I’m pulling this project out from deep down in my archives. It was one of the first upcycled home decor projects I posted here, and now that I just finally finished my eat-in kitchen dining space, I thought it was the perfect time to showcase this DIY farmhouse light that is still one of my favorite projects in my home.
I’m always drawn to these antique egg crates when I pass by them at flea markets. There is something about the thin slats of old, rustic wood and the printing on the side that just calls out to my vintage farmhouse loving heart.
The problem? They are expensive! Here in Chicagoland, I see them ranging in price from $40 to $60, which is precisely why I pass them up every time I see one. However, on a summer day four years ago at the Kane County Flea Market I found this beauty. She was missing a top, and had what I’m guessing to be a farmer’s name, WRIGHT, scribbled on one side. I actually loved all the imperfections, as well as the price tag. $8. I’ll take it, no negotiations needed on this one.
I gave her a white-washed coat of paint using the diluted paint method for whitewashing wood and brushed it over the outside, inside, top and bottom.
I wanted to maintain all the unique quirks about this piece and allow some of the worn beauty of the wood to shine. By only whitewashing it, the printed lettering still shows through, along with the grooves and wood grain.
I used a Westinghouse pendant light kit for the hard wired fixture. These are made to allow homeowners to install their own choice of glass pendant shades. I just went a different route and attached a crate to mine. Works for me! I liked this kit the best because the cord was wrapped, not with a chain or the dual split wire.
As you can see from the pictures, I wrapped my cord in rope. But, you could easily buy a rope pendant cord as well. Here’s a plug in rope pendant cord and hardwired rope pendant swag cord.
I drilled a hole in the top, just wide enough to fit the light socket, using a spade bit. After pushing the light fixture through the hole, I threaded the bracket back on and added a fun energy efficient LED Edison style bulb.
Originally, our dining room table was pushed in the corner because it didn’t fit anywhere else in the space. I installed a ceiling hook to swag the light to the side so it was centered over the table.
Fours years later, I finally finished this room! I joined in on the $100 Room Challenge and created a new space on a tiny budget.
You can see the entire room here, including a “new” dining set, floating window shelves, and a DIY command center on the side of the fridge.
I also had to move the light back to it’s original spot. Rather than uninstalling it and shortening the cord, I just looped it and secured it with a cable tie. That’s a lazy-girl DIY fix for you right there.
I love, love, love it. I think it’s one of my favorite projects that I’ve done in the last couple of months. Even my husband, who was quite skeptical throughout the whole process, (“You’re going to hang a what from the ceiling?!”) loves it. I call it a success.
Love it? Pin it! (Thank you.)
Light fixtures always catch my eye and this one is so creative Jenny! Love it!
Thanks Kendra!
I found your light in the Home Stories A to Z link party. The light is really a gorgeous focal point of the room! I like your rope cord better than the offering at World Market. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Margaret. I like it because it was cheaper too! 😉
How do you even come with such a cool idea? Love it, so creative, will try it in our basement turned home brewery. Pinned!
Oh thanks Milena. It’s such an easy project – sometimes finding the egg crate is the hardest part!
This is such a cute idea. Thank you for sharing at Thursday Favorite Things link party. Shared and pinned.
Thanks so much for sharing, Amy!
What a clever idea! I will be featuring this tonight at my Sizzle into Summer party that opens at 8pm EST. Please stop by and pick up an I’ve Been Featured button. Thanks. http://diybydesign.blogspot.com
Hey Jenny! I love this so much, I featured it today on my round-up of farmhouse style DIY projects at http://www.PopItUpGirl.com
Come take a look!
Thanks for including it in your farmhouse project features!!