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If you’re looking for a unique and stylish way to light up your space, a DIY ladder light fixture using Edison bulbs is a great option. Not only does this project provide ample lighting, but it also adds a rustic and industrial touch to any room. This project is relatively simple and can be completed with just a few basic tools and supplies. In this guide, we’ll take you through the step-by-step process of creating your own ladder light fixture using Edison bulbs, so you can enjoy a beautifully lit and stylish space.
The Ladder Light Vision
When we first moved back to this small town five years ago, I had the wonderful opportunity to go in the oldest homestead in the town and salvage items from it! I loved that I got to take pieces of history right from our roots. There was a big old barn on the property that was ready to fall down, when I went inside I found this big beautiful old ladder! I gave it a tug and fell backwards right into a support beam in the barn and the whole building shook. When I finally got out of the barn, I looked back and realized just how lucky I was to not have knocked the whole darn thing down!
This ladder eventually became the main feature of my dining room light fixture! This chandelier is one of the items I get asked about the most in all the time I’ve been sharing my home and decor DIYs! It is by far the image that has been pinned the most on my Pinterest and yet I have never done a post on it until today. Below is a step-by-step tutorial and all the details I used to make my DIY Industrial Edison Bulb Chandelier.
Building An Edison Bulb Chandelier
Materials and Supplies
- Salvaged or reclaimed ladder ( a new ladder or an antique drying rack would work too)
- Fixture with eight individual lights
- Chain and hooks to hang
- Edison Bulbs in a variety of shapes and sizes
Directions
- Begin by placing hooks for chain on the ends of your ladder. I placed mine in approximately 11 inches up on the ladder and then
- Find the ceiling joists and screw hooks into the ceiling. Then add the chain to those hooks. I added approximately 2 feet of chain to hang from the ceiling on either side. Make sure you have these hooks in a stud or ceiling joists as you don’t want any accidents like the latter falling down on anything below.
- Before hanging the latter, install the light fixture. We cut the black clips off that came with the fixture and ensured that it worked properly.
- Secure and hang the ladder.
- Display the Edison bulb light strands on the ladder. We simply wrapped all of our strings of lights around the latter rungs so that they hung at different heights. I then took a variety of Edison bulbs and put them into the fixture in a desirable fashion
We also put our fixture on a dimmer as there is nothing prettier than Edison bulbs at night time giving off a soft dim light. And that’s it!
Tips and Tricks For Building The Ladder Chandelier
- Choose the right bulbs: Edison bulbs are the centerpiece of this type of chandelier, so choose bulbs with a filament design that you love.
- Plan the design: Decide on the size and shape of your chandelier, and sketch out a design before you start building.
- Gather materials: You’ll need a variety of materials, including bulbs, sockets, wiring, and a frame or base for your chandelier.
- Be mindful of weight: Edison bulbs and chandeliers can be heavy, so make sure your frame or base is sturdy enough to support the weight.
- Consider a dimmer switch: Edison bulbs are known for their warm and cozy glow, but they can be quite bright. Installing a dimmer switch will allow you to adjust the brightness to your liking.
- Test the wiring: Before you hang your chandelier, make sure to test the wiring to ensure that everything is working properly.
- Hang it securely: Make sure to hang your chandelier securely, using a strong ceiling hook or bracket.
- Add finishing touches: Once your chandelier is hung, add any finishing touches. Decorative light covers or shades, to complete the look.
Shop Edison Bulb Chandelier Supplies
Shop all the supplies and materials required to make your own industrial or farmhouse-style Edison bulb chandelier. Simply tap any of the items shown below to shop!
Don’t have a Vintage Ladder to work with? Follow this easy DIY from A Carried Affair Designs to make your own ladder!
I hope you’ve enjoyed this DIY Industrial Edison Bulb Chandelier tutorial, for another great DIY lighting option, try this DIY antique brass chandelier tutorial. Would you try a DIY fixture in your home? Leave me your comments below and if you take a stab at making this fixture I would love to hear or see how it turns out!
Frequently Asked
If you would prefer not to use Edison bulbs for this type of fixture, there are a few different options.
LED Filament Bulbs. These bulbs mimic the look of Edison bulbs but use LED technology, making them more energy-efficient and longer-lasting.
Incandescent Bulbs. Incandescent bulbs have a warm, cozy glow similar to Edison bulbs, but they are less energy-efficient and have a shorter lifespan.
Halogen Bulbs.Halogen bulbs are more energy-efficient than incandescent bulbs and have a longer lifespan, but they are not as energy-efficient as LED bulbs.
Globe Bulbs. Globe bulbs have a round, spherical shape and come in a variety of sizes and styles. They are a stylish alternative to Edison bulbs.
Candle bulbs have a tapered shape, similar to a candle flame. They are often used in chandeliers and other decorative light fixtures.
Vintage-style Bulbs. Vintage-style bulbs come in a variety of shapes and styles, and are designed to look like antique light bulbs. They are a great way to add a vintage touch to your space without the high cost of actual antique bulbs.
Smart Bulbs. Smart bulbs can be controlled from your smartphone or other device, allowing you to adjust the brightness and color temperature of your light. They are a great option for those who want to customize their lighting to fit their needs.
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How To Build An Edison Bulb Chandelier
Materials
- 1 piece Salvaged or reclaimed ladder a new ladder or an antique drying rack would work too
- 1 Fixture with eight individual strands
- 8 ft Chain
- 6 Hooks
- 8 Edison Bulbs a variety of shapes and sizes
Instructions
- Begin by placing hooks for chain on the ends of your ladder.
- Add the chain to those hooks
- Install the light fixture.
- Secure and hang the ladder.
- Display the Edison bulb light strands on the ladder.
Notes
- Choose the right bulbs: Edison bulbs are the centerpiece of this type of chandelier, so choose bulbs with a filament design that you love.
- Plan the design: Decide on the size and shape of your chandelier, and sketch out a design before you start building.
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