Today’s DIY is all about wall lights.
In design and technology in school I remember just about getting the hang (if you pardon the pun) of putting electrical wires together and soldering the intricate pathways on a board as the teacher requested. About a decade later and I can’t remember a thing…
That’s why this wall light DIY is super easy and doesn’t require you to be an expert electrician. It takes about half an hour, it’s pretty and rustic, and goes really well in any contemporary room.
A massive thanks to Homebase who set me this challenge.
What You Will Need:
- Rope (6 metres)
- Large bulb
- Light fitting
- Small basket/pot/jar that can be drilled into
- Glue
- Screwdrivers
- Hammer (or drill)
How to Make a Rustic Rope Light:
1.Rope Around Your Fitting
The first thing to do is fix your fitting so that it stays in place when you’re using the rope to wrap around the wire. You can do this by using masking tape at the very top and fixing it temporarily onto a wall or board, or lay it down and put something heavy on the very start of the wire so that it doesn’t move.
There are many ways to wrap a rope around a wire but I chose a knot that I feel looks like a pretzel. Take your rope and fold it in half, then mark it with a pen. Take that half way point and place it behind your wire, at the very top (where you’ve just fastened it with a heavy object or masking tape.) Start making “pretzels” with the rope all the way down.
I found it confusing trying to do the second pretzel but I worked it out; remember to keep wrapping the same way. So, if you’ve just brought the rope end from the back through the loop on the right, bring this very same end to the back left side and wrap the other end through on the right. Continue until you’ve covered the whole wire. This can be really tricky so I really hope the below images help!
2. Make your Light Shade
I used a small wicker basket (which originally came with a glass holder inside too but I took it out) to become my lamp shade. I used a large screwdriver and hammer to create a hole just big enough for the wire to go through.
3. Connect your large bulb
To feed through the wire, you must dismantle the light fixture. Make sure you remember exactly what part goes where. What you can expect is one wire being fed through one little hole and the other in another. You’ll need little screwdrivers to do this most probably. Once you’ve dismantled you can feed the wire and rope through.
Cut the remaining rope and glue the hole. Then, as my light fitting and bulb were both bayonet (B22) it’s really easy to connect them. Voila!
Rustic Globe light bulb, White B22 light fitting, small wicker basket – all Homebase | White thick rope – eBay
Here’s a video to help you make this light:
Inspired by Vintage Revivals Giant Light
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Keely
Great DIY – thanks for the step-by-step photos 🙂
Alina
Thanks Keely 🙂
Little B & Me
What a fantastic light!
Alina
Isn’t it just?
Kara Guppy
I love the look of that – will have to give it a go myself
Alina
Definitely do Kara, let me know if you do too.
Baby Isabella
That’s a great decoration tip! We’ve seen lights similar to this in Winchester’s River Cottage X they look stunning x
Alina
Awesome, I’ve never seen anything like it so that’s really cool to know.
Dean of Little Steps
Oh well done! That is a lovely beach/themed coastal lamp. I also love the rustic look. Might just have a go too 🙂
Alina
You’re so right, why didn’t I realise I just want to be on the beach again *cries* lol
joanna
Great Diy I’m not the best at making things like this. It’s great that have u have included step by step photos.
Alina
Thanks Joanna, really glad it’s an easy to follow tutorial 🙂
Francesca - From Pennies to Pounds
I totally love this! So jealous that they sent you all of that! The rope is really cool, would love to try.
Alina
Hi Francesca, really glad you love it! You must have misunderstood though because they didn’t send me the product I bought it from store, I think the lamp was about £5/£6 and the fitting a fiver and got the rope from ebay :). Other bits I’ve had in my garage from other DIY bits… you know how much I like getting my hands dirty 🙂 Definitely give it a go and if you do tweet me as I’d love to see!
Nikki Thomas
That is so lovely and thanks to your great photos, something I could have a go at myself.
Anosa
What a lovely DIY and the step by step instructions are on point. I want to recreate this one
Ana De- Jesus
I don’t know why but for some reason this rope light would look right at home on a ship. I like it.
Fashion and Style Police
This looks amazing. So creative. I wish I could do this. I am so clumsy when it comes to areas like this.
Helen @ Fuss Free Living
That is fabulous, perfect for a loft or to give a New England beach house vibe.
Joanna
This looks very pretty, I love how you hidden the wire between the rope. It’s a great idea and it can work really nice in a house in a seaside town.
Hannah
That is so clever! I will need to try this very soon for our spare bedroom!
clairejustine
Oh this is lovely. So creative and unique 🙂 Love this!! Great tutorial ..
Rachel
This looks so very pretty and you make it look so easy to do x
Kerry Norris
This looks great. So modern. I wish I was this creative x