19 Best DIY Lighting Ideas on a Budget for Small Apartments

SHOW SOME LOVE

This post is all about diy lighting ideas!

I have always believed that lighting is the single most underrated element of a well-designed home. A room can have beautiful furniture and thoughtful decor, but without the right glow, none of it truly comes together.

Over the years, I have made it something of a personal mission to find lighting solutions that feel warm and intentional without requiring a large budget.

That mission led me to DIY lighting fixtures. What began as a way to save money became a genuine creative outlet, and I have come to appreciate how much character a handmade fixture can bring to a space that a store-bought one simply cannot match.

In this guide, I am sharing 19 of my favorite DIY lighting ideas, drawn from years of trial, error, and the occasional glue gun mishap. Whether you are an experienced maker or picking up a craft project for the first time, I believe you will find something here worth trying.

19 dIY lighting ideas

1. Mason Jar Lights

Let’s start with a crowd favorite, and my personal favorite too: the mason jar light fixture.

These glass containers have been lighting up homes for years, and for good reason. They’re affordable, easy to find, and open to endless customization.

Materials needed:

• Mason jars (size and quantity depend on your preference)
• LED string lights or battery-operated fairy lights
• Wire for hanging
• Wooden plank (optional, for a chandelier effect)

Steps:

1. Clean your mason jars thoroughly.
2. If using a wooden plank, sand and stain it to your liking.
3. Drill holes in the jar lids for the wire to pass through.
4. Thread the wire through the holes and secure it.
5. Fill the jars with string lights.
6. Attach the jars to the wooden plank or directly to your ceiling.

That’s it. You now have a charming, rustic lighting fixture that adds character to any room.

2. Unexpected Object Pendants

Non-traditional materials make some of the best pendant lights. One person’s trash really can become another person’s treasure, or in this case, a stunning light fixture.

A few ideas worth trying:

• Repurpose old colanders or sieves
• Turn vintage birdcages into whimsical fixtures
• Give an old globe new life as a worldly pendant

For a quick pendant light:

Materials:

• An old, clean paint can
• Spray paint in your chosen color
• Pendant light kit

Steps:

1. Remove the label and clean the paint can thoroughly.
2. Spray paint the can in your desired color.
3. Once dry, drill a hole in the bottom for the light kit.
4. Install the pendant light kit according to the instructions.
5. Hang and enjoy your industrial-chic lighting fixture.

3. The Paper Lantern

Paper lanterns are your best friend if you love soft, diffused light. They’re affordable and come in enough shapes and sizes to keep your creativity going for a while.

Try this cluster lantern chandelier:

Materials:

• Assorted paper lanterns (mix sizes for visual interest)
• Battery-operated LED lights
• Fishing line or thin, clear wire
• Wooden embroidery hoop

Steps:

1. Assemble the paper lanterns according to the instructions.
2. Place a battery-operated LED light in each lantern.
3. Tie fishing line or wire to each lantern at varying lengths.
4. Attach the lines to the wooden embroidery hoop.
5. Hang the hoop from your ceiling for a dreamy, floating effect.

4. Wine Bottle Lights

Got a collection of empty wine bottles? Don’t toss them. Turn them into stunning light fixtures instead. This project adds a touch of sophistication to a dining area or kitchen.

Materials:

• Empty wine bottles (clean, labels removed)
• Bottle cutter
• String lights or individual bulbs with cords
• Sandpaper

Steps:

1. Use the bottle cutter to remove the bottom of each wine bottle.
2. Sand the cut edges for safety.
3. Thread the lights or individual bulbs through the neck of the bottle.
4. Hang the bottles using sturdy cord or chain.

Pro tip: group bottles of different colors and heights for a more dramatic effect.

5. Dodecahedron Light

If you love a modern, geometric aesthetic, this one will impress. It looks complicated, but it’s surprisingly doable with some patience.

Materials:

• 12 pieces of thin wood or sturdy cardboard, cut into pentagons
• White tissue paper
• LED string lights
• Hot glue gun
• Twine or thin rope for hanging

Steps:

1. Cut your material into 12 equal pentagons.
2. Cover one side of each pentagon with tissue paper.
3. Assemble the pentagons into a dodecahedron shape using the hot glue gun.
4. Leave one pentagon unattached to insert the lights.
5. Place the string lights inside and attach the final piece.
6. Hang using twine or rope.

The result is a modern fixture that looks like it came straight from a high-end design store.

6. Driftwood Chandelier

For a touch of organic elegance, try a driftwood chandelier. It’s a great fit for anyone who loves a beachy, bohemian vibe.

Materials:

• Assorted pieces of driftwood
• Strong fishing line or thin wire
• LED string lights or small bulbs
• Drill with a small bit

Steps:

1. Arrange your driftwood pieces in a pleasing configuration.
2. Drill small holes in the driftwood for wiring.
3. Thread the fishing line or wire through the holes to connect the pieces.
4. Weave your lights through the driftwood structure.
5. Hang from a sturdy hook in your ceiling.

The result is a one-of-a-kind piece that brings a bit of the outdoors into your living space.

7. Photo and Video Lighting

Good lighting matters for content creation, but professional gear can get expensive fast. Here’s a budget-friendly setup that’ll have you looking like a pro.

Materials:

• PVC pipes and connectors
• White fabric for diffusion
• Clamp lights
• Daylight-balanced bulbs

Steps:

1. Build a frame using PVC pipes and connectors.
2. Stretch white fabric over the frame to diffuse light.
3. Attach clamp lights to the frame.
4. Install daylight-balanced bulbs in the clamp lights.

This setup gives you soft, even light without the hefty price tag of professional equipment.

8. Concrete Pendant Light

Concrete pendants are a perfect pick if you love the industrial look, and they’re surprisingly easy to make.

Materials:

• Quick-setting concrete mix
• Plastic containers for molds (various sizes for variety)
• Pendant light kits
• Cooking spray

Steps:

1. Spray the inside of your plastic containers with cooking spray.
2. Mix the concrete according to package instructions.
3. Pour the concrete into the molds, leaving space at the top for the light fixture.
4. Insert the cord from the pendant kit into the wet concrete.
5. Let it dry completely before removing it from the mold.
6. Sand any rough edges and hang.

The result is a sleek, modern pendant that looks far more expensive than it actually is.

9. Washi Tape Fixture Solution

Renting? Washi tape is your secret weapon. This removable tape comes in countless patterns and colors, so you can create a “faux” light fixture with zero damage to your walls.

Materials:

• Assorted washi tape
• Battery-operated LED puck lights

Steps:

1. Plan your design on paper first.
2. Use washi tape to create your “fixture” design directly on the ceiling.
3. Attach battery-operated LED puck lights within your design.

I’ve tried this one myself, and it creates the illusion of a real light fixture with no permanent changes. Perfect for rentals.

10. Woven Basket Light

Woven baskets aren’t just for storage. They also make fantastic light fixtures and add texture and warmth to a room.

Materials:

• Large, open-weave baskets
• Pendant light kits
• Spray paint (optional)

Steps:

1. If you’d like, spray paint your baskets for a cohesive look.
2. Cut a small hole in the bottom of each basket for the light cord.
3. Thread the pendant light through the hole.
4. Hang the baskets at varying heights for visual interest.

These fixtures fit right into bohemian-inspired decor and add both light and texture to your room.

11. Copper Pipe Fixture

Copper piping isn’t just for plumbing. Bent and joined the right way, it makes a striking modern light fixture with a warm, metallic finish.

Materials:

• Copper pipes and joint fittings (various lengths)
• Pipe cutter
• Pendant light kit or bulb sockets
• Copper spray paint (optional, for extra shine)

Steps:

1. Cut copper pipes to your desired lengths.
2. Dry-fit the pieces into a fixture shape, like a geometric frame or a simple hanging rod.
3. Join the pieces with fittings, gluing if needed for stability.
4. Wire in a pendant kit or bulb sockets.
5. Hang and enjoy the industrial-modern look.

12. Embroidery Hoop Chandelier

A wooden embroidery hoop, some faux flowers, and a string of lights come together for a soft, romantic fixture that works beautifully over a bed or dining table.

Materials:

• Wooden embroidery hoop
• Faux flowers and greenery
• LED string lights
• Floral wire or hot glue

Steps:

1. Attach faux flowers and greenery around the hoop using floral wire or hot glue.
2. Wrap the LED string lights through the flowers and greenery.
3. Attach three lengths of string or ribbon evenly around the hoop for hanging.
4. Hang from a ceiling hook.

13. Twine Ball Lights

These soft, textured orbs are simple to make and look great grouped together in odd numbers.

Materials:

• Balloons
• Jute or cotton twine
• Fabric stiffener or a mix of glue and water
• Battery-operated fairy lights

Steps:

1. Blow up balloons to your desired ball size.
2. Dip the twine in the stiffener mixture and wrap it around each balloon, leaving gaps for light to shine through.
3. Let the twine dry completely, then pop and remove the balloon.
4. Tuck a strand of fairy lights inside each ball.
5. Hang individually or in a cluster.

14. Window Frame Light Box

An old window frame gets a second life as a glowing wall piece. This one works especially well as a statement piece in an entryway or living room.

Materials:

• Old window frame with panes
• Frosted or textured contact paper
• LED strip lights
• Wood backing board

Steps:

1. Clean the window frame and remove any loose glazing.
2. Cover the panes with frosted contact paper for a diffused glow.
3. Attach LED strip lights around the inside edge of the backing board.
4. Mount the window frame over the board so the light shines through the panes.
5. Hang on the wall like a piece of art.

15. Macrame Hanging Lamp

Macrame isn’t just for plant hangers. A simple knotting pattern around a pendant kit creates a boho lampshade with beautiful shadow play.

Materials:

• Cotton macrame cord
• Wooden or metal ring
• Pendant light kit
• Bulb (exposed filament bulbs work great here)

Steps:

1. Attach lengths of macrame cord to the ring.
2. Knot the cords in your chosen pattern, working your way down to form a shade shape.
3. Gather the cords at the bottom and secure.
4. Insert the pendant light kit through the top of the ring.
5. Hang and let the light cast patterned shadows across the room.

16. Tin Can Lantern Lights

Tin cans go from recycling bin to garden or patio lighting with just a hammer and a few nails.

Materials:

• Clean, empty tin cans (labels removed)
• Hammer and nail
• Battery-operated tea lights or fairy lights
• Wire for hanging

Steps:

1. Fill each can with water and freeze overnight (this keeps the metal from denting as you work).
2. Use a marker to sketch a simple pattern on the can, like dots or stars.
3. Hammer holes along your pattern using the nail.
4. Let the ice melt, dry the can, and add a tea light or fairy lights inside.
5. Attach a wire handle for hanging.

17. DIY Himalayan Salt Lamp

Salt lamps are known for their warm, amber glow, and you can build one yourself for a fraction of the store price.

Materials:

• Himalayan salt chunks or a salt lamp kit with a hollowed base
• Small lamp base and cord kit
• Low-wattage bulb

Steps:

1. If using raw salt chunks, hollow out a base large enough to fit the bulb socket.
2. Install the lamp base and cord kit into the hollowed area.
3. Screw in the low-wattage bulb.
4. Set on a stable dish, since salt lamps can sweat slightly in humid rooms.

18. Rope Light Wall Art

A coil of rope lights shaped into a design brings a soft glow and a modern art piece to any wall.

Materials:

• LED rope lights
• Plywood board
• Cable clips or a staple gun
• Pencil for sketching your design

Steps:

1. Sketch your design directly onto the plywood board (a simple shape or wavy line works well for beginners).
2. Secure the rope lights along the design using cable clips or a staple gun.
3. Mount the board on the wall.
4. Plug in and enjoy your glowing wall art.

19. Terrarium Light Globes

Part light fixture, part tiny garden, these glass globes bring a bit of greenery and glow to a shelf or hanging display.

Materials:

• Clear glass globes or fillable ornaments
• Small moss, air plants, or faux greenery
• Battery-operated micro LED lights
• Fishing line for hanging

Steps:

1. Open each globe and add a small layer of moss or greenery.
2. Tuck a strand of micro LED lights inside, letting the wire loop out through the opening.
3. Close the globe.
4. Hang using fishing line at varying heights, or set on a shelf.

Final Thoughts on DIY Lighting Ideas

This post is all about 19 Best DIY Lighting Ideas to Brighten Your Home on a Budget.

Lighting has the power to completely change a space, and as you can see, making your own fixtures doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.

From mason jar magic to terrarium globes, there’s a DIY lighting project here for every style and skill level.

One thing worth keeping in mind: safety comes first. Make sure your electrical connections are secure, and stick with LED lights, since they stay cool and use less energy.

So grab your tools (or your washi tape) and start brightening up your home today. With these DIY lighting ideas, you’re well on your way to a space that feels like you, without breaking the bank.

Happy crafting, and may your home always be filled with the warm glow of your own creativity!

If you try any of these or have other DIY lighting ideas of your own, drop a comment below and let me know.

Next Read:

• 17 Easy DIY Wall Art Ideas to Make Your Small Apartment Look Stylish
• How to make a small living room feel bigger (17 rental-friendly ideas)
• 29 Stunning Modern Home Office Decor Ideas (the ultimate guide)
• The Ultimate Guide to the Pros and Cons of Cloffice Life
• Round Coffee Table Decor Ideas: 23 Simple Styling Tips You’ll Love
• 25 Above Bed Wall Decor Ideas You’ll Want to Copy

SHOW SOME LOVE