I wanted a simple and neutral boho vibe for my children’s shared bedroom. But also, I wanted it to have a bit of farmhouse charm, since we’re living in and renovating an old farmhouse. Most importantly, I needed it to be aesthetically pleasing and not cost me an arm and a leg.
If you’re looking for an easy to make DIY boho light fixture (and appreciate the option to mix different decor styles) , or a light fixture with some farmhouse charm, this project is highly customizable, easy on the wallet and even easier on the eyes.
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My inspiration
I pulled inspiration from a quick google search, and also from my fave home decor places online. I really like Anthropologie, and looked specifically at these models for inspiration, merging the tassels from the image on the right and the basket with missing weave on the left to create space for the light to shine out.
How to make a DIY boho light fixture
1- Measure the circumference of the light socket / boob light/ fixture/ that you want to attach the basket light to.
2-Cut a hole in the bottom of the basket that is the same size as the light socket/ boob light/ light fixture circumference from step 1.
3- If using a wooden, wicker or rattan basket, use hot glue to secure the basket pieces around the hole to prevent the basket from unraveling.
4- Cut 5-7 strips of rattan out in order to create space for the light to easily shine through the basket.
5- Use paint to paint stripes (or your preferred design) on the basket
6- Attach tassels, spaced evenly, along the bottom row of the basket. Cut tassels to desired length.
7- Secure the basket light fixture around the light bulb socket / boob light/ light fixture. (Just use screws to drill through the basket on the inside to attach the fixture to the ceiling. Make sure the basket is centered around the light and not touching it.)
Lights you can use for a DIY boho light fixture
Because of the way that the light socket was already installed, I chose to make this project as a type of lamp shade or “go around” for the flush mount lights that were already situated in the room. You could very easily modify this project to go with other types of lighting:
Pendant lamp
In this situation you would need to cut the hole at the top of the basket smaller. Just large enough to fit the light socket through, and then you could hang the pendant light cord kit from a ceiling hook or a hook on the wall.
Boob lights
This could also be a very simple way to transform the dated “boob light” with minimal extra cost. This could also be a great option if you are renting and unable to switch out the flush mount ceiling light fixtures in your home, but still need an aesthetic update. To do this, cut the hole in the basket large enough to fit around the exterior of the boob light fixture, and then secure the basket to the wall using 2 screws.
Glass pendant
If you’ve got a glass pendant light but still want to do this boho light fixture, you could easily create the light fixture with a hole at the top just slightly bigger than the socket. Remove the light and place the basket above the socket, then screw the light back in. The basket will completely envelope the glass pendant, so you wouldn’t even see it.
Table lamps
You could easily replace the shade for your table lamp with this boho light fixture. You’d need to first remove the existing shade, then follow the directions (below) to complete the rest of the light fixture and simply attach it above the light socket.
Supplies for a DIY boho light fixture
-basket (any kind you want, as long as you are able to cut a hole in the top to make space for the light socket to go through. I got mine at the Dollarama, but you could definitely find unique and well priced ones at garage sales or a local thrift store)
–macrame string or pieces of yarn (this comes in different sizes and colours, so whatever your preference is)
-paint (I used acrylic paint, however you could also use spray paint or even wall paint from the hardware store)
–hanging lamp kit OR flush mount ceiling light that is already installed
-hot glue gun with glue sticks (Hot glue is better than wood glue for this project because the hold is immediate. I love hot gorilla glue sticks for projects like this)
Variations
there are many different ways to modify this light fixture, here are just a few suggestions:
Sub the tassels for wooden beads
For this substitute, you would still need to attach strings to the bottom of the basket, however they would be single strings. Space the strings evenly apart, and then string wooden beads onto the bottom of each string, and tie a strong knot so that the beads don’t come off. You could even get different colours of wooden beads, or use any type of other bead that you fancy. This is a straight forward switch from tassel chandelier to bead chandelier.
Hanging chains
Instead of hanging tassels, you could also hang metal cable link chains, creating a frame of connected small hoop or semi-circles around the bottom perimeter of the drum shade basket. This could create a more industrial , minimalist vibe for your space.
Baskets made of different materials
For this project I specifically used a basket that I found at the Dollarama because I really liked how it looked. There are many different types, shapes and sizes of baskets though that would also make great basket light drum shades. Even a fabric basket in the right size could work well, and in that case you would just use fabric paint instead to paint the stripes.
You can also hit up Amazon, which has a great and diverse selection of baskets.
This one is a cute oval shape, you’d just need to remove the handles and liner.
These set of 3 would make an excellent light fixture, and then the other 2 could be used to store items in the same room. I’m swooning over this for my bathroom!
These green baskets would also make beautiful basket lights! I’d recommend using a brighter LED bulb as a light source, and you’d also need to glue the tassels instead of hanging them with string. This shade of green could definitely add an earthy and fun pop of colour to any space!
Conclusion
I used this project for a bedroom, but it could also be great in a smaller dining room or living room (I recommend finding a larger basket to use in these cases), for a reading nook, entry way, breakfast area or a bathroom with a high ceiling.
For me, there’s something so special and extravagant about having a home that is full of pieces that I dreamed up and constructed myself.
Of course, I’m not lost on the symbolism of light. Whenever I do a reading with someone, I light a candle before hand as a representation of the light of wisdom, and the light of their soul that I hope to connect to. Everything is fodder for inspiration…if you’ll allow it to be.
Elevating the mundane, always.
XX,
-Celeste
Aja Celeste is a mom to 6 beautiful children and a twin mom! She is also creator and writer of That Zoi Life and a professionally trained Evolutionary Astrologer who has been doing astrology for 7 years. She is also a health care assistant, has a Bachelor of Ministry Degree, and is passionate about supporting people in conscious parenting. She also does Psychosomatics using Recall Healing.
Please contact her at [info@ThatZoiLife.com] if you would like to find out more about working with her.