10 Awesome DIY Light Ideas

Looking for cool light source ideas that are easy to make and don’t cost a lot of money? You’re in luck. See below ten cool DIY light source ideas.

1. Hemp Pendant Lamps

This cool project is very easy to make and that is why it is our number one choice. If you want to start making your own light sources, this is what your first step should be.

Stuff you need:

• bouncy balls of various sizes
• clear drying craft glue (about 1 bottle per ball) such as Aleene’s Clear Gel Tacky Glue
• hemp string 20lb. weight
• estimated amounts needed:
• 16 inch diameter ball—400 yards
• 14 inch diameter ball—300 yards
• 9 inch diameter ball—100 yards
• plastic gloves (optional)
• trash bag or small drop cloth
• permanent marker
• ball inflating needle (available at sporting goods stores or bike shops)
• light fixture and hardware

Go online to see how the project is made.

2. The White Twig Chandy

If you are a fan of wood and bringing nature into your own home, you will love this twigged-up chandelier.

Stuff you need:

• some kind of wire
• clippers
• needle nose pliers
• scissors
• twine
• spray paint (something for wood is good)
• twigs of choice
• chandelier to work with

Check out the process for making this cool chandelier here.

3. The Plumbing Pipe Light

If you have some old pipes you have no use for, here is how you can turn them into a cool DIY light project.

Stuff you need:

• Six light fixture sockets
• One 1/2” floor flange
• Six PVC Male 1” by 3/4” Coupling Adapters
• Two 1/2” Black Steel Elbows
• Six 1/2” x 2” Nipples
• Four 1/2” x 8” Nipples
• Three 1/2” x 3” Nipple Five 1/2” Tees
• Wire
• Spray paint
• Light bulbs

It’s so easy to make, but you are not good at setting out electrical wires, make sure you ask someone who knows.

4. Handcrafted Mason Jar Lampshade

Don’t throw away old jars. Simply use them to create a modern light source.

Stuff you need:

• 1 handmade rustic cherry wood crate 23” x 7.5”
• 10 quart size Ball or Kerr brand (Unless specified at checkout) mason jars hung at varied lengths (lowest jar hangs 31″ from the ceiling)
• 10 custom mason jar pendant lids with phenolic sockets
• personalized stainless steel tags (Please provide your personalization information at time of check out)
• All necessary mounting hardware

The result is simply gorgeous, so make sure you try this idea asap.

5. Modern Paper Lampshade

A fun, colorful light source that can easily be made with paper.

Stuff you need:

• Practice paper: One 8½”-wide x 11″-long sheet of copy paper
• One 24″-wide x 37″-long rectangle of thin, crisp, translucent paper
• 24″ metal ruler
• Pencil Bone or wood folder
• Removable tape
• Glue stick
• ¹⁄8″-round paper punch
• Kitchen twine
• lamp kit

Follow the instructions listed here and be done in no time.

6. Modern chandelier

If you have $ 10 and some free time, you should definitely try this cool DIY chandelier.

Stuff you need:

• Lamp and cord pendant set, such as the IKEA Hemma
• 10 3/16″ wood dowels, 36″-length
• 1 can spray paint
• Saw or utility knife
• Hot glue gun and yellow (wood) glue sticks
• Two-part epoxy, Household Goop, or E6000 glue
• Tin snips or sharp scissors (optional)

Here’s how it’s made.

7. Rustic Linen Lampshades

Stuff you need:

• 60 inches of thick, silver wire
• Wire cutters, pliers, strong tape
• 2 yards of rough, organic linen sold by the yard
• A sturdy cotton thread
• A white or black Ikea Cord Set
• A bulb
• At least 26 inches of cotton string

Follow the instructions mentioned here and create a natural linen light source for your home.

8. Kitchen Colander Light

Stuff you need:

• hanging lamp kit
• a colander
• a light bulb
• a drill machine

Simply drill a hole in the colander and merge it with the hanging lamp kit. Just make sure you don’t use an ordinary plastic colander, but a metal one, so that it stands the heat from the light bulb. Chose colanders in different colors and make sure you buy a nice light bulb because it will show.

9. The Lace Lamp

Something that looks so beautiful, can be easily made even by an inexperienced person. The result is simply great and it takes very little time (if you don’t count the fact that you have to let it dry).

Stuff you need:

• White Glue OR Flour
• Water
• Many Doilies
• 1 Large, round balloon
• Scissors
• String
• A light bulb socket
• A CFL or LED bulb

Follow the easy instructions listed here.

10. The Lego Lamp

Who hasn’t played with Lego pieces while growing up? Well you can still use Legos, but this time to make a cool, cheerful light source.

Stuff you need:

• Legos
• An old lamp
• Creativity

Do you know any other cool DIY projects for light sources?