Transform Basic Bowls into Pendant Lights
Truly personalized home lighting can be yours, and it’s easier than you might think. All it takes is a pendant light kit, a bowl, and a drill equipped with a special bit to get this great look!
The light kits come with everything you need and are available in finishes like brushed nickel, bronze, brass, white, and black — all for around $15 per light.
The cool shades at left are made from soft metal bowls that we purchased at a local Pier 1 Imports store.
Determine the Center Point
To find the center of the bowl, use a combination square to mark two intersecting lines across the base. A black marker shows up well on most surfaces.
Drill a Small Starter Hole
Now drill a starter hole with a small drill bit right at the center point. This will make it easier to center the larger hole saw.
Drill the Hole
Use a hole saw to complete the hole. Apply moderate pressure as you drill, and take breaks to clear debris if the saw binds.
Add the Fixture
Pendant light kits include a cover plate that attaches to the ceiling, an adjustable-length cord, and a socket assembly with a ring that secures the shade.
Now you can add a shade of your choosing.
Light Up Your Imagination
Many different kinds of bowls can be turned into pendant lights.
In the past, the heat of incandescent light bulbs would make you want to steer clear of materials like plastic or wood. But today’s LED and compact-fluorescent bulbs stay cool, so these materials are safe to use with them.
Just avoid using bowls that are too heavy for the fixtures, such as large ceramic or glass bowls.