When I first saw this basket in a Spotlight store I knew it was supposed to be a light fitting.
And making that happen was surprisingly quick and easy!
The first thing I did was remove the heavy timber base. It was just attached with four screws so that was pretty straight forward.
Next I demolished an old lampshade (you can pick one up for just a few dollars second-hand) to release the metal frame.
Once it was free I used a hacksaw to cut off the large ring.
I then straightened each arm slightly before curling their tips.
NOTE: You can straighten the arms with your hands, though I found it pretty hard-going with my brass frame and noticed it tended to loosen the welds as they are the weakest point – where the arms are connected to the ring. Using pliers was much quicker and easier.
This is what I ended up with. It’s like some kind of weird three-legged spider thingy.
Manipulating the arms warped the ring a little though not enough to effect its function.
To finish, I inserted the weird three-legged spider thingy inside the basket and hooked the curled arms under the basket frame.
So simple!
NOTE: I kinda just got lucky with the size of my lamp shade frame as the ring sits just below the top of the basket rim – perfect! Obviously, if the arms had been too short they wouldn’t have had enough reach to hook under the basket frame at all three points. On the other hand, if the arms had been too long the ring may have sat proud at the top of the basket, resulting in the globe being visible above the basket shade upon installation (not the greatest look). But, shortening arms that are too long is much easier than lengthening arms that are too short. So, my advice would be to go bigger rather than smaller with your lamp shade frame.
Originally, my plan was to hang it as a pendant using a DIY suspension kit though when I trialled it in the room it felt a little imposing and distracting sitting low.
This is how it would have worked as a pendant. For my test I used this old white pendant suspension kit I already had.
So, instead I attached it directly to the batten like a regular ceiling mounted fixture.
It’s a bit hard to get a photo, though it works just like this.
I used the batten cover from the original light in the room.
I’m sure there are a million ways to have turned this basket into a light fitting, though I found this technique super quick and easy, plus it worked well.
And if your basket is different to mine, I’m sure there are a million ways to adapt this method to suit you. This was a total experiment for me, so just have a play and see what you can come up with.
And don’t forget, you could always also use it as a lamp shade if you flip it around!
Have fun :)
See the entire master bedroom makeover reveal HERE.
That is SO cute! You did a great job!
Thank you :)
You’ve inspired me…as usual! Thanks so much!
Thank you :)
très simple, en effet.
Merci
Thanks!
I swear, everything you touch is gold …
LOL, I wish, wouldn’t that be cool? :)
I love the fixture. Worried that it maybe a fire hazard. Did the inspector have any issues with it?
The building inspector had no issues. I’ve done quite a bit of research into DIY light fittings and the potential fire risks, plus have had a few discussions with a friend who is a sparky. Of course there are safe and unsafe ways to go about things. Out of interest, what would your worries be in regard to this fitting? Legitimate question as I’m trying to be as across the subject as possible.
Given I’ve used an actual lamp shade frame as the fitting component, and my basket is no where near the bulb, I can’t see any issues. Modern LED bulbs also don’t generate heat like incandescent bulbs, and light fittings are commonly made from natural materials like cane, fabric, and timber, there are even paper ones. From what I’ve researched, most materials are safe as long as there is venting space and no direct bulb contact. Of course, as with any light fitting, it also pays to use a bulb with the correct wattage, and as I mentioned, LEDs emit less heat than incandescents.
Like I said, genuinely interested to hear your thoughts :)
Great idea for boho style, which I like:) Thank you, An-Wer R.
So, after seeing the full-house reveal, my 9-year-old daughter expressed two thoughts:
1. Bring you over to Austin, TX, to redo her room, as she’s ready to move from little-girl pink to more-sophisticated purple/lavender and just *knows* you’d do a perfect job of it; and
2. Bring down all our stuff from the attic, clutter up our house, and send you photos because then you’d be unable to resist coming to help us redo our whole place.
Whaddya say? Consider this an official invite (so we don’t have to do the clutter suggestion)!
LOL, yep, avoiding clutter tactics is always a good thing :)
Really flattered by your lovely comment. Thanks so much.
Love the basket idea and it adds a touch of a boho style too. You prove the true meaning of creativity. to it. Please keep posting for more!
Great Post!! Absolutely amazing.
Where did you get this lamp shade, or one like it I love it, and am trying to do it for a friend.
Thanks!!,
Karen
Hi Karen. As linked in the post, I got it from Spotlight but that was a few years ago. Have a look around at dollar stores, op shops and variety stores like Target and Kmart.
Thanks so much!!