8 DIY Ways to Upgrade Ceiling Lights

published Jun 20, 2017

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Whether you have those half-dome “boob” lights or have been making do with an inexpensive builder-grade fixture, a depressing ceiling light can really distract from the look you’re trying to achieve in your apartment. If you’re not in the market for a new ceiling light, here are a few ways to upgrade the fixture that’s currently bothering you on a daily basis.

Sometimes, the best thing to do is just rely on paint (spray paint, to be specific). Above, this project by Squirrelly Minds proves that a coat of gold metallic paint can elevate even the most basic of ceiling lights.

(Image credit: Domestic Imperfection)

Ashley from Domestic Imperfection created this Arts and Crafts-style box light shade with square dowels and picture frame glass (plus a few other hardware store-sourced finds).

(Image credit: Making Our Nest)

Tara from Making Our Nest put an industrial spin on those ubiquitous crystal-cut ceiling lights by adding a black wire basket over the shade.

(Image credit: Little Victorian)

Christina from Little Victorian showed us how to get an entirely “new” ceiling light fixture for free. The secret? Just cleaning its dingy old glass shade. The side-by-side image really shows what a difference this made.

(Image credit: Simple Details)

A sunburst-style mirror frame turns a basic dome-style ceiling light into a luxe-looking statement in this DIY from Simple Details. The idea for this makeover came when blogger Pam saw a similar fixture with a $700 price tag. The total cost came to under $50!

(Image credit: Love Maegan)

Using little more than a black wire basket from a hanging planter, yarn, and wood beads, this DIY from Love Maegan completely disguises a gold-and-glass “boob” light. She didn’t even have to take the light’s glass shade off — this piece fits right over the current fixture.

(Image credit: Pillar Box Blue)

A solid IKEA shade gets a little more interesting with a vintage-y detail on its interior. Claire from Pillar Box Blue simply decoupaged a map to create this interesting (and budget-friendly) look.

(Image credit: Monsters Circus)

This pineapple-inspired pendant by Monsters Circus may not be a traditional ceiling light fixture, but it is a really fun way to add a little personality to a space. The pineapple “top” is made using leather scraps.

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