Woo-hoo! We made our self-imposed Tuesday morning deadline and finished a clothespin chandelier as part of a small, unofficial Pinterest Challenge dreamed up to stop pinning and start doing. The result is a quirky, sculptural light fixture that we’re thrilled with.
Here’s how the project unfolded. We gathered supplies, experimented with designs, and learned a few tricks along the way. The main materials we used were: a $4 light kit from Ikea, a portion of a roll of hardware cloth (wire fencing) from Lowe’s, white gloss spray paint, some craft wire, gloves and metal snips for cutting the fencing, and clothespins. We ended up using eight bags of medium clothespins in total.
The Ikea light kit is a plug-in swag kit, but an electrician friend showed us how to convert it to a hardwired fixture: clip off the plug, expose the wires in the cord, and connect them to the wires in the overhead junction box with the power turned off. We finished the installation with a simple ceiling canopy from Lowe’s to cover the junction and give the fixture a polished look.
To hide the dangling light kit we built a drum-shaped shade out of hardware cloth. Wearing gloves, we cut a strip of the fencing about 9.5 inches tall so the completed shade would measure roughly 10–11 inches tall once clothespins were added. We formed the fencing into a 10-inch diameter loop and secured the seam by twisting craft wire through the mesh squares. The fencing held its shape well, so the metal rings we originally bought weren’t needed.
For the wire ties we used 22-gauge craft wire — thinner than the wire pictured in our initial supply photo — because it was easy to twist while remaining stiff enough for a secure hold. Once the frame was formed, we considered several options for attaching the light kit to the top of the shade. We tested ideas like cutting a round piece of fencing and repurposing household items, but ultimately chose a solution that preserved light output and avoided unwanted ceiling shadows.
We sprayed the metal shade with white gloss spray paint for two reasons: first, it coordinates with the ceiling canopy and creates a polished look; second, some older types of metal fencing can have traces of lead. To be safe, we handled the raw fencing only with gloves and sprayed it in a well-ventilated area, applying several coats to seal the surface.
Next came the clothespins. Tracking down the right size took some effort, but we found medium-sized wooden pins that clipped neatly onto the mesh squares. We tested multiple patterns to see how they affected both the look and the amount of light the shade would allow through. Our experiments included a simple row-by-row layout, a zig-zag or alternating-square pattern, a diagonal approach, and a playful geometric arrangement nicknamed “The Space Invader.”
After comparing the patterns with the light on, we narrowed it down to two favorites: the horizontal row pattern and the zig-zag pattern. The zig-zag ultimately won because it felt lighter and allowed more light to pass through, giving the fixture an airy appearance rather than a heavy, blocked look. We were careful to align the pattern so it wrapped evenly around the shade; having an even number of mesh squares around the perimeter made it easy to create a continuous repeating pattern without awkward seams.
For hanging, we used extra craft wire and three heavy-duty ceiling hooks anchored securely into the ceiling with robust anchors. The shade is safely supported and centered in the room so it doesn’t interfere with the washer and dryer area. In our eight-foot ceiling room, the bottom of the shade hangs about 16 inches from the ceiling, leaving nearly seven feet from the floor — plenty of clearance even for taller family members.
We left the clothespins in their natural wood finish rather than painting or staining them. The natural tone ties in with nearby basket textures, clearly communicates the playful clothespin concept, and casts a warm, yellowy glow when the light is on, complementing the room’s wall color.
Regarding safety, many lampshades are made from combustible materials such as paper, fabric, or wood. The important precautions are to keep those materials away from the bulb, use low-heat bulbs like LEDs or CFLs, and allow space for heat to escape from the top and bottom of the shade. Our design keeps good airflow and uses a modern, cool-running bulb to minimize risk.
When lit, the shade produces a starburst-like pattern on the ceiling and a warm, sculptural glow throughout the room. It’s a project we’re proud of for being inexpensive, creative, and surprisingly practical.
Project details and budget:
- 8 packs of 40 medium-sized clothespins: $16
- Pack of ceiling hooks: $1
- Roll of hardware cloth (portion used): $8
- Ikea Hemma light kit: $4
- Ceiling canopy: $5
- Wire and spray paint: already owned
- Total: $34
We used 320 clothespins and the completed shade weighs about four pounds. The project delivered a distinct, handmade light fixture for a small budget and lots of personality.
If you try a similar project at home, plan the shade’s circumference so the mesh squares divide evenly for your chosen pattern, secure the hanging hardware with solid anchors, and use cool-running bulbs. Most of all, have fun experimenting — this project is a great example of turning simple materials into a memorable, functional piece of decor.
We loved participating in the Pinterest Challenge and seeing inspiration turned into reality. Share your projects and patterns, and enjoy the glow of something uniquely made by you.