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Hey, DIY enthusiasts! I’ve got an easy DIY project that’s going to shed some light on your dining room decor!….. I’m talking about DIY light fixtures using an existing frosted glass pendant and a few easy-to-find materials. This project is a perfect inexpensive way for adding a touch of personal flair to your home decor. Plus, it’s a great way to repurpose your own light fixture that you already have!
I started with an old frosted glass pendant light hanging in my dining room. It’s functional, yes, but it’s lacking that pizzazz I wanted. Well, a little creativity and elbow grease, went a long way with this project.
Step-by-Step Guide
* First thing, make sure the power is turned off to the light at the breaker box. Carefully removing the light bulb and frosted glass pendant from the chain. *
Transforming The Chain
Let’s talk about the chain. Instead of sticking with the same old silver finish, I gave it a whole new vibe. I did not take the chain down because I’m not so handy with electrical wire stuff. I slightly untwisted the base enough to get my blue painters tape underneath and taped off my area. (If you are not an electrical pro and want to remove everything, it’s a good idea to call a local licensed electrician). After cleaning the chain with my liquid sander, I painted satin (matte works great too) black spray paint. Rustoleum works great for this. Spray a couple thin coats and make sure all sides are covered. This simple step will instantly elevate the entire look.
**Chain Coverage: If you miss any spots on the chain, use a small brush and some black paint to touch up those areas.
Click here to see the video of this project!
Prepping the Pendant for Plaster
Now, onto the old fixture. Clean the surface thoroughly to remove any dust or grime. This will help the plaster adhere better. I used warm soapy water then a coat of my liquid sander.
** Once it’s clean and dry, use painter’s tape to cover any areas you don’t want to plaster. This could be the inside of the pendant or any attachment points.
Applying the Plaster
It’s time to get a little messy! Using my pre-mixed plaster, I applied a thin and even coat to the outside of the pendant using a paintbrush (to give textured lines look). You don’t want the plaster to be too thick, as it might crack or not adhere properly. Let the first coat dry completely before applying the second thin coat. This layering technique will give your pendant a smooth, even finish.
**Uneven Plaster: If you notice any uneven areas or bumps in the plaster, gently sand them down with fine-grit sandpaper before painting.
Painting the Pendant
Once your plaster is fully dry, it’s time to add some color. I sprayed the entire pendant with a coat of white spray paint to give it a clean, modern look to brighten my dining area. To make the inside of the pendant more opaque, I painted it too. This helped diffuse the light and create a softer glow.
**Paint Drips: To avoid drips when spray painting, always start and finish your spray off the object. This helps control the amount of paint being applied and reduces the risk of drips.
Adding the Finishing Touches
Now that the new pendant light is complete, the next thing was for me to reassembled it in my dining room. Making sure it’s securely attached to the ceiling and that all electrical connections are safe and sound.
And there you have it – a custom, new light fixture that adds a touch of organic modern look and creativity to your home. This project is a great example of how a little bit of effort and creative ways can transform everyday items into a whole new look.
If you enjoyed this project, be sure to check out my other DIY tutorials, like creating a DIY accent wall that complements your new pendant light.
Don’t forget to follow and share your DIY light fixtures with me on social media! I love seeing how you make these projects your own.
Until next time, happy DIY-ing!
