DIY: Rustic Outdoor Chandelier
Both decorative and practical as a lighting option, there are many style choices for a chandelier. Wagon wheels, animal skins, antlers, wood and twigs represent a sampling of items used in the creation of many rustic chandeliers. As homeowners move entertaining outside in good weather, outdoor chandeliers remain popular as a dramatic decorating lighting choice. With high price tags on outdoor chandeliers, making a chandelier is a practical choice for the smart consumer. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Wagon wheel
- 2 to 6 rustic-style lanterns
- 3 chains
- Large hook
- 6 large screws or more
- Candles, kerosene or batteries
- Drill
Instructions
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1
Determine the best location for your outdoor chandelier. Based on the height of the tree branch, arbor or other support structure available, determine the length of chain required to hang the wagon wheel. Three chains of the same length will connect the wagon wheel to a hook mounted to the support structure.
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2
Drill holes for three hooks or more along the outside edge of the the wagon wheel, spacing them an equal distance away from each other to stabilize the chandelier. Screw in hooks for hanging the lanterns. You can add more or fewer hooks for the number of lanterns desired.
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3
Drill three holes for hooks on the inside of the wagon wheel and screw in the hooks to attach the chains. The hooks should be positioned an equal distance from each other so the three chains will hold the wagon wheel level. Attach a chain to each hook.
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4
Drill a hole for a large hook on a tree branch, arbor or support structure. Screw in the hook. Attach the three chains holding the wagon wheel to the hook on the support structure.
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5
Light the lantern. Place the lanterns on the wagon wheel. Inexpensive rustic-style lanterns are available online.
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Tips & Warnings
If a wagon wheel is too expensive for your budget or hard to find, then a metal bread basket or a grill pan can be substituted.
Wagon wheels can be found in antique stores, thrift stores or online.
Rustic-style lanterns can be purchased with candles, kerosene or batteries.
For a symmetrical look, you can use identical lanterns.
For a interesting and eclectic design choice, different lanterns of various colors and sizes can be used to create an interesting chandelier.
Secure the chandelier so there is no chance it will fall to the ground and start a fire.
Blow the candles out or turn the kerosene lanterns off after leaving the area.
References
- Photo Credit Jeffrey Hamilton/Lifesize/Getty Images
