DIY Modern Chandelier Light
Ever since I saw this light fixture on Pinterest from Remodelaholic, I’ve considered making something similar for my home. While I did make a few stylistic changes to make mine more modern and less rustic, the concept is the same. Take an outdated light bar from a bathroom and transform it into a DIY modern chandelier.
For your convenience, some links on this page are affiliate links. To read my full disclosures and policies, click here.
Table of Contents
Fixing the Wood
First thing to do is disassemble this wood covered light to uncover just the light strip.
Then tape off the sockets and spray paint. I chose Rustoleum 2X cover matte black spray paint – my favorite!
While that paint is drying, fashion something to attach the light bar to. I am fixing up this 2 x 6 by shaving the sides on my bandsaw and sanding.
The block of wood will allow me to string nylon rope through to hang my DIY modern chandelier. So at this point, drill two holes on each edge of where the light bar will attach to the wood.
The nylon rope I like to use is black paracord. When you cut it, you have to burn the ends so it doesn’t fray. String it through the holes and make sure you have enough to hang the height you want from the ceiling.
When the spray paint is dry, lift off the cover exposing the interior electrical by removing two little screws on the side of the light bar. Here drill through the metal back to install three screws securing the light bar to the 2 x 6 piece of wood.
Wiring a DIY Light
Now it is time to wire this light! I’m not an electrician, so I asked my electrician friend to help me and oversee I was doing it right. Use a lamp cord to hardwire the fixture into the ceiling. Cut off the plug and other end of the lamp cord with a wire nippers, leaving the copper wiring on the inside exposed.
Now push that lamp cord through the hole you used for the hanging rope. Inside the light bar, attach the copper wiring from the white wire to the wire on the lamp cord that has ribbing. Attach the black wire to the part of the lamp cord that is smooth. When your copper ends are twisted around each other, secure them with wire connector. Scrunch all the wires back in the light bar and recover it.
DIY Modern Chandelier: Choosing Bulbs and Hanging
Now we are almost ready to install! Replace the collars that go on each socket and put in your light bulbs. I chose these stylish Edison style ones for a modern industrial look.
To hang the light fixture, you will need a canopy kit with a loop in the middle. Begin installation by pushing the other end of the lamp cord through the center hole on your canopy. Someone else will need to help you hold up the fixture while you do the wiring. Inside the ceiling there should be a white and black wire again. Wire the white to the ribbed and the black to the smooth parts of the lamp cord. Secure with wire connectors and then screw in the canopy.
String the nylon rope through the canopy’s loop and tie it off. It does take some patience to get the DIY modern chandelier to hang level from each direction!
The Final Product
Also take a look at these modern plant hangers I made with that same black nylon rope.
Materials
Spray paint: https://amzn.to/2MnpzcC
Nylon rope: https://amzn.to/35jd2zF
Lamp cord: https://amzn.to/2LYHqrg
Edison Light Bulbs: https://amzn.to/2IA7HKx
Canopy kit: https://amzn.to/33bCbKA
Light Fixture you should get secondhand – they’re everywhere!
2 x 6 is cheapest at your local hardware store
If you were inspired, don’t forget to pin and share. Thanks so much 🙂
I think this new light fixture looks great above our dining room table – let me know what you think in the comments!
Look for another post coming from me sooner rather than later about our exterior renovation! We’re finally getting close to done on the outside of our home and the before and afters will blow you away!
