Bright Ideas for DIY Lighting Projects

From: Emily Henderson

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Hula Hoop Chandelier

If you have two hours and $20, designer Emily Henderson has just the lighting project for you: A chandelier made from basic plastic hula-hoops. "I love this chandelier's graphic, modern look. It's large-scale but not visually heavy, and it couldn't be easier to make," she says.

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Create Your Own Modern Copper Pendant Light

A simple material from the plumbing section of the hardware store — copper piping — is transformed into a modern light fixture with just a few simple tools. Get the how-to over on Design Happens.

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Make a Stacked-Books Table Lamp

Upcycle old books by turning them into a one-of-a-kind lamp.

Photo: Zach Desart. From: HGTV Magazine

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Turn a Beaker Into a Kitschy Lamp

Transform basic science lab supplies into a one-of-a-kind lamp with this how-to from HGTV Magazine.

Photo: Courtesy of Emily Hart. From: HGTV Magazine

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Easy Gold-Dotted Lamp Base

Transform a basic glass-bottomed lamp into a designer showpiece with white latex paint and dots of gold leaf. Get the full how-to from HGTV Magazine.

From: HGTV Magazine

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Make Your Own Light-Up Letter

Marquee letters are quite the rage right now. Most of the DIY versions are made from chipboard 3D letters from the craft store; we used plywood to create a larger-scale version. Get the step-by-step instructions to create this larger scale letter from HGTV Magazine.

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From: Michelle Edgemont

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Dress Up a Paper Lantern

Add paper or washi tape to a basic paper lantern to create a custom design on the cheap.

Photo: Marko Metzinger/Studio D. From: HGTV Magazine

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Make a Starry Lampshade

Transform a basic paper pendant shade into something custom with stick-on decals, like these retro starbursts seen in HGTV Magazine.

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From: Michelle Edgemont

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Revive a Table Lamp With Washi Tape

Update an old lampshade with layers of patterned washi tape to create a hip, colorful new decoration. For the most variety, use different widths and colors of washi tape that all have something in common. For example, these tapes are all a white pattern on a colored background.

Photo: Lara Robby/Studio D. From: HGTV Magazine

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Transform a Flea Market Find

Even the most dated lamp can be made modern with a coat of spray paint and a fresh shade embellished with ribbon. Get tips for your own makeover from HGTV Magazine.

From: Marian Parsons

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Transform a Basic Lamp With Twine

Give a ho-hum lamp and shade nautical style by adding a layer of natural hemp twine. This quick update is easy, inexpensive and breathes new life into a tired accessory.

Photo: Thomas Liggett. From: HGTV Magazine

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Make Egg Basket Pendants

Vintage egg baskets take on new life when spray painted in neon hues and paired with a monochromatic light kit. Get the how-to from HGTV Magazine.