Turn An Old Wicker Basket Into A Hanging Lamp Full Of Rustic Charm With A DIY

The great thing about DIY home decorating is that you don't need a big budget or elaborate embellishments to transform a space. Our favorite decor pieces are often made from things we already own. For example, with just a few simple supplies, you can create warm, homespun lighting worthy of an IKEA showroom. How is it done? All you need to create this stunning DIY pendant light idea to brighten up your space is an upturned wicker basket with the handle removed and a light cord threaded through the center. You can use this light fixture to brighten up your kitchen, bedroom, or basically any room that needs a rustic touch.

First, you need to find a rope-style pendant light cord kit, like the Lyoowng Plug-In Pendant Light Cord Kit for about $10. The combination of brown rope and a wicker basket creates a country-meets-city aesthetic that's hard to beat. Since the bulb isn't always included in these kits, grab a warm amber Edison bulb — or a bulb in any style or color you prefer for the space. Don't have a wicker basket? No problem! Purchase this Shcmsado Small Wicker Picnic Basket for less than $20. You'll also need something to hang your new basket-turned-pendant light from. A ceiling hook similar to those used to hang planters would work, as would a Zevnico Metal Swag Hook. Not only is this DIY statement light fixture affordable, but it's also easy to assemble — find out how now!

Remove any handles from the basket with a utility knife or a pair of heavy-duty wire cutters. Once this is done, thread the plug end of the light cord through the center of the wicker basket's base. Keep pulling the cord through until the light socket sits flush with the base. Pull the cord taut so that the bulb, once it's installed, won't touch the sides of the basket. If you have a tightly woven basket, you may need to cut a small hole in the base to pass the cord through. Proceed with caution — you don't want to compromise the basket's structural integrity. It's a bit of a pull-one-thread-and-the-whole-thing-unravels situation!

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You're now ready to add your light bulb of choice and hang your new wicker pendant light in whatever room you've chosen as its new home. The setup of this DIY basket light is simple. If you don't already have a hook in your ceiling, you'll need to break out your electric drill to install one. First, check if there's a wall socket nearby since you'll need to run the light cord to it. If the cord isn't long enough, you'll need an extension cord at the ready. Drill a pilot hole in your ceiling and install your swag hook — or whatever style of ceiling hook you bought for this project — using a snap toggle bolt or similar sturdy anchor system. Screw the bulb into your pendant light, hang the light from the hook, and plug it into the outlet.

Perhaps one of the best things about this lighting DIY is its flexibility. Wicker baskets come in a nearly endless array of shapes and sizes. Instead of a rotund picnic basket, use a square or rectangular basket — it's what modern farmhouse style is all about. Consider hanging a row of pendant lights made from mini baskets above your kitchen island or dining room table. Decorating an industrial-chic room? Try swapping the rope-style pendant light kit for a YonoGlow Bronze Vintage Industrial Pendant Light Kit or similar metal fixture. Just keep in mind that metal kits may be a little more expensive than rope kits.

Add a layer of personalization by weaving ribbon or strips of scrap fabric through the holes in the basket. You could also ditch the light cord kit altogether and instead wrap the basket in string lights and faux foliage for nature-inspired DIY. This lighting idea would look lovely on a covered patio. If you're finding the beige of the basket uninspiring, add a few coats of spray paint in your favorite color before threading the cord through it. Go with subtle tones like light rose or barley white to keep the countryside vibe.

If you hate the look of the long cord trailing down your wall, you can wire the pendant light directly into an existing ceiling electrical box. Of course, unless you're confident with electrical wiring, this is a job for an electrician. Prefer to skip hanging your new wicker basket pendant light on the ceiling altogether? Hang it from the wall using a wooden shelf bracket. This idea is perfect for homes with especially high ceilings, where a wall-mounted light can be easier to access.