Some call it cheap, but frugal sounds so much more complimentary. I am quite stubborn when it comes to parting with my money. I also like the challenge of finding something that I really like and then figuring out how to do it myself. Sometimes it causes more undue stress in my life than necessary, but most times it is well worth the effort.
I needed to find something to replace the bare bulb ceiling light in my son’s office/closet, I wanted something that was a little vintage-esque. (My spell check is warning me that vintage-esque is not a word, but today it is.)
I was inspired by Restoration Hardware’s lighting, particularly the Cage Filament Pendant light in aged steel for $129
Update: I should have named the post “Barnlight Electric Inspired Pendant” because I’m even more smitten with their Minimalist Copper Cage Pendant.
Here are the supplies you’ll need to make your own industrial cage pendant light inspired by Restoration Hardware lighting:
Other than the metal lamp guard (#1) and the antique twisted wire (#4), most of the supplies can be found in a home improvement store. I provided affiliate links for the items that can be found online.
- Metal Lamp Guard or you can go with a different style cage like this one
- Nickel Socket (as pictured) or a Porcelain Socket (this is what I ended up using)
- Edison Bulb (Lowes and Home Depot also sell these now)
- Antique twisted wire
- Ceiling canopy if you are going to have it hardwired but you could make this a plug-in lamp with this antique style plug-in.
- Oil rubbed bronzed hammered spray paint in brown
- Wire strippers and electrical tape
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Supplies (including the bulb) should end up being around $35-50, depending on shipping cost. I ended up spending a little more because I bent the nickel socket and had to buy a porcelain keyless socket adaptor at Home Depot. I ended up liking the porcelain socket better because it has a metal ring on the top. I was able to loop the wire around the ring, therefore the wiring is less likely to come apart.
A couple of updates (01/16/17): Amazon now sells a solid brass construction industrial socket that more closely resembles the inspiration picture.
Or, if you want to go the least expensive and easiest route, you can buy this twisted wire pendant kit with a plug-in so it doesn’t have to be hardwired.
I don’t claim to be an expert electrician so I won’t go into the nitty gritty details on wiring and installation. But I can give you these links on how to put it together and how to install it.
The wire cage from comes in black, but it looks a lot more like the inspiration photo once it is primed and spray painted. I chose Rustoleum’s Hammered Metal spray paint in dark bronze.
So much better than a standard bare bulb ceiling light!
I think this DIY pendant light inspired by Restoration Hardware lighting adds just the right amount of vintage industrial charm to our son’s office in a closet.
Check out these other Restoration Hardware knockoffs that’ll knock your socks off:
- Restoration Hardware Inspired Faux Aged Steel Ikea Cabinet
- Easy and Cheap DIY Wooden Poster Hanger & Knockoff RH Vintage Lithograph Maps
- DIY Balustrade Coffee Table Inspired by Restoration Hardware
- Knockoff Restoration Hardware Bristol Flat Mirror
If you like vintage-industrial style, you may also like to check out these tutorials:
102 Lismore Street says
Hi! I came over from Pinterest (also an obsession of mine!). While clicking through, I saw where it said you are from Spartanburg. I’m from Greenville. Congratulations on starting your blog! I’ve really wanted to start one as well, but haven’t been brave enough yet! Your posts are great! I’m following you and am looking forward to reading more!
Simplicity In The South says
Awesome! I’m excited for you! It took me a while to finally take that first step but I knew that if I didn’t, I’d kick myself a year later. Lol! Let me know when/if you get your blog started and we can get advice from each other. Thanks so much for following me. It motivates me to keep the blog rolling!
Julia says
Hi! We chatted for a minute at the alt summit class last night. what a great idea, it looks great! I love that you are doing your own projects. Its something I try to do too (when I have time!)
Simplicity In The South says
Hi Julia! I remember you! That was an awesome class! I’m so glad that a friend told me about it. I’ll definitely be back. I meant to ask how often they offer free classes. Thanks for stopping by and the compliment. I have a great respect for bloggers. This is hard work! I’ll have to check out your blog as soon as I get the chance!
{darlene} @ fieldstonehill says
love this project. sharing with my readers and clients via Pinning!
– {darlene} @ http://www.fieldstonehilldesign.com
Simplicity In The South says
Thank you, Darlene! I was looking through your portfolio (gorgeous, btw!) an recognized some vision design boards that I had pinned a while back! I’m following you on Pinterest, now!
Rhonda says
This is such a great project – I’m thinking of doing this over my kitchen island. How intense is the light through this since there’s no shade to diffuse the light?
Simplicity In The South says
This would look great over an island! When I read the reviews on the website before I bought the bulbs, several people commented how bright the 60 watt bulbs are. I personally like it the way it is. Someone suggested either putting the lights on a dimmer or buying the 40 watt bulbs instead.
Nancy @ dream it ... build it...style it! says
Oh I love this! I need a light for my laundry room and this might be the answer. Thanks:) New follower. I’d love to see you over at my blog.
Simplicity In The South says
Hey, Nancy! I just stopped by your blog. I love your bathroom remodel! I left a comment and became a follower. Thanks for following me!
TracyMB @ Crows Feet Chic says
Very cool! I hope Home Depot in Canada has the Edison bulbs now… I’m needin’ one now for sure! 🙂
Cindy says
I love the light fixture, it’s wonderful and looks perfect with the barn wood!
Meg says
Just found this from Hometalk. Awesome. Truly.
Bliss says
Stopping by from your feature at Common Ground to pin your light. Awesome!
~Bliss~
laura says
Thank you so much for posting this. It’s been very helpful to me. I’m actually trying to replicate it and have already spray painted it, and now would like to add the metallic paint. When I went to the craft store, the only thing I saw was high gloss metallic gray, and that didn’t seem right to me. Do you remember what you used?
Thanks again!
Tricia says
Hey, Laura! The exact color that I used was Folk Art’s 667 Metallic Gunmetal Gray, which is a dark gray. If you can’t find it, you could add a few drops of regular black craft paint to their lighter metallic gray called #662 Sterling Silver. I’m glad you were able to get the other parts for the light!
kelly says
Hey, I just wanted to tell you that I’m so excited about this website. I’m from Greenville, and it’s great to see southern girls like us getting out there to the masses. From one southern girl to another, You go girl! You’ve got it going on! Haha. Love your site.
Sara says
Thanks for posting this. I’ve been shopping around for cage lights, and this is certainly a cheap way and customizable too!
Joey says
Also from the upstate, just wanted to say i enjoy your blog. Have a great day
Susan Beaird says
Thank you for sharing this!!!!!
Brian says
Looks like a great lamp! It’s awesome you were able to repurpose an old object and give it new life! Thanks for sharing your project!
Lon Tail says
Your place is valueble for me. Thanks!…