Create Charming Lighting Throughout Your Home By Reusing Shelf Brackets

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The right type of lighting can completely make or break a room — choosing the perfect lighting for your space is a simple upgrade that can enhance the overall atmosphere. The general consensus is that harsh overhead lighting is out, instead being replaced by the warm, inviting glow of lamps and wall-mounted lighting sources. But certain lighting fixtures can cost a fortune, especially if you're purchasing them for your entire house. Rather than breaking the bank on newer lighting fixtures, try this simple yet effective upgrade that involves shelving brackets. If you're in the process of removing old shelves, you can repurpose the hardware into stunning wall-mounted lights. You'll use the bracket to hold a simple socket pendant light. With a little technical skill, you can transform these otherwise discarded design elements into stunning light fixtures that complement just about any interior style.

Shelving brackets are available in a number of materials, ranging from stainless steel to rich wood tones. Choose a material that will accent the rest of your space. For example, a rustic, modern farmhouse interior might benefit from hanging lights with a stained wooden frame. It can create a cohesive feeling among your other wooden decor, like a large dining table or even trending wide-planked wooden flooring. On the other side of the design world, a modern interior may benefit from a darker accent, like black wood or brass. If you're installing these DIY lights in your kitchen, you can match it to your existing cabinet hardware or mix and match your metal tones.

Getting started on this project doesn't require complicated tools or woodworking experience. Start by selecting a plug-in pendant socket light. The cord can simply hang over the top of the bracket to mount your light. You can choose a pendant with a shade, but ensure there's enough room for it to hang from the bracket. Then, find a sturdy shelf bracket made from wood or metal that fits the style of the light. This will serve as the base for your wall-mounted light. 

Mount the bracket to the wall with the longer side facing away from the wall. If you use a heavier light fixture or one with a lampshade, you may want to install a few wall anchors to ensure that it can sustain the weight. For wooden brackets, you can file a notch into the front of the bracket and drill a hole at the back to give your cord a spot to sit. Or wrap the cord around the bracket, positioning it so the light hangs off the end of the bracket, similar to a lantern hanging on a hook.

To enhance the overall feel of your light source, it is important to choose the right lightbulb to fit the needs of your space. If you're installing these lights in a dimly light hallway, you will most likely want an LED bulb that will brighten up the space. Going for a cozier feel? An Edison bulb or a warmer, yellow bulb might be your best bet. It will cast a soft, inviting glow to your space that will help it to feel more cozy. 

The beauty of this DIY is truly how customizable it is for any home's interior. If you're going for a more rustic feel, you can incorporate reclaimed wooden brackets and a bit of rope to give it that chic, farmhouse aesthetic, all while hiding any exposed cords. Pair this design with a warmer Edison bulb that provides a subtle yellow glow around your entire space. For more modern interiors, metal accents are all the rage. Whether it's gold, black, or stainless steel brackets, there are any number of ways to customize your lighting fixtures. 

Don't like the existing color of a bracket you want to repurpose? You can use Rub N Buff to get the perfect metallic finish on your brackets, regardless of the shade. Paint or stain wooden brackets to create a more eclectic feel, transforming your lighting sources into conversation pieces around your space. These lights work perfectly in a small hallway that might not get a ton of sunlight or a cozy half bathroom with no windows. If you want to cover up the wire hanging down your wall, you can use a cord cover that's painted in the color of your wall.

For a renter-friendly option, you can use plug in pendant light kits and wrap the excess cord around the bracket or add decorative cable clips. With this approachable lighting DIY, you can swap out the bulbs for seasonal style, providing warmer lighting in the cozier winter months and brighter lights during the summer. Adding colorful LED light bulbs offers another element of customization — some include a remote control to switch between different colors.