Learn about this TOOL-FREE technique to makeover your ceiling light shades. You can update your home in only 5 minutes!
At first glance, ceiling light shades wouldn’t seem like 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 post is 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 the 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 fast, easy process of updating your ceiling light shades. This will show you all you need to know about this lighting project in under 2-minutes.
Video Tutorial: DIY Ceiling Light Makeover
Oh, and before moving on, if you’re the type who loves decorating your home BIG time, but on a small-time budget? Then you’ll want to grab a free copy of “Builder-Grade To Beautiful: 10 Totally Transformative Home Decorating Solutions, All Under $100!” Click here or on the image below. Your copy will be sent right away!
More Boob Light Quick Fixes
We’ve driven down this headlight hiding highway before. Here’s a list of our other DIY boob light makeovers:
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.
Let’s move into the supplies you’ll need for this lighting project:
Supplies Needed for Your DIY Ceiling Light Shades
- nylon cable ties
- **metal lantern with at least one open end – what I got is out of stock. I found some similar options (check the *shop-able images at the bottom of this supply list):
- scissors or linesman pliers (if you wanna be fancy)
* Below are a couple of other lantern options I found⤵️. Click on an image to learn more about that item:
Tips for Choosing the Right Ceiling Light Shades for your Project
Once you’ve been through the school of hard knocks, you (hopefully) learn a thing or two. Keep these factors in mind as you select a new shade (and avoid some of my mistakes).
- Match the size of the metal frame for the shade opening – The ideal candidate for your metal lantern or shade will have an opening on one end that is 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. Ewww.
- Decide how much light you want – More light will be thrown from your shade if it’s open on BOTH the top and bottom. Also, larger punches in the lantern will throw down more light. Smaller punches or a closed bottom will cause the shade to give off less light.
How to Change a Ceiling Light Shade
NOTE: The video above will show you everything you need to get this job done in about 1 min and 30 seconds.
1. Remove the glass shade from your boob light
This is typically accomplished by simply unscrewing several screws around 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 (just use the holes from where you removed screws for 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 to 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 as you move around the shade 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.
Voila!
FAQs about Replacing your Ceiling Light Shades
Is this a lighting project that renters can do?
When you rent a house instead of owning it, you’re very limited on what you can and can’t do to the house, which can make it hard to personalize the house and make it feel like “home.”
Rest assured, this project is PERFECT for renters since you won’t be harming the original ceiling light. Just stash that old headlight (i.e., 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!
Is this a project I can do again and again?
Yep! You can change out your ceiling light shades as many times as you want. This project is perfect for anyone who is indecisive or unsure of the style they like the best.
PLUS, you can switch out shades when you get bored or tired of one style easily.
How do you make an old ceiling light fixture look modern?
Well, taking out the boob light shade alone will go a LONG way toward updating your pendant light.
Swap out the shade (glass part) for a different style that fits your decor style and colors. It’s a project that hardly takes any time and makes a big impact!
Updated Ceiling Flushmounts Ideas and Options
Check out a quick little visual stroll through our catalog of 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 for those ceiling light shades.
1. Drum Ceiling Light Shade
Ok, here’s boob job #1: the drum shade. The boob light hack that started it all. It’s a clean, simple option that goes with almost any decor style and is a HUGE step up from the boob light.
If you already have an old shade, great! If not, here are some places I found them at decent prices:
2. Capiz Shell Boob Light Makeover
Now, take a gander at boob light job #2: the capiz ceiling light shade. We call this one the “beachy” boob job.
Here are some places you can grab a capiz shade (also search for them as “wind chimes”).
3. Bamboo Ceiling Light Shade Hack
Moving on to boob light job #3: the bamboo brassiere. Fun fact: I took some bamboo placemats I found at a local thrift store and used them to make this baby! See, home DIY can be frugal AND creative.
Since my thrift store now has none left for you, I found some really pretty options in other places (or you can check out your own local thrift store). Check them out:
4. Beachy Rattan Basket Boob Light Update
Next up is boob light job #4: the rattan basket. To achieve this look, all you have to do is upcycle a rattan or natural fiber basket for a lovely new lighting update.
5. Boho-Chic Ceiling Lighting Upgrade
And finally, we have boob light job #5: the cut-a-rug project. And no, I don’t mean throwing down all your best dance moves (but you could if you want).
Our popular boho decor boob light hack involves cutting an actual rug.
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:
Now, changing out your ceiling light shades isn’t so hard, is it? Grab some zip ties and your new favorite boob light replacement, and prepare to be amazed at the difference it will make in your home!
After doing this project, you’re going to be a home DIY rockstar.
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!
Pssst…before you go, I sure would love to hang out with you again really soon! Sign up now and get a FREE copy of “Builder-Grade To Beautiful: 10 Totally Transformative Home Decorating Solutions, All Under $100!” Click here to enter your email or on the image below. Your copy will be sent right away!
christine champ says
Hi I was trying to see your suggestions for the metal lantern hack but the images/links don’t appear. I couldn’t find any on my own or that looked right size or weren’t old school lanterns. Thx!
Heather says
Hmmmm…they are there when I pull up the post and check, Christine. Try pulling it up on a different browser, perhaps. If you still have the same issue, let me know, and I will dig into it more.
Michelle says
These are such great ideas! We are remodeling our home to sell it and I was just wondering what I could do about those ugly lights!
Heather says
Oh good!! So happy you’ve found it helpful Michelle!!