We thought these lighting projects from the Dutch magazine 101 Woonideeën looked interesting. We're not sure how much Google helped us with translating the instructions, but it's fun to see how easily a DIY light fixture can be put together.
We thought these lighting projects from the Dutch magazine 101 Woonideeën looked interesting. We're not sure how much Google helped us with translating the instructions, but it's fun to see how easily a DIY light fixture can be put together.

Here are the translated instructions.

This fixture utilizes an Ikea bowl. Here are the translated instructions.
Via: of paper and things.
As much as I love the "language lab" translation, it leaves just leaves me giggling under my desk...
So here's a summary in normal english.
You'll need:
- thick elecrticity cord, in this example they've used cloth covered clothes iron cord to give it a retro look.
- any old enamel (!) bowl, ikea 365 bowls were used in the example, i guess enamel collanders would do as well and give a funky lighting effect
- a basic lamp fitting set that can be bought at most diy stores these days
- a drill bit and saw that can handle enamel/metal
- safety goggles
- a little hammer
1. With a pencil, draw the diameter of the light fitting on the bottom of the bowl.
2. Drill a hole in the bottom of the bowl and then cut out the rest with the saw (alternatively, drill loads of little holes and tap it out with the hammer).
3. Check if the lamp fitting fits in the hole, smooth the edges with some sandpaper and attach the fitting according to the instructions on the packet
4. Switch off the electricity BEFORE you attach the lamp cord to the lamps electricity thingy (sorry don't know the english term for it).
5. Screw in the light bulb (energy-saving ones if you can).
6. Switch the electricity back on. Hey presto..
Hope this helps!
view EvaInNL's profile
Just in case you're wondering what that electricity cord looks like, here's a link to a picture:
http://www.gelders.org/start.php?d_708510_Snoer_voor_strijkijzer_textiel_3_meter.php
view EvaInNL's profile
Thanks EvaInNL! Google translator can be hit or miss, in this case it obviously missed, but we loved these fixtures enough to post anyway. Thanks for your help!
view Amy A's profile
Amy -
I hope that you can update this post to give readers some help in sourcing these items (both the globe bulbs and the different cord kits) in the US. We have been hoping to DIY both of these types of lights but have held off since we haven't found parts as nice as these. Thanks!
view ajanjigian's profile
hi this post is kinda late but the examples here are gorgeous!
i'm thinking of doing up my entire place with these exposed bulbs (probably the chrome-tipped ones so i won't die from the glare). what do i need to wire a few of these together so they're controlled by one switch? do i need a fuse box.. transformer... etc? i'm clueless!!! i couldn't download the instructions posted here either.
thanks!
view missmymy's profile