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D.I.Y. retro pendant light hack

By Bunnings Magazine /

Lounge room with retro pendant light.

Overview

This stylish designer pendant light is a cost-effective D.I.Y. project that can add a touch of glamour and colour to any room. It’s created by joining plastic shades that can be painted any colour you choose. Hang a set of three at various heights using D.I.Y. suspension light kits.


Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, ear muffs, disposable gloves and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

Steps

  1. 1

    Drill through the underside of the shade

    Clamp a timber offcut to the work surface to position each shade upside down, holding them firmly to drill through the centre with a 44mm holesaw.

     Tip: Enlarging the hole allows the shades to fit over the suspension light kits.

    Green Bunnings hammer
    Safety tip: D.I.Y. light kits are attached to hardwired battens, but the battens must be installed by a licensed electrician.
    A person uses a holesaw to drill through the underside of a lampshade.
  2. 2

    Drill discs to create the base and top

    Clamp the piece of 6mm MDF over the offcut and use a 64mm holesaw to drill six discs as the top and base of the pendants.

    A person using a holesaw to cut an MDF panel to shape.
  3. 3

    Cut the discs in half

    Smooth the edges with 180-grit abrasive paper. Mark the centres with a ruler and cut in half with a handsaw. Wipe the shades and half-discs with a damp cloth to remove any dust. Set them out on a drop sheet.

    A person smoothing the edges of an MDF disc on 180-grit abrasive paper.
  4. 4

    Spray paint the shades

    Working outside or in a well-ventilated area, spray a light coat of paint over the shades and half-discs; leave them to dry. Turn them over to spray undersides, leaving to dry, and then spray a second coat.

    Green Bunnings hammer
    Tip: Paint half discs in colours to match the shades at the top and base of the pendants.
    A person sprays a lampshade outdoors using spray paint.
  5. 5

    Thread the shades onto light kits

    Beginning at the top, thread the shades onto the D.I.Y. suspension light kits, top-and-tailing them in various formations. For shades that join at the rims, apply adhesive around the edges, position them together, secure with clothes pegs and leave to dry.

    Clothes pegs are used to clamp two shades together.
  6. 6

    Hang from existing fixtures

    Match the half-discs to the same-colour shades at the top and base of each pendant, applying adhesive to secure and leaving to dry. Hang from existing fixtures and attach vintage-style globes.

    Keep in mind:

    • Always use safety gear when using power tools. Work in a well-ventilated area to use cutting tools, including jigsaws and holesaws.
    • When painting, always use a drop sheet to protect the surrounding area from spills or overspray, and always paint in a well-ventilated area or outside.
    • Any hardwired electrical work must be carried out by a licensed tradie.
    • This project is for indoor use only.

     

    A person secures an MDF disc to the top of an upcycled lampshade.
  7. 7

    Loving this design?

    Have a look at our D.I.Y. textured planter plinth for another decor project in a similar style.

     

    Photo Credit: Belinda Merrie and Sam van Kan.

    *Timbers may vary by state and territory; contact your local store for further information.

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Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.