How to make your own pendant light

Fancy upgrading your lighting quickly and easily? Discover our step-by-step on how to create a DIY pendant lamp and swap your standard table lamps for suspended showstoppers.

Pendant lamps are one of the most timeless styles to choose from for your home. Designed to elevate a living space, the hanging element effortlessly adds depth and dimension to a room and with the right bulb, you can completely change the mood of the space with minimal effort.

For this tutorial, we're focusing on upcycling old materials to create a neutral, boho pendant light shade that'll suit any aesthetic. Learn how to make your own pendant light in 9 simple steps.

What you will need

Bostik Power Repair
6 mm thick rattan
Translucent fabric, such as linen
White thread and a needle
A pair of scissors
A tape measure
Bowl of water - room temperature
2 x small hose clamps

Difficulty

Average time

45 mins

Cost

Print version!

Instructions

Disclaimer

Please note this guide features images of an adhesive that is now discontinued, however, the step-by-step tutorial is correct to the new product.

Step 1: Cutting rattan

To create your DIY pendant light, use scissors and a tape measure to cut 4 pieces of rattan to the following sizes:

Two pieces of about 1.4 metres: these will form the two horizontal hoops.
Two pieces of about 1.9 metres: these will form the vertical hoops.

Step 2: Soak the rattan

Soak the rattan cane in water for 20 minutes to soften the material and gently bend it into the desired circular shape.

The thicker your rattan, the longer it will need to be soaked for. Be careful not to let the rattan soak too much, otherwise it may discolour.

Step 3: Fold the rattan into shape

While the rattan is still wet, start to fold it, taking care to be very gentle.

Step 4: Apply the glue

Apply a bead of glue on the ends of each piece and stick the ends together to create four rattan loops. Set aside to let the adhesive cure.

You will be able to reposition the materials for up to 3 minutes and the repair will be fully set within 2 hours, without the need for clamping, achieving a full strength after 24 hours

Step 5: Interlock the rattan

Next, interlock one of the vertical loops made from the 1.9m rattan cane, into the other to form a cross.

Tip

You can use a temporary adhesive such as Blu Tack® to hold the two rattan loops in place whilst you begin to fix the horizontal loops in place.

Step 6: Add the rattan loops

Then, place the horizontal loops made from the 1.4m rattan cane around this cross. This is the basis of your DIY pendant lamp.

Step 7: Keep the loops in position

Keep the loops in position using a bead of glue at each intersection and leave for the adhesive to fully cure for up to 3 minutes.

Step 8: Cover the entire rattan

Once your rattan structure is firmly stuck together, it's time to cover it with your chosen fabric. We recommend using a light linen to create a boho pendant light or choose a patterned fabric to make your DIY pendant lamp stand out and be the talking point of a room.

To create your fabric cover, start by cutting your fabric to approximately 1.4m x 1.4m. Then, place over your rattan and tie the ends above and below the structure.

Step 9: You've created a DIY pendant lamp!

Finally, use two small hose clamps to hang your light shade around a suspended bulb. We recommend ensuring the electricity is fully switched off and your light bulb is cool to touch before changing your bulb and securing the pendant in place.

Ta da! You've learnt how to make your own pendant lamp. Switch on your light and enjoy.