DIY A Stunning Boho-Inspired Light Feature Out Of A Repurposed Kitchen Essential
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Whether you're aiming for a boho kitchen that nails the eclectic aesthetic or looking for ways to style the perfect boho entryway, the light feature you use goes a long way toward creating the right vibe. Instead of shopping around and not finding what you want, why not DIY one with objects you have at home (or can get for cheap at a thrift or craft store)? This project repurposes a metal wire fruit bowl as the shade to create a boho-on-a-budget-inspired light that comes out looking exactly as you want it to and is highly affordable.
Any style of wire fruit basket will work. If yours has a handle, use pliers to remove it. Spray the basket a warm metallic color — gold, copper, or bronze fits into the warmth of the boho decor feeling. To truly get the boho feel, you'll want to add interest by tying various objects around the edge of the fruit bowl shade — think gold bells on the rim as a form of tassels and chunky wood beads around the top (inspired by TikTok creator @emma1993) to make it less "fruit bowl" and more "lighting feature."
Once the decorating process is done, use an AlltroLite Battery-Operated Wireless LED Light Bulb (or a similar option) to add light to the shade without any wiring. Cover the globe of the bulb with tape, and spray paint the base and the bottom half of the light to match the bowl. While you're waiting for the paint to dry, tie a piece of rope through the bottom section of the bowl, which will become the top of the lampshade. The rope is used to suspend the fitting. Use hot glue to attach the base of the bulb to the inside of the bowl, and hang your finished lighting feature.
Boho-inspired, but all your style DIY light fixture
Flexibility is the key to this project, from the fruit bowl you choose to the finishing touches. The great thing about using a battery-operated bulb is that they often come with remote controls that allow you to adjust the color and intensity of the light. That way you can easily choose between soft white vs warm white lights in your room, though a warmer tone is more likely to suit the laid-back, welcoming mood of a boho interior. The battery-powered bulb also allows for quick changes — since there are no wires, relocating your light is easy.
Using the basic idea, you can easily adapt this DIY to suit your taste and the aesthetic of your home. Boho designs lean toward using natural materials and diverse patterns. Soften the look of the repurposed lampshade by doing away with mismatched bells and using softer jute tassels instead. A set such as the AEKAO Natural Jute Tassels should give you enough to go around. If you prefer the look of metal, consider using old coins in different metallic shades and sizes. For a more balanced look, use coins of the same size and color, such as the Misdary Memento Mori Coins.
The naked bulb look isn't for everyone, and with this light, that's easily fixed. Use jute string to weave in and out through the wires of the fruit bowl for a shadier version that still holds true to the essence of boho styling. Use a couple of lengths of string to make a large plait to go around the base of the bowl instead of using chunky beads. Glue the ends well so that they don't come loose and unravel.