I have been wanting a hanging lamp over this corner of my bedroom for years. I actually found a beautiful antique milk glass globe pendant for this space, but when I went to hang it, I dropped it...and it shattered. I was devastated. Although this new hanging basket lamp isn't even close to what I lost, it's the perfect addition to this corner...and it's super easy to make too! I went through all of the mistakes to get it right for you :) Usually this would be easy to make, but this basket came with a little surprise!
Supplies:
Woven Basket -Got mine from Hobby Lobby (similar linked here)
Hanging light cord with plug: Linked similar
Ruler/marker
Scissors, drill, possible Dremel if needed.
Fabric to cover cord, if wanted.
Measure and mark the middle of the bottom of the basket.
Step 2:
Cut out a circle in the middle of the bottom of the basket. Don't cut it too big. It's best to keep it just about the same size as what your light fixture will fit through.
As I was cutting mine, you'll see that I came across a hard metal rod right in the middle. This really threw me off, and it wouldn't cut with normal wire cutters.
So, I had to take it outside and use my Dremel with metal disc cutter to take it out. There is a way to avoid this step if you don't have a Dremel, just go to step 4.
Here's the hole, finally clear for the next step!
Step 3:
Place the top light fixture through the hole to make sure it fits. Most fixtures should have a piece that can come off to secure a shade to it; make sure that piece is screwed off.
When the light fixture is in, now screw that circle back onto it. The basket should sit snuggly between the two pieces. This helps keep the basket, now shade, from moving around.
Step 4:
I realized after I made a big hole, that another way to hang this is to just send the plug end through the basket and outside the bottom. The weaves in this basket would have made it pretty easy. The plus side to this is that you won't have to cut anything or use a Dremel! The downside is that the basket kind of wobbles around a bit and isn't as secure as Step 3's way. But, the choice is yours!
Step 5:
More than likely you will have either a white cord (better), or a black cord showing...I hated this black cord. If this was a white cord, I may have left it as is. So, here's a good way to hide that cord.
Grab a long piece(s) of scrap fabric, about 3 inches wide and however long you can get for your cord. If your cord is 10 feet, I would suggest at least 20 feet. I know that's a lot, but you can get a lot of 3" inch slivers out of a yard of fabric.
Fold one side of the fabric down and secure with hot glue (or sew if you wish). This fold should be about as thin as you can get.
Do the same fold and secure on the other side of the fabric.
Now you are going to fold them together with the cord in the middle and the secure in place with hot glue. Make sure you don't hot glue the cord.
If you come to a part that you need to add another length of fabric, just simply glue the pieces together.
But, it does look pretty from this angle! This completed this space!
I used one of my favorite rechargeable light bulbs in here, so when the power goes out (which it does waaaay to often during the summer), I'll be able to have a nice place to read with a working light.
Many many years ago, I made another basket light for my office. This has been fun to resurrect this project in a more modern look! Now I'm seriously on the look out for any basket that can be turned into a hanging light fixture!
Watch the full video tutorial here:
This one below is actually used without any cutting, and kind of a cool trick I totally forgot I did! I apparently didn't want to ruin this basket at all :) (tutorial linked here)
Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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