How to Make a Chandelier

Creating your own design for a chandelier is quite simple. You can decide exactly how the finished product will look and you do not pay a lot of money for something that is not exactly what you want. This article will explain how to design your own chandelier.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Lamp wiring kit with multiple sockets
• Hollow tubing
• Elbow joints
• Suspension chain
• Ceiling medallion
• Washers
• Nuts
• Bolts
• Drill
• Saw
• Tape measure
• Threading tool
• Screwdriver

Designing a Chandelier

1. Come up with your design for the chandelier. The design does not have to be ornate or even detailed. What you want is a visual guide that will help you determine with measurements for the size of the chandelier, how many sockets are required and the number of extensions of tubing. On the design, make note of where you need elbow joints to create the angles you want and the size of the ceiling medallion.
2. Cut the sections of tubing for the project. Use the tape measure to ensure the cut sections are uniform. If your design calls for different lengths of tubing, cut all the sections of one length before moving on to the sections of another length. This will help you stay on track and ensure you have enough of each length before you move on in the process.
3. Use the threading tool to create threads at each end of the tubing. This will make it easier to use attach each end of the tubing to the elbow joints or into the ceiling medallion and create a strong hold.
4. Mark and drill holes for the tubing into the ceiling medallion. The idea is to space the holes so that it will be possible to begin assembly of the chandelier.
5. Thread the first set of tubing sections into the medallion. On the side that will face the ceiling, secure the thread with a washer and a nut.
6. Add the other sections to the basic frame, using the elbow joints to achieve the angles desired.
7. Run the electrical wiring from the lamp kit through each of the tubing channels until the connecting wires protrude from each completed channel.
8. Attach the sockets to the wiring at the end of each channel. Many sockets will come with threading that will make it possible to screw the socket onto the threaded end of the tubing. If not, use washers and nuts to secure the socket to the end of the tube channels.
9. Run the connecting wiring through the hole in the middle of the ceiling medallion. Ensure that the sockets are firmly in place and tie a knot in the wire where it passes through the back side of the medallion. This will help hold the sockets in place.
10. Connect the wiring on the chandelier to the electrical wiring in the ceiling.
11. Place bulbs in the sockets. Turn on the power and flip the light switch that controls the overhead lighting. If the bulbs light up, you are ready to secure the medallion to the ceiling.

Tips & Warnings

• A chandelier does not have to use electricity. You can also create the same basic design but use candle holders instead of electrical sockets.
• Make sure to use a drop chain so the candles will not damage the ceiling.
• If you are uncomfortable with electrical wiring or connections, build the basic design and have an electrician wire the device for you.