DIY Ceiling Light Shades (a.k.a. Hide Your Ceiling Hooters)

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.

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:

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!