We have a quaint outdoor space which we'd enjoy more if it weren't for the obnoxious glare of this motion-detector emergency light. We can't disconnect this eyesore due to safety reasons but we can temporarily make it work.
Jump down to see how, in only a few minutes, we turned this bright "oh no" into an "ahhh, yes..."
Prep: Since the light is outdoors and underneath a system of decks, there is plenty of web decoration. The first thing we did is sweep all the cobwebs and eight-legged pals from the light and its surroundings.
Purchase: Then we bought a very standard paper lantern. Lanterns come in all kinds of sizes, colors, and shapes so you should easily be able to find one to accommodate your situation. We purchased our lantern at J. Toguri Mercantile Co. for under $20 but we discovered a good online source at PartyLights.com. The assembly is very easy but you must be somewhat dainty because it is, after all, made of paper.
Fit: Once the lantern is constructed, all we did is fit it up and over the emergency light. There's no need to for brackets or fasteners because the metal framework rests right on top of the light fixture.
Finish: VoilĂ ! Our vertical rectangular lantern fits perfectly over the bright light. The large lantern effectively diffuses the light in a soft and dramatic way. Not only does it look good but it takes only minutes to remove or put back up. It's even survived a few rainstorms!

Comments (11)
Brilliant! <== pun intended :-)
such a fantastic idea!
What a neat idea! When the paper disintegrates, you can always cover the frame with a more resilient fabric, too!
Well done! This is a really smart idea.
Great quick fix. Looks like a trip to Ikea or Target is in order.
Umm.. this is an outdoor fixture, no? I don't think that paper lantern is going to hold up well.
I really liked it as it was(!)- "industrial chic"- Barb in Colorado
Looks nice, but if it's paper won't the rain ruin it? From what I can see, this fixture appears to be outdoors.
Good thinking. I love good quick fixes. If they hit it with some clear spray paint-it'd probably last thru a few more rainstorms.
I'm with Barb -- I liked it as it was.
yeah, i really liked the industrial fixture on that great brick wall...wouldn't a lower wattage bulb have been just as easy?