Turn An Old Bicycle Wheel Into The Most Stylish Chandelier

Chandeliers are easily one of the most decorative pieces you can add to your home that will elevate and illuminate any room. Swapping boring light fixtures out for an ornate chandelier can bring more dimension to a space, but sometimes store bought or online options just don't match your aesthetic or ideas. If you've been searching for a DIY that will help you create a chandelier that you can completely customize, this bicycle wheel light not only gives you the most unique fixture, but is also a good conversation piece. Using the tire as your base, you can add everything from foliage and florals to crystals or beads as your hanging pieces, giving you a personalized design!

There are so many stylish ways you can repurpose bicycle wheels in your home, but this may be one of the most clever. If you already have an old bike tire, this is a great start to your supply list. If not, try looking around local vintage or thrift stores even if you have to purchase an old bicycle on Facebook marketplace, you may end up with two wheels that could both be repurposed into a chandelier. Depending on the condition of your bicycle wheel, you may need to do a few repairs or upgrades. This can include cleaning rust from the spokes or painting the entire piece. You will want to remove the rubber tire so you're only working with the metal frame for this DIY, too.

Painting is certainly one of the easiest and most efficient ways to make the tire match any aesthetic. You will also need a lightbulb and string, wire, or a strong adhesive for the actual light part of this fixture. You can find these online at Amazon or in store. A remote controlled light is your best option, as a bulb with a cord will create the issue of finding a plug and extension cord. If your tire has any rust, use distilled white vinegar or baking soda mixed with water (this forms a paste) to soak the rust then scrub it with a wire brush to remove.

For the rim of your bike tire, you may want to consider adding either fabric, rope, or even a thin layer of clay to create a more cohesive frame, but you can leave it as-is if you prefer the rustic vibe this gives. To hang your chandelier from the ceiling, purchase either stylish chains or thick rope which can be secured around the rim in three or four areas and then joined in the center above it to hang rom a hook. If you opt for lighting chains you can find online, make sure to purchase a connection ring that will hold all of the extending chains and can also hang from a hook on your ceiling. Use super glue or a hot glue gun to attach your bulb to the chandelier so it hangs toward the floor. Make sure to opt for warm lighting, as it is the key to a cozier room. 

Once you've finished painting and decorating the exterior of your piece, you can consider your hanging drapery that makes a chandelier so notable. The festoons can be as kitschy or traditional as you want. Crystal hangings would bring more light to the fixture, while building your own festoons from beads or charms is another option. Why not mix and match beads and shells for a coastal design, or stick with various florals and greenery to achieve a Cottagecore aesthetic similar to trending flower chandeliers you can buy online? You could even combine this tree light chandelier with your creation to really dig into the nature side of it. Twinkle lights are another great addition to this chandelier, as they will bring in more brightness and give the impression of multiple lighting levels. Or, you can secure multiple remote bulbs around the exterior of the tire for larger lighting.

To attach your festoons, you can use either wire or string as the base, tying this around the spokes before or after adding your beads. For your vines, these can be hung directly on the spokes. The more drapery you add, the fuller your finished effect will be. If you do have a second tire, you could always attach it to the first with more chains to create a tiered fixture, adding more decor between the two pieces. No matter how you design your chandelier, this unique light is sure to become a favorite item in your home!