5-minute, NO TOOLS needed ceiling light shades makeover …
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.
*This post contains affiliate links. Please read our full disclosure policy HERE.*
Quickly, before you begin this project, join 100,000+ other DIY lovers who follow us here at the nest. Signing up means instant access to all our private, members-only printable guides, tutorials, cheat sheets and more here at The Heathered Nest. And it’s completely free to join us. Click that image below to get started now⤵
Why the R-rating? Because you’re flaunting a rack on your roof, friend. Yup. You may have thought that cheapo semi-flushmount 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. 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:
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.
Let’s move into the supplies you’ll need for this project:
Supplies needed for DIY ceiling light shades:
- nylon cable ties
- **metal lantern with at least one open end (here’s the source for ours, but is currently out of stock), here are some other similar options I found (and *shop-able images at the bottom of this supply list):
- white metal Moroccan-style lantern with a removable finial
- white ceramic punched lantern
- “two’s company” brand punched white lanterns (this brand appears to make several promising versions of these lanterns)
- aberdare punched lantern in white and gray (these may be too large)
- bronze lanterns
- scissors or linesman pliers (if you wanna be fancy about it ?)
*Below are a couple of other lantern options I found⤵️. Click on an image to learn more about that item:
Oh, and before you start this DIY project, be sure to become an insider! Click the image below and get instant access to our amazing DIY library full of handy printable instructions, supply lists, as well as great decorating cheat sheets and home hacks! ⤵
Couple quick tips regarding choosing the right shade 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.
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.
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.
To see how we made the DIY mirror frame from barn board and an 80’s vanity mirror, CLICK HERE. To see our painted stairs tutorial, CLICK HERE.
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.
Don’t forget to sign up for VIP access to all the DIY tutorials and guides only available in our resource library. It’s free to join⤵️!
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:
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!
Pssst…before you go, I sure would love to hang out with you again really, really soon!! Become an insider and get first access to all that’s new here at the nest. Click the image below to join⤵️…
Michelle says
March 28, 2019 at 12:56 pmThese 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
March 29, 2019 at 12:03 pmOh good!! So happy you’ve found it helpful Michelle!!