Unique DIY Lighting Design Ideas

Most of us experience a feeling of accomplishment when we take something old and transform it into something fresh and new. That's exactly what these DIY lighting ideas are all about. Plus, your new lighting addition will look great in your home! The majority of the DIY lighting projects we've listed below use materials you already have stored away in your attic, basement, or elsewhere, so you won't have to spend a lot of money to put them together. This article will give you the basic instructions and supply list needed to make your own unique lighting.

Rope Lamp

A rope lamp looks gorgeous with virtually any home d©cor. It can be used with a coastal themed room, a country or rustic themed room, and even in a child's room. Best of all, this DIY lighting can be completed in a few simple steps. You'll need the following:

- Wide based lamp
- Fine-grit sandpaper
- Rope (½" diameter)
- Hot glue gun

STEP 1 - Sand down the lamp lightly to give the glue something to adhere to.

STEP 2 - Begin at the base of the lamp and apply hot glue directly to the surface. As you do this, wind the rope in place and press it down so that it adheres. (You may want an assistant help you with this process)

STEP 3 - Continue winding the rope in place (with no gaps between the rope sections) until it is covering the lamp completely.

Top your lamp with a canvas lamp shade and you're done!

Lit Topiary

A lit topiary can be used as ambient lighting when placed in the corner of any room. It can also be placed outdoors, providing you use strings of lights approved for outdoor use. These DIY lighting projects require very few materials and take very little time to put together. You'll need the following:

- Lightweight wire topiary frame
- 2 strands of mini white lights (with green wire)
- Green floral tape
- Large planter
- Thick green Styrofoam or florist foam
- Hot glue gun
- Artificial moss or other greenery

STEP 1 - Hot glue the thick Styrofoam to the bottom of the planter. Note - You'll want a piece of Styrofoam that is thick enough to hold the wire frame in place.

STEP 2 - Begin at the base of the wire frame and start stringing the lights. Tape the wire in place with floral tape as you arrange the lights. (It may be helpful to have an assistant for this step)

STEP 3 - Once the entire wire frame is covered with lights, insert the frame into the planter.

STEP 4 - Add artificial moss or other greenery to the planter to conceal the bottom of the wire frame.

Luminaries

Luminaries are often seen outside the home, lined up and down walkways. While this is certainly a more common way to display these DIY lighting projects, they can be used safely inside the home, as well, providing a candle alternative is used. Homemade luminaries are VERY easy to make and can be customized to fit any home d©cor, holiday, or event. Your finished projects can be displayed on stairways, fireplace mantels, window ledges, decorative ladders, plant stands, and many other areas of the home. Follow the basic instructions in this helpful article - 'How to Make Homemade Luminaries'. Simply omit the instruction to decorate them with a Halloween theme, and choose a style or pattern of your choice instead.

Gourd Lantern

This unique DIY lighting design will make a stunning addition anywhere you place it, and is sure to gather compliments from those that see it. It can be placed on a flat surface or hung overhead from a 'S' hook. They require a moderate skill level, and require the same supplies listed in the following article - 'How to Make a Gourd Birdhouse'. However, the need for the dowel rod can be omitted.

STEP 1 - Wash and prepare your gourd as explained here.

STEP 2 - Paint the gourd a solid color. Allow the paint to dry.

STEP 3 - Using a different paint color, draw several same-shape designs. Squares, rectangles, triangles, etc. are easy to draw by hand. Allow the paint to dry.

STEP 4 - Use an artist's paintbrush to outline each of the shape with solid black paint. Allow the paint to dry.

STEP 5 - Spray the entire lantern with a clear sealant to prevent the paint from chipping. This will also give your DIY lighting a polished look.

STEP 6 - Wearing a dust mask, drill holes inside each of the shapes. The holes will allow the light to travel through the gourd lantern, so drill several of them, but don't let the holes touch. Two different size drill bits can be used to prevent too much of a uniform look.

STEP 7 - Wipe off the gourd with a damp cloth. Dry with a soft towel.

More from Jennifer Wagner:

Simple and Unique Window Treatment Design Ideas

Cozy Decorating Tips for Your Home

Add Warmth to Your Home with Color

SOURCE:

Personal knowledge and experience

Jennifer Wagner - Yahoo! Contributor Network

http://yourwisdom.yahoo.com/your-home/simple-unique-window-treatment-design-ideas-article-acid.html

http://yourwisdom.yahoo.com/your-home/cozy-decorating-tips-home-article-acid.html

http://yourwisdom.yahoo.com/your-home/add-warmth-home-color-article-acid.html