DIY Ceiling Light Shades: AKA Hide Your Ceiling Hooters

5-minute, NO TOOLS needed ceiling light shades makeover …

Ceiling light shades wouldn’t seem to be a trashy topic. And truth be told, I like to think that this blog is family-friendly. But today, I need to have an adults-only convo with you all. So hide your screen and get ready…this blog’s gonna get a little R-rated.

Why the R-rating? Because you’re flaunting a rack on your roof, friend. Yup. You may have thought that cheapo semi-flush mount light above your head was just an eyesore. But it’s much worse than that, pal. That right there is a boob light.

Snicker all you want. I said it, and I’ll say it again. You’ve got a ceiling cleavage problem. And friends don’t let friends flaunt funbags in their family rooms.

Here’s a quick (and a little bit dirty) video on the quick and easy process. This will show you all you need to know about this lighting project in under 2-minutes.

Back to your ceiling light issue…luckily, we’ve got another plan to knock those ceiling knockers outta your place in less than 5-minutes. And YES, I said ANOTHER plan.

We’ve driven down this headlight hiding highway before. Here’s a list of our other DIY boob light quick fixes:

• capiz shell boob light makeover
• drum shade ceiling light update
• boho-chic easy lighting upgrade
• bamboo boob light hack
• beachy rattan basket boob light update
• macrame flush mount ceiling light makeover

Let’s move into the supplies you’ll need for this lighting project:

Quick tips regarding choosing the right ceiling light shades for your project

* keep in mind, the ideal candidate for your metal lantern or shade is that the opening on one end will be roughly the same diameter, or a bit larger than your boob light (the metal frame, not the glass shade). If the diameter of your shade is smaller than the fixture, you’ll be able to see some of the “guts” of the boob light when you look at the light from below.

**Also, more light will be thrown from your shade if it’s open on BOTH the top and bottom, and if the punches in the lantern are larger. Smaller punches/closed bottom = less light given off by the shade.

Just keep these factors in mind as you select a new shade.

How to hang your ceiling light shades:

*the video above will show you everything you how this is done in about 1 min 30 seconds.

1. Remove glass shade from your boob light.

This is typically accomplished by simply unscrewing several screws in the frame of the fixture.

2. Affix new ceiling light shades loosely with zip ties.

You’ll need to place the nylon tie through both your shade as well as a screw hole in the existing ceiling fixture (the holes where you just removed the old glass shade).

Close, but DO NOT tighten the zip tie (yet).

Continue around the shade in this manner, loosely securing shade through all screw holes with a zip tie.

3. Level your ceiling light shade.

Once all your zip ties are placed, you’ll want to level your new shade. Do this carefully. If you tighten too much, you’ll have too snip your zip tie(s) and insert a new tie.

Not a huge deal, but will take a little more time. Incrementally tighten your ties until the new shade is hanging as desired.

4. Snip excess zip tie material.

Once you’re happy with the way your new shade is hanging, simply snip the excess nylon from the ends of each zip tie with your scissors or linesman pliers.

This project is PERFECT for renters since you won’t be harming the original ceiling light. Just stash that old headlight (ie glass shade) somewhere for safe-keeping.

When you move out, replace the boob before you go. No harm, no foul. No living with a wet t-shirt contest in your living room while you’re in your apartment. I’d call that a win.

PLUS, you can switch out shades when you get bored or tired of one style easily.

Check out quick little visual stroll through our catalog of cleaved ceiling cleavage. Just like the coffee table books at your friendly local plastic surgeon’s office. If you prefer any of these looks, just click on the link or the picture to go to the tit-TUTorial. Here ya go:

Other Ideas to Makeover Your Ceiling Flushmounts

boob light job #1:

The drum shade. The boob light hack that started it all.

If you already have an old shade, great! If not, here are some places I found them at decent prices:

boob light job #2:

We call this one the “beachy” boob job ??.

Here are some places you can grab a capiz shade (also, look for them as wind chimes)…

boob light job #3:

The bamboo brassiere. Fun fact: made this baby out of some bamboo placemats I found at a local thrift store.

But I found some really pretty options other places since my thrift store now has none left for you 🙁 ->

boob light job #4:

Upcycle a rattan or natural fiber basket for a lovely new lighting look.

boob light job #5:

Our popular boho decor boob light hack!

Here are some gorgeous accent rugs (including the one we used) that you can grab and use to achieve this look with the linked tutorial:

Pin this DIY lighting project for later! And if you try this lighting upgrade, leave a comment (or better yet, a photo) on the pin! That helps others know whether they want to try this project, too!