Ed Winston took his aspirational dreams of owning a $7020 Ilde Max chandelier (previously $11,700) and rerouted some energy into creating his own affordable DIY version using IKEA Hemma lights and some elbow grease. The results are admittedly not as fine tuned as the high-end version, but we still admire Ed's DIY moxy and the chandelier looks handsome considering he put it together himself (a thicker ring and more bulbs might improve the effect)...
The original light uses cloth wire which I was able to find in white, then dyed red. I was unsure about using the wire so used the Ikea lights instead. I would love to hear from anyone that has ideas on how to make this design more eco-friendly. While these bulbs are only 60W each I think it can be made better. Smaller bulbs take away from the size and design. I was thinking of running small led lights inside the bulb once the element burns out...some how.Retail cost: $11,700, Instructable cost: $55.93
Check out Ed's full Instructables here. And here's the original lighting that inspired the project if you're curious or have the $7k+ to afford it.
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Yes, I agree. About 6 more bulbs and a thicker ring placed a little lower and it would look much better. Great diy, Ed!
Looks like he just needs more bulbs and to place the metal ring lower.
The DIY version is very well done, but I just can't stand naked clear bulbs. They're a harsh and unforgiving light and very hard on the eyeballs.
Very nice, though I agree with the comments about the thicker ring and a few more bulbs.
I have been toying with the idea of taking on this exact chandelier as a diy project, but have been hesitating because of my complete lack of electrical knowledge. Thanks so much for this post. I may now actually try it.
I think a dimmer switch will help a lot. I can't say I love the original, but Ed's is a decent homage.
good one...
the rayon-covered wire would indeed add a much-needed refined look. i've not seen it in red either, though... you might google "rayon lamp cord"... perhaps brown or black. while red is nice, a column of nice rayon-covered black wires beats a column of rubbery red ones, methinks...
I love that you all are suggesting he should have used a bigger ring, given where he reportedly bought it.
A simple Google of "LED light bulbs" is easy:
http://www.ccrane.com/lights/led-light-bulbs/index.aspx
I cannot fathom paying $7000 for that original, much less $11,000. I do not understand. It's insane! "The emperor has no clothes!!"
i can't imagine anyone paying that much either sherrybinnh!
it seems totally ridiculous. and it's not even that nice!
No no no! Both the original and the copy are too profligate
good job! That doesn't suck at all!
The original uses 19 25w g40 globes (also known as large vanity globes). They cost only a few bucks each. You could replace the bulbs with the lower wattage and reduce energy consumption of the lamp by over half. Not to mention, the lamp won't be absolutely blinding when you turn it on.
I am with everyone else. You've come so close to a great version, you should add the extra bulbs and move the ring a bit lower (and replace the bulbs with a lower wattage). You are almost there - spend the extra $50-$75. You will still have saved thousands. A better execution will still look like a bargain, even at a couple hundred bucks.
Impressive. I agree with the others - go all the way with this one. Cool!
And don't fret too much about the energy use, unless this thing is gonna be on many hours a day, or you live in a really warm climate. At some point in the next few years I'm sure LED bulbs are gonna become cheaper and more commonplace. You can replace your incandescents then.
elvedon, it seem no one else noticed that part :)))