg.
Thank you for all your down to earth ideas of how to put beautiful and current decorating items in our
house. I am thrilled with these lights and the barn door. Thank you so much. Please hurry and put up
picture tutorial for your eyebrows for windows. I WILL definitely start following you on Pinterest.
I can’t wait to do my barn door now. I just couldn’t figure out how. Thank you so very much.
Really wonderful! The sky is the limit on what bowl you could use, yes? Lighting is WAY overpriced…. Where I live, shades are non-existent and I have to make my own – thanks for sharing your creativity!
I just ran across your blog today and I’ve bookmarked it! Love it! And as a random aside, I have that exact same bowl hanging as a pendant light over my kitchen sink! 😉 Great minds think alike!