DIY burlap shade pendant light
January 05, 2010
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I saw something I had to have in the Ballard Designs catalog months ago and was determined to do it on my own for much cheaper. And I did. For $68 cheaper to be exact. Whoot. WHOOT.
We have recessed lights in our kitchen, and I really love them. But for a while now I’ve thought it would be nice to add a little something over the kitchen sink. Just for a little somethin’ somethin’ pretty:
Anyway, I was eyeing the (fairly new) recessed light kits at Lowes for MONTHS. Thing is none of the glass fixtures that you use with them really spoke to me. So I kept waiting…and waiting. And then I saw the light kit above in the Ballard catalog and knew it was perfect. I loved, loved, loved the drum shade.
And can I tell you something? I loved the burlap. I did. Burlap is one of those things I said I would never use in our home. It’s kind of like before I had our son, I would say I would “never” do all kinds of things. Like never have his toys in every. single. room.
Ha. That’s freakin’ hilarious.
So anyway, I’m eating my words. The burlap was calling my name. But the $85 price tag for the kit was not. Seriously, are they CRAZY? Love you lots Ballard, but you. are. CRAZY. (I am quite sure you will never see them as an advertiser on TDC.)
So yesterday I went and finally got the recessed kit and because I was just going to bite the bullet, I got one of the glass fixtures as well, just to see if I liked it:
I just couldn’t figure out how I would do the drum shade for cheap. Until I got home with everything. UH DOY. I realized I could totally use the drum (well, almost drum, it’s a little wider at the bottom) shade from a lamp in our bedroom. I was a little bummed about taking it from that spot, but the kitchen was my priority – I was on a mission!
I looked at WalMart, Target, Hob Lob and Joann’s for another drum shade for the bedroom and nada. I don’t know what I’ll do to replace it on that lamp. For now it’s nekked.
So I was trying to figure out how I could rig up the drum shade with the kit until I realized, UH DOY, again…I could just screw it on like I would the glass fixture:
WOOHOO!!
Until I got it up and there was a blinding light, I could not even see, the surface of the sun…bright coming from the fixture:
Yeah. The bulb hung down too low. Drats! Foiled again! Fists shaking in air!! So all last evening I was plotting how I could cut the metal that holds the ring in the center of the shade and rig it up the right way. It was really bugging me that I couldn’t figure it out. Today, I took a hammer and tried to get the ring dislodged from the shade.
I was hammering away, it wasn’t moving, and then I realized UH DOY, Sarah, just flip the shade over!!
The skies opened up, the angels sang and my life was right again. It worked!! And I actually quite like the wider part being on the top!
I got $1.50 of burlap at Hob Lob, and used hot glue to cover the shade like I’ve showed you how to do here. Then, to add a little color, I put the ribbon back on the shade:
I always like to cover the inside of the shade with something too, to cover the ragged edges:
I absolutely LURVE it!!
The Ballard Designs version was $85 for a kit with the 12 inch drum shade. My version was $17 for an oil rubbed bronze kit from Lowe’s and my shade is 12 inches wide too. Even if you had to by a shade, it would still be only around $35. MUCH better than $85. And you don’t have to use a drum shape – the possibilities are endless!
The kit was so insanely easy to install – you just unscrew the recessed bulb that’s in your fixture, then hold up the kit to see how long you want the light to hang, and adjust the cord:
It takes maybe five minutes to hang the kit. No electrical experience required peeps.
Awesome.
Amazing, I love everything about it. I also love the money you saved. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteGets the wheels turning! Thanks for the post!
ReplyDeleteWe did this in our kitchen. I love the way yours turned out!
ReplyDeleteI am soooo glad you have solved this delima for me!!! I've been looking at those cheezy globe things and just not wanting to have to go that route!! You've come through for my home once again!! YEAH!!
ReplyDeleteVery Creative of you! I just don't like the location of where you put it. Looks cluttery with the valance & clock in my opinion. Visually distracting.
ReplyDeleteAnon, the clock is coming down when we install crown molding, so I hope that helps your clutter issue. I love it. :)
ReplyDeleteI just discovered your blog today and not only are you uber creative, you are freaking hilarious! I will be reading this every day until I am caught up! Please keep up the thrifty ideas and the witty repartee, so fun!
ReplyDeleteKathleen
You are so with it! I love this! My sink has a recessed light over it and if we weren't moving into our very own home :::squeal::: (as opposed to renting) by the end of the month (hopefully, fingers crossed!) I would totally be trying this out like - tomorrow. I'm filing this away for future use!
ReplyDeleteI have been seeing the a lot and knew that there was a kit. I love drum shades. We just moved in our house and we have two recessed light over our sink. I have thought about doing this. I love how you did the shades. Very pretty.
ReplyDeleteI was JUST looking at those drum shades on Ballard today. Ha!
ReplyDeleteBTW, did you know they sell a can converter that allows you to pop in an insert and then be able to hang a chandelier where there used to be just a recessed light? Well, maybe you did. Anyhoo, our builder thought can lights in our breakfast nook with 13 foot high ceilings was a great idea. I did not. So, we bought one of these http://www.thecanconverter.com/store/index.php which allows you to hang a heavier chandelier and now have a lovely ORB 5-arm chandelier over our b-fast table. Ahhh...
OMG, I love this, i have the identical set-up as you, it even looks like the potrack light over your island is the same as mine! i had no idea that this was even a possibility. Thanks so much for sharing this ! sue
ReplyDeleteThat looks awesome!! Anything that saves money is great by me. I just posted tonight too about a burlap project. Never say never! :P
ReplyDelete~Michelle
I just love to read how you tell a story! You must have story-telling genes! Wonderful do-over project. And I'm really warming up to burlap!
ReplyDeleteBrenda
What a fab idea! Thank you so much for sharing. I am a novice when it comes to electricity, but I think this is an easy project for me to dip my toe into. Thnx!
ReplyDeleteLove it!! I’ve got the same thing going on in my kitchen that could use a little update….$17 for the light kit is a GREAT price. Well done Sarah, well done. :o)
ReplyDeletehttp://domesticprincessintraining.blogspot.com
What? It's that easy? I can't wait to get over to Lowe's, it's 9:30 pm or I would go now. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteOh, that is genius! I've seen those kits too in Ballards & love them. Of course, YES I love drum shades. That is gorge! If I had some recessed lights around this place, I'd totally be doing that too! I'm all out of spots for another one though. Good thinkin' in that noggin of yours. :)
ReplyDelete"Foiled again"...rof...oh my gosh, that's so funny. Okay - collecting myself here.
ReplyDeleteI love your less expensive Ballard version. And I'm pretty sure Pottery Barn will never advertise with me since I'm constantly ripping off their products and making them my own for a song. Whah...it's not my fault they're so stinkin' expensive...
I IOVE this! I've got to try this SOME where in my house! You are so smartacle, i surly would have spewed some really bad words!
ReplyDeleteI have two of those in our kitchen over the sink. Love them! I may need to experiment with the shades now. Thanks so much for the idea!
ReplyDeleteHeather
I had no idea they made these kits! What a great idea!
ReplyDeleteThis is ADORABLE! The only pendant light we have around here is in the chicken pen...it is silver, metal and hangs down by a cord and it lights up the chicken pen! Not too pretty but it serves its purpose....the more light on a chicken will make them lay more eggs.
ReplyDeleteAnyhoo...back to your adorable light..I love it. And that kitchen of yours is also amazing.
Great post.
Blessings,
Debbie
I have always wanted one of those lights from Ballard and almost forked over the $85, but now I am totally doing it your way in my bathroom!! THANK YOU!
ReplyDeleteAwesome! I love how easy you make it look too :)
ReplyDeleteFabulous .... don't you just love that 'ah ha' moment when you figure it out.
ReplyDeleteI. LOVE. YOU.
ReplyDeleteSeriously. I love you! I have been drooling over this in the 3Ballard catalogs. I was going to just bite the bullet and buy them. (and I need 2) That's how much I wanted them. (And I try to never pay retail for anything...)
I'm going to Lowe's first thing in the morning! You are fab!
I love it, I wanted to do something like that for a while. If I ever get to it, I will put link to this article. Nicely put! I am excited about the giveaway!!!
ReplyDeleteyou rock! I've been oogling these kits in Ballarad Design and *Sky Mall* (lol!) for awhile and dying to do it, but couldn't justify the $$. Now I can!!!
ReplyDeleteI love your blog and I love the change you made! Did you know that you can buy self-adhesive, custom-sized drum shades from this site: http://www.hollywoodlightscrafts.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=2_14 . You just order the top and bottom dimensions the same size (making the shade a drum!). Ordered one for my guest room and covered it to match my decor! Super easy!
ReplyDeleteLOVES IT...hilarious you bit th burlap bullet. Weren't we just talking about that. I am starting to come around too girlfriend. Check out Old Time Pottery for the drums. They had a bunch last time I was there. Hugs...gotta get together soon.
ReplyDeleteIt's so funny reading this you sound like my boyfriend and I a few months ago. When we moved into our rental home there was a really ugly outdoor figure with a bare bulb above the kitchen sink. I thought to myself - that is SO ugly we need to do something about that. We searched all over Lowe's - and originally I wanted a drum shade. We had a great one that looked like a city scape was drawn in ink pen on it, but we soon figured like you did it wouldn't fit right side up (and who wants an upside down city). Drum shades were HARD to come by... I was very upset... in the end we settled on a glass shade that's very simple but pops in that window spot. My long winded reason for telling all this - you're not alone in the perfect above the sink light!
ReplyDeleteYours looks fabulous!!! YOU GO GIRL!!!
P.S. I hate that all the light bulbs are so SMALL for these hanging lights.. but it does give just the right amount of light over the sink! xo
I've been wanting a light over my kitchen sink for awhile now. I am SO doing this! Thanks for the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteI love it. It looks fantastic, and I'm guessing you're going to kick-off a recessed-light-kit-blog-post trend. Ballards might not be a sponsor but Lowes should be!
ReplyDeleteIt looks FAB-U-LOUS and easy too!! Great job - loving the look.
ReplyDeleteOMG!!! I so lurve it too, lol...That is exactly dactly what I need over my kitchen sink. I am thrilled that I to have found you via Between Naps On the Porch blog You so000 rock!!
ReplyDeleteDebbie in SC
I totally adore those light kits. Helped a friend install a couple of them and was SHOCKED at how easy it was. We used the glass fixtures but can't believe how easy the shade is to put on. Thanks, as always, for the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteGood for you! I love it and I know what you mean about saying never BEFORE you had kids. I said I'd never yell, never have unruly children, never have a messy house. HA! I'm sure every other mother here is saying YEAH RIGHT along with me.
ReplyDeleteStill love it and LOVE the burlap! Good job!
You are my new hero! I've been eyeballing that pendant and didn't want to spend the bucks. I may even have the perfect shade.
ReplyDeleteI love it too! Great job! This would be perfect for my 1/2 bath, alas, there is no lighting in there. I would have to do something like this with a cord/chain to the plug in the wall. Yours looks fab!
ReplyDeleteLove it! I have been wanting to do something with my recessed lights too, but let's just say...they aren't centered over the opening...more like to each side...too close to the cabinet if the pendant hung down! UGH!! DRATS!!! I'm still thinking...
ReplyDeleteLove the burlap...actually am planning on using it in several places in my home...one being the chandelier shades in my kitchen and one on a small bench by the garage door entryway. Even thought about painting our monogram on it!
Keep up the great ideas!!!
It is gorgeous! Thanks for doing all the hardwork for us! Love it!
ReplyDeleteAwesome job! It looks great! Getting what you wanted for cheaper and by making it is so satisfying! Your a girl after my own heart..I love the pendant!
ReplyDeleteSo creative! Love the drum shade, it looks fabulous!!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Stacey
Yes! I have been eyeing those pendant lights too! What a great project! I may have to do that one too. So cute! And the burlap is awesome!
ReplyDeleteXOXO
Jen
Putting it on my favorite projects to do blog! I must do this -- how clever you are.
ReplyDeleteThat's really fantastic. I adore drum shades and am impressed with your ingenuity. Nice job!
ReplyDeleteYay! That kit is a miracle! And your shade is brilliant!
ReplyDeleteJen
I love you, i love you, i love you! i've been looking for one of those kits since i saw one on Divine Design. Oh my word! I wanna put a chandelier above my dining table--wonder if I can get that to work!!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
ARGHH!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm so sad I don't have recessed lighting!! Haha~ This is so cute!! I want a purdy light over my sink too, I have a crappy old 'hidden' flourescent light. YUCKO.
Ok... I'm going to cry myself to sleep now... excuse me.. :P
It looks great! Thanks for sharing. I have a big ugly light above my sink that I want to replace so bad! Thanks for all the ideas!
ReplyDeleteLooks like I'll be at Lowe's tomorrow with everyone else! I never knew about the kit, and the fact that electricity isn't involved, I'm in!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the inspiration!
I have recessed lighting all through my house, and I hate it. You have just made my day. I had no idea that kits like this existed. I cannot wait to try it! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteGreat project! One of your best.
ReplyDeleteOh goodness, this is genius! LOVE it!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! And it looks just as good as Ballard's! I love a pendant light over the sink. Dresses things up so very nicely.
ReplyDeleteHope you have a lovely day. Beth. :)
Looks nice! Very creative of you.
ReplyDelete-FringeGirl
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteYou never cease to amaze me! : )
ReplyDeleteI have been eying that conversion kit from Ballard's since last spring. The price tag was a bit prohibitive though. So I'm glad to know I can get a kit at Lowe's for less. My idea has always been to but the drum shade over my kitchen sink too. Now I am more convinced it will look fabulous after seeing your kitchen. Thank you for another fabulous tip.
ReplyDeleteWhat a neat idea!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the inspiration!
I NEVER comment on blogs, but I am freaking out right now. This idea is pure genius! I didn't know the kits existed--but I will be getting one TODAY! My kitchen needs a little love and a new light fixture above where I spend HOURS every day will be perfect. Thanks so much for the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteYou are brilliantly industrious and so inspiring!
ReplyDeleteSarah! that's AMAZING! and your post cracks me up!
ReplyDeleteOh hey, remember that ugly board thing I was going to show you?....I posted about it today, if you have a chance to take a look, see if you have any ideas on what I can do with the ugly thing! LOL
http://www.tidymom.net/2010/01/works-for-me-wedbackwards-edition.html
~TidyMom
Good for you! Don't you feel smart? And thrifty? And decor-loving? And like a real chick?
ReplyDeleteSarah, that looks fantastic! I recently did something similar to replace the hideous light fixture by our laundry closet. It was not a recessed light though. I just bought an oil rubbed bronze pendant kit from Menards ($12, I think?) and a friend switched out the fixtures for me. I was also on the hunt for the perfect drum shade and couldn't find one. I have one that is slightly larger on the bottom and it irks me, so the search continues. I may have to try turning it upside down though, great idea!
ReplyDeletedrum shades....watch pottery barn for sales and for random shades that have no lamp...they always have clearance on shades!!! I have many many in my house. Target too!
ReplyDeleteSarah,
ReplyDeleteIt turned out great! I love a hanging light over the sink. And burlap is the best. Of course it's my one true love. I'm thinking you might even use burlap again in the future. Maybe?
Beautiful! You have no idea how many ideas of yours I plan to implement when we finally get to making our house a home. (We moved in as is in Dec '08)
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good work.
But do you lurve it with a Celine Dion kind of lurve ;)
ReplyDeleteI think this looks very smart and lovely. And I'm with you - a kitchen sink light fixture should hang down, to give that space some umph!
The Cheap Chick
looks fantastic! i love the way it came out. and i love these types of light fixtures too! been eying one on overstock for awhile to install in my lunch/kitchen table area. i may have to go with your route. so much cheaper and its still fabulous!
ReplyDeleteLOVE it!
ReplyDeleteYou're kind of awesome, you know that?
I love the burlap. I just can't get enough of that fabric. I was thinking about doing something similar over my desk in the office area of our home. Do you think the light will be a little too direct for placement over a workspace like that? I would love to find a drum shade with a diffuser, but they are too $$$.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
I've been enjoying your blog for a few months now and you continuously inspire me and make me long for the day I find the right little house for me. (I'm currently on the 1st time buyers path.)
ReplyDeleteI'll be socking away this idea for the future. Oh, if you love drum shades, have you seen the calligraphy drum shades that Pottery Barn has in their new catalog. Lovely!
Excellent! Now you have me thinking. I did not know they sold those kits. hmmm....
ReplyDelete-Trish
Your kitchen window is almost exactly like mine. What a great idea to do a pendant light there. I never thought of it until you posted this. Now I can picture it. And I just got a black drum shade from the Goodwill for $5.00. It was still in shrink wrap and originally from Target. Love how you did the step by step pictures. I am a very visual person so this will help tremendously.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
I am always amazed by the different things you do. I would look at the original design and price and think, I can't do that. Your determination and thriftiness is inspiring!
ReplyDeleteFaaaabulous!
ReplyDeleteI laughed out loud about the "things I said I'd never do." I have sooooo many of those moments. ;)
Love the addition of the ribbon...adds just the right touch. :)
I totally spotted the same shade in the newest Ballard catalog and loved it. Kudos to doing it yourself. Love the result.
ReplyDeleteI seriously love your blog!!! So much inspiration!!! Thanks for sharing all your wonderful and beautiful areas of your home and your ideas!
ReplyDeleteAlso if you get a chance.. swing on over to my blog and check out the free giveaway....
I love the drum shade and welcome to the burlap bandwagon!
ReplyDeleteI had recessed can lights over my bar and got the kit that looks like barn lights from Lowe's for over our bar. It made such a huge difference and I loved the look so much I had a cover made for the bar out of galvanized steel.
Now, seeing your version with the burlap drum shade, I'm wondering how one might look in my living room to replace the can light over my fireplace. You've started the wheels a turnin! Thanks : )
OMG this has me SO excited! We have an ugly recessed light over our sink as well and I've been wanting to hang a pendant there. Thanks for sharing this!
ReplyDeleteOh this is a heavenly idea. I have been wanting to do something like this over my sink in the kitchen, however, above my sink there is an open bar area that opens up to the dining room. Would it look OK? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteYanira
yanytrddlv@aol.com
Wow! I can't wait to try this - thanks so much for introducing the conversion kit to me. I didn't know it existed.
ReplyDeleteYour description of your train of thought is priceless! I thought that I was the only person who had to try over and over to make something work!
ReplyDeleteI have ALWAYS wanted to nuy one of the light kits but have been afraid if they would be too hard for me. I'm glad to know that they aren't...and they look fab in your kitchen!!
ReplyDeleteI'm a burlap lover myself...I just can't stay away from it!!
ReplyDeleteDARLING pendant light...great idea!
That is a fantastic idea! I'm renting, and have a lonely recessed light above my dining room table. This would totally change the look of the space! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHi - I have never seen that recessed light kit before. Thanks for sharing. It makes for a pretty cool instant makeover. I do love burlap in decorating-I just wish it smelled better, because it goes with just about everything- modern, traditional, vintage...
ReplyDeletesaw a drum shade covered in burlap 12.99 today at target!!!! it's in one of those aisles where the "world market" kind of stuff is near lamps and lighting.....
ReplyDeletesacksaw@aol.com
Awesome! I have been eyeballing that kit from Ballard Designs for months but decided I would never fork out that kind of money for it. Aw yea, Thrifty Decor Chick, you did it! And it looks fantabulous! Off to Lowes I go...
ReplyDeleteDanielle
Thanks for the feedback & experience with this pendant kit. I have many a recessed lights in my house that I am thinking of converting to pendants!
ReplyDeletethis was such a cute and clever idea!! I love it!!
ReplyDeleteCute. But what I really want to know is where did you get the rack you have your pots hanging on above your stove?
ReplyDeleteAm.az.ing. Love that brain of yours! Running to look at the virtual tour of the house we made an offer on to see if one of the can lights is above the sink so I can completely and totally copy you!!
ReplyDeleteMelissa
It does!! Adding to my list! Big, fat smooches to you~
ReplyDeleteOh wow. I love it and I am so filing this away for another day. Thanks for the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteI just love the light. You have quite the imagination. I like the whole look. Thanks for being so clever and creative. I come back on a regular basis, and you have a great sense of humor that puts a smile on my face and i'm sure on others also.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to include this in my Sunday roundup at www.TheDesignFile.net. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteSarah~
ReplyDeleteIn your words I LURVE it! Looks fab and I was covetting that SAME light kit but hello, we're in a recession Ballard! FAB job girly!
I am TOTALLY gonna do it too!
I have so been wanting to do this over our sink. One slight problemo is that we have a recessed fluorescent fixture over our sink (per code). I'm am glad to see this product does work.
ReplyDeleteomg! to die!
ReplyDeleteI have also been eyeing the Ballard light kit but could not justify the price. Tomorrow I am heading to lowes. Thanks for the inspiration.
ReplyDeleteWe are finally not going to be homeless anymore by the end of the month (cross your fingers!) and the first thing I saw from the place was that the Dinning room had ONE (yes one) recessed light. I was wondering what to do with it. THANK YOU SO MUCH. I'll send you pics when I get it done :)
ReplyDeleteLOVE IT!!! I have the same Ballard lighting highlighted in my idea book. I always wondered if I could do it cheaper. Amen girlie!! :)
ReplyDeleteCarrie
These have been on our wishlist for the new kitchen! Thanks for figuring out the shade! Looks fabulous!!!
ReplyDeleteOMG! That is the GREATEST thing since sliced bread. I am looking at my foyer and thinking...I mist do this! Ok my dear...you have officially knocked my studying off the table b/c I need it to stand on as I investigate our foyer light. :)
ReplyDeleteCheers~
e
I just wanted to tell you that after reading this post, I went and got 3 of these light kits. They were so easy to install and look great. I can't tell you how much I appreciate you sharing this with us. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the inspiration! I (and the Hubby) installed two over the weekend for your son's bedroom. Please come over and vistit
ReplyDeleteDIY Drum Shade Pendant Light for Cheap!
This is such a great idea! I think I might be stupid, though -- I cannot figure out how you screwed the drum shade onto the fixture. It looks fabulous and now I want to do all the icky recessed lights in our house!
ReplyDeleteDid this tonight! Thanks for ur blog! I used the drum shade from Ikea that is made for light kits!
ReplyDelete