IKEA Hack Idea | Hanging Pendant Lightbulb

Photo by Borgsmidt | Styling Mette Helena Rasmussen for Real Living

We love the single hanging pendant lightbulb.  In the image above, we loved the version students, Cecille Seremet and Asger Vester made using fabric cord and large wooden beads in the Real Living November issue.  The light is one of those home accessories that just fits in (in so many nooks and corners) in a space.

Although you can pick up a simple black or white pendant light at IKEA (and now red, grey and green);  adding a bit of creativity to it, adds that bit of extra interest and updates the look just a bit.  A super easy hack idea we thought:

Suggested Supplies:
• one hanging pendant light (like this SEKOND version below from IKEA).
• a utility knife (for slicing and splitting the cord)
• newspaper or a garbage bag (to spray paint on)
• painters tape
• copper spray paint
• two or three large wooden beads (like these)
• a shelf bracket or accessory (to hang pendant from)

Step 1: To begin, get ready to spray paint the light socket case using a metallic copper spray.  First, tape off the cord using painters tape, near the light socket portion and then also at the bottom of the socket (to protect it). Lie down newspaper (or garbage bag) to lay the cord down onto to spray against. Spray the socket copper and let dry. 

Step 2: With this project, you'll need to cut the cord (to fit the beads through) and then rewire it (a DIY task that shouldn't be taken lightly.  If you have a friend who is an electrician, perhaps ask them to help).  But if you feel confident in doing this part yourself, here is a link is a good how-to.  Once the plug has been cut off, slip the large wooden beads over and down the cord to the light socket.  Add two or three beads, or if you want more, add more.  Feel free to get creative here.  Then rewire the electrical plug.

Step 3:  To hang, find an interesting accessory to hang it from (like this wooden hand from Hay) but even a budget-friendly EKBY VALTER will do.

Photo by Borgsmidt | Styling Mette Helena Rasmussen for Real Living