Today is a very special edition of Design Dilemma, in which we not only get a question answered, but get the lowdown on how to make a very
cost-effective lamp!
Scott McGillivray has been on the case of your Design Dilemmas for the past month, and I can't say he's been slacking. Kerry M. -- who admits to loving the show
Income Property with no plans of getting one -- wrote in about a lamp she saw Scott and the team make on an episode. So what does Scott do? Why tell her how to make one, of course!
From Kerry M.:
"First of all, LOVE Income Property! Even though my house doesn't have the potential for an income suite, I still watch the show every week - for the great ideas as well as the awesome transformations!
My question is this: In one episode Scott and the designer made a couple of simple drum shade light fixtures that they said only cost $20 each. I'd just like to know/see the 'nuts and bolts' of that fixture. It's easy enough to find a drum shade, but what wiring/parts did you use for the fixture? Is it just a light cord kit that's been hard-wired? Is the shade hanging from the bulb? Did you need to use a cover plate on the ceiling? etc. etc.
Ideally I'd love to see pics/diagrams/whatever of all the bits and pieces, so that I can re-create it myself. My local home improvement stores don't seem to have one kit that'll get the job done, so I'll need to buy some of the pieces separately - I just need to know what they are.
Thanks for your time!"
Pendant shade from Crate & Barrel
Scott suggest: Kerry,
The drum shade fixture is simple and inexpensive. I've snapped a few quick photos of the parts required. This task requires as much skill as changing a receptacle or a light fixture. If you are not qualified to do this type of task you may need assistance from someone who is.
You will need the following to make your own pendant fixture, you can find all the necessary parts at your local home store (preferably a big box local store):
1. A canopy kit of your choice, they come in all colors/finishes and styles
2. A small box of "lighting accessories" which is comprised of washers and
coiled cylinders
3. A medium base socket, which comes in black, white, silver or gold (this
part will likely be hidden by your lamp shade).
4. Lamp Wire with a 16-2 gauge, this wire type is available in black and
white
The wire needs to be hard wired to the base socket at one end and into the fixture box in the ceiling. The power needs to be off when changing a light fixture. The lamp shade should rest easily on the base socket, not the bulb itself. Use the canopy kit which will cover the fixture box on the ceiling.
One thing to remember: this type of fixture can really compliment the look of a room but only offers as much light as a lamp. Remember this when judging how much light is required in the room. Good luck.
Scott McGillivray
Income Property
Has anyone done this at home? How much skill is really involved?
Related: