How to Make Basket Lights
This blog post will walk you through how to make a light with a basket. It is quick, easy, low cost, mood setting, and great for any space! I have made big overhead lights and small end table lights and it really is a very simple DIY project!
If I were to make a list of the top 5 ways to influence the feeling of a room, lighting would be number one. If you want the ultimate cozy factor, you have got to try the warm dim lighting of a basket light. An added bonus, the basket light casts shadows on the wall in a pretty pattern. Such a great mood setter. It makes me feel calm, cozy, warm, and happy!!
It’s one of the easiest and most affordable DIY projects with the biggest impact.
All you need:
a basket
a plug in cord (I’ll share some of my faves from Amazon)
a light bulb (preferably a low wattage or amber warm LED…the blue/bright white LED ruins everything, don’t do it…please!)
a hook for hanging
Finding the basket is the hardest part. You want to look for something that resembles a lamp shade in its shape. You don’t want it to look like you put an Easter basket or laundry basket on the ceiling. No handles. You also want it to be wide enough to give the light bulb space to breathe. Bowl shaped hanging baskets are great for these because you can flip the cord/chain around so it hangs from the opposite direction. See photo below for an example of a hanging basket turned upside down.
Ikea has some great baskets for basket lights but I also love to keep my eye out while thrifting because people love to get rid of some gems! I have used a hanging basket for a basket light, regular round baskets, and even a set of rattan candle holders.
IKEA Basket —$30
IKEA Basket 2 — $40
Depending on your basket, making a hole will be the next task. For some of my basket lights, I have been able to make a hole by cutting into the basket with scissors, for one, I just made room for the cord by shifting the weave around, and for my most recent one I needed a small saw to cut into the base.
As far as cords to use, these are some of the ones I have used. Most of them have a cap that gets unscrewed and re-screwed around the hole you made. Giving a nice clean finish.
I opt for a warm led light. If it is not led be sure to use a very low wattage. You don’t want the light bulb to get hot…hello fire hazard. Led lights usually do not get hot. But definitely feel the bulb once it’s been turned on before getting too comfortable. Make sure the light and the cord/socket do not emit heat. I REPEAT…MAKE SURE IT DOESN’T GET HOT!!! I can leave my basket light on for hours without it getting hot at all. That is the kind of safety you are looking for. I recently bought these.
Last step, is to find a stud in the ceiling for the hook or put in a dry wall anchor if there is no stud and hang the cord on the ceiling. I also have hung these from solid wood shelves with a nail.
The above method is the one I prefer to use because of how frequently I use these lights. I prefer the cord and bulb method. However, there is another option! All you need to do is get a basket, some string, and a puck light. For this method you just tie string to the basket for hanging it and adhere the puck light to the inside of the basket. Still check to make sure your puck light does not emit heat. Amazon makes some puck lights that are remote controlled for easy on and off. I have not tried puck lights yet but if you have, leave a comment and let me know how it went!
Here are a few photos of basket lights in my home.
