Looking for diy lighting ideas that go beyond a plain lampshade? Think glowing jars, little floral prints and a round lantern with colorful shapes.
These pictures include finished lights plus projects in progress, so there’s plenty of inspiration for your next room update.
You can keep things simple or choose something a little more playful. Treat these as design inspiration rather than wiring instructions.
Use lighting-rated parts with the specified bulb clearances and leave electrical alterations to a qualified professional.
Lighting ideas worth saving
blue jars and a rustic top
We’re starting off strong with these glowing blue-green jars. I love the uneven edge of the long piece above them.
The jars sit in a row underneath, with the bulbs showing through their tinted sides.
If you want a similar look, keep that blue-green color rather than choosing completely clear shades.
a big knotted base
How cute is this knotted lamp base? The thick tan loops make one big ball above a smaller coiled foot.
A plain pale shade keeps the attention right where it belongs.
Read also: 20 Fringe Decor and Decorative Trim Ideas for Your Home
Try a simple shade like this if your lamp base already has lots going on.
little glowing circles
I am obsessed with these little light-covered loops. Each one has a tapered brown piece hanging underneath, with the three arranged at different heights.
For your own wall display, try a loose triangle like this instead of putting everything in a straight line.
braided loops and open bands
If you love a basket-style shade, save this close-up. Hands are tying a thin strand around the braided loops above the rounded form.
I especially like the open band running around the middle.
The finished light isn’t shown here, but that mix of close rows and open spaces is a pretty detail to borrow.
a colorful round lantern
This lantern may just be my favorite one so far. I love the red palm-like shape and the little purple detail against the pale background.
It’s such a fun change from an entirely plain sphere.
For a similar design, choose a few large shapes rather than covering every inch with pattern.
rows of pale beads
The bead lovers are going to love this! Pale strands in different sizes gather around circular frames, with crossed supports visible through the center.
This is a work-in-progress view rather than a hanging light. I’d keep the beads all one color so those different sizes can stand out.
a tidier bedside cord
Don’t want to replace your bedside light? A small finishing detail might be all you need.
This picture shows a white channel being trimmed beside a wall lamp, with a red vertical guide line on the wall.
Consider a paintable cord cover for your own plug-in sconce. Match it to the wall if you want it to blend in.
three staggered bulbs
If you are looking for an industrial-style floor lamp, this one is for you. The dark pipe-style frame has three exposed bulbs on alternating arms, plus a wide spread of feet at the bottom.
I love how the bulbs sit at different heights. That’s the detail I’d keep when choosing a similar design.
a branching floor lamp
I am obsessed with this branching base. The pale, twisting forms spread out at the bottom and reach up beneath a wide white shade.
Give a lamp like this a little room beside your sofa. You’ll want to see those smaller branches rather than hide them behind a side table.
cabinet strip lighting
Want lighting without another lamp taking up space? This project picture shows a strip being fitted along the edge of a white cabinet panel.
For your own cabinets, consider a compatible LED strip system with a diffuser for a less dotty appearance. Plan the cable route before fitting everything in place.
an open basket pendant
How pretty is this oversized basket shade? The wide bottom and narrow neck give it a lovely rounded shape.
You can see a black pendant cord and ceiling canopy being held beside it.
The open gaps are my favorite part. I’d choose this kind of outline over a tightly closed shade if you like seeing the structure.
twinkling jar lanterns
These little jar lanterns are just too cute. Tiny lights glow inside dark diamond-patterned cages, with curved handles resting across the fronts.
Read also: 20 Christmas Porch Light Ideas With Stars, Garland and Colorful Bulbs
Try placing one jar on a small riser like the one here. That little difference in height makes a pair more interesting on a side table.
blue flowers and matching trim
This floral shade is another favorite. I love the tiny blue flowers against the cream background, especially with the gathered folds.
The close-up shows matching patterned trim being attached along the bottom edge. If you’re planning a shade makeover, that matching border is a lovely detail to consider.
a rough-edged glowing block
If you are looking for a true eye-catcher, then this one is for you. A glowing bulb hangs inside a gray block-shaped lamp with a rough, open center.
Two dark ribbed rods run down the front.
Read also: 20 DIY Patio Cover Ideas on a Budget to Inspire Your Backyard
I love the orange glow against those uneven edges. This is sculptural lighting inspiration, not a build to reverse-engineer from a photo.
branches in progress
Prefer something a little less polished? This close-up shows branching twigs being gathered together with black ties or cord.
There isn’t a finished light visible yet.
For a separate decorative version, you could pair a secured branch arrangement with a suitable battery-powered light string, following its placement instructions.
a ceiling full of dots
How fun is this dotted ceiling? The upside-down colander-style shade has little clusters of holes that let bright spots spread around the fixture.
The pattern is the best part of this look. For something similar, look for a lighting-rated perforated shade rather than assuming any kitchen piece is suitable.
a lightbox and tiny sparkles
Don’t want to tackle a whole fixture? No problem!
This tabletop pairing brings together a letter lightbox and a dark lantern-style frame with tiny lights inside its bulb-shaped center.
The sign reads “LIVE IN THE MOMENT.” Pick your own short phrase if you want to make the display more personal.
purple cloud lighting
This cloud-style ceiling is definitely one of the more playful ideas here. Purple light shines through the white cloudlike covering while part of it is being lifted toward the ceiling.
Borrow the color rather than copying the covered strips. Don’t bury lights in loose decorative material; a cloud-effect projector could give you a similar mood without that setup.
a slim copper-colored lamp
If you’re looking for something simple, go with this slim floor-lamp shape. The copper-colored upright bends over at the top, leaving a single clear bulb hanging above a dark rounded base.
I love how little decoration it needs. A nearby chair and a fringed cushion are plenty.
a globe ready for a new role
Last but definitely not least, we have a globe separated from its gold-colored stand. The pale blue map and pink land areas are such a pretty combination.
There’s no finished lamp shown here, so save this as a starting-point idea. A purpose-made globe shade would be one way to bring that map-covered look into your lighting.