How to Make a Custom Light from a Coke Crate and Mason Jars
Hi everyone! Since we recently decided to give our farmhouse kitchen a little makeover I’ve been contemplating changes to our light fixtures. But the more I look the more I realize that custom lighting is EXPENSIVE! I don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars on fixtures. Especially since I know in a few years I’m likely to change my mind about them and have buyers remorse because I’m stuck with them. So instead of spending lots of money on something I don’t LURVE I decided to just make something myself out of things I already had around the house.
I love coke crates. In fact I bought a BUNCH of them once while I was out on a pickin trip.
Some of them I sold at one of my barn sales and the others I have in various places around my home. They make great k-cup holders!
So when I told Prince Charming I wanted to take one apart and make a pendant light out of it he wasn’t surprised.
I decided I’d need to remove one side and cut the crate down in order for the light to hang correctly and look proportioned.
After removing the side panel I carefully peeled back the metal binding.
I then used my table saw (sorry no photo of this) to cut the crate down.
Here’s where I sat my camera down and went to work. Sorry for the lack of photos but basically I rebuilt the crate only smaller. I then drilled holes in the bottom and installed three of these pendants I purchased at my local home improvement store.
I then drilled a hole in the top of a mason jar lid and ran the wire of the pendant light through. This is where Prince Charming took over.
After turning off the power he wired it all up……..
and here you have it! A custom coke-mason jar light!
Isn’t it super fun! I love that it combines two of my favorite vintage items! Cost to make it was around $65 and an afternoon of fun!
I’d love to know what you think! You can leave a comment below.
Have a great day and I’ll see you soon!
Super idea so clever .. I bet any kind of crate would do.. Thanks for the creative idea..
Thanks Kristeen! I think you’re absolutely right. 🙂
Beth
Do you make these for sale?
Becky yes I can. Please email me if you’d like details. beth@farmfreshvintagefinds.com
Thanks,
Beth
These look wonderful! Great job, I sure do wish you lived closer to me. I would be broke but I would be s happy camper!
Aww, thanks Sally! I can ship if you see something you just have to have. 🙂
Thanks for being here!
Beth
And you attached the box to the ceiling how?
We cut a block of wood and installed it near the light box and screwed it into the side.
Thanks for your question!
Beth
I am currently looking for new lighting in my own kitchen. Does this put off a lot of light? I only have 1 light period in my kitchen as it is “galley” style thus small. Currently have a fluorescent shop light up there now but since the ballister is going bad just thought we would replace. But everything I look at just not sure if it would put out the brightness I really need.
Hi Sandra~it has 3 bulbs so it’s pretty bright. 🙂
Beth
Love it–I pinned it!
Thanks friend!
Well, aren’t you just the smartest thing! I love it Beth.
You’re so funny Kathy!!!! I’ll make you one too if you want. 🙂
This is awesome!! Great job friend! ~Sonya
Thanks Sonya!
So cool! A friend of mine did something similar for her kitchen and I just love the idea! I’ve got lots of blue Mason jars and my kitchen needs new lighting (and cabinets, and flooring, and appliances, etc.). Wonder if I can talk my husband into this one???
Kathy I am keeping my fingers crossed for you!!!!
🙂
Beth
Its a great idea! Would love to see ‘Coca Cola’ bottles with lights in it. TheLampGoods
Love the light, have the crate, jars need to convince my prince charming
HA!!!!!!
This finished product is beautiful. I am my own “Prince Charming” when it comes to projects around our home, I need details on the wiring and assembling, with pics. Pretty fixture!
Thank you Cynthia!
Great job! Did you have to put any additional holes anywhere for ventilation?
Thank you Melissa! No we didn’t add any holes and it’s still working just great.
Thanks for reading!
Beth
What size and wattage are the light bulbs. Wanted that vintage look, but the ones I am finding are too wide. I am look for those less that 2 inches for the largest part, and no longer that 5 inches total length of bulb.
Thanks!
This is such a great idea!
It looks great, just wondering if having the light enclosed entirely in glass without ventilation presents any safety issue.
Hi Dawn,
Thank you! We’ve had it up for 3 years now and it works just great.
🙂 Beth