Lights, Camera, Action: DIY Industrial Wall Sconces

Light up the night with a set of personalized, industrial-style wall sconces.

Bedroom Lighting
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Show: Buy or DIY

Lighting of any size and shape can be hard to come by. It’s not only expensive, but it can also be extremely difficult to find a piece that matches your style and existing decor. The solution? DIY it, of course.

Materials Needed

  • (2) birdcage lampshades
  • (2) cord lights
  • (2) white shelf brackets
  • (4-6) sheets silver and gold leaf
  • tacky craft glue
  • (16) crystal chandelier drops
  • craft varnish
  • small foam brush
  • small paint brush
  • (2) vintage-style LED bulbs

Attach Metallic Leaf

Use a foam brush to coat a small section of the lampshade with the tacky glue. Using your fingers, gently press the gold and silver leaf onto the glued area. The goal isn't to have a perfect surface, so don’t worry if it’s a little messy. Repeat this process until both shades are covered. Allow the shades to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Photo by: RTR Media

RTR Media

Coat With Varnish

The next step is to cover the leaf in craft varnish. Use a small paint brush to push the leaf into the spokes and brush away any loose bits. The varnish will thoroughly seal the leaf and give it a smooth, finished look. Repeat until the whole cage is covered. Once dry, use a dry paint brush to brush away any leftover flakes that may have been missed.

Photo by: RTR Media

RTR Media

Attach Crystals

Now that your lampshades are starting to take shape, it’s time to add a little bling. Carefully attach the chandelier crystals to each center section of the cage. You can adjust the length to fit by cutting off the top crystal, if necessary. If your drops do not have a metal ring, use clear fishing line instead.

Photo by: RTR Media

RTR Media

Finish + Install

Attach the pendant lights to the cage using the provided hardware (Image 1). Mount the white brackets to the desired spot on your wall and wrap the cord around it. Adjust to desired height and make sure the switch is within reach. Finish the piece by adding an LED bulb and bask in the light (Image 2).

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