After spotting ribbon chandeliers in baby stores, catalogs, magazines, and on Pinterest, I decided to make one for Clara’s closet. Her closet is large enough to become a cozy reading nook when she’s older, so I wanted a simple, cheerful light fixture to replace the ugly bare bulb. A ribbon chandelier would add color and charm without spending much, so I set out to build a DIY ribbon chandy using an embroidery hoop, leftover ribbons, and a glue gun.
I spent $2 on a 10″ metal embroidery hoop from a craft store, spray painted it white, and used a box of ribbons I’d saved from past gift wrapping. Recycling ribbon kept the cost down and made the project feel personal. I sprayed the ring on a piece of cardboard, let it dry, then flipped it over to coat the other side.
Back inside, I cut lengths of ribbon—roughly 16″ each—from the patterns I wanted to include. I wasn’t strict about exact measurements; if a ribbon yielded two slightly shorter pieces I used them anyway. The slightly uneven lengths give the finished chandelier a relaxed, handmade look.
Using a hot glue gun, I folded each ribbon over the hoop and glued the ends to the inside of the ring, spacing the ribbons about an eighth of an inch apart so they wouldn’t bunch together. I worked my way around the hoop until it was covered. Yes, I burned my fingers a few times—it comes with the territory when you use a glue gun—but the result was worth it.
Here’s the original bare bulb in Clara’s closet. It was one of those pull-cord fixtures that you don’t mind fixing because it’s out of the way, but it needed a prettier cover. I also swapped in a cooler-burning bulb while I was at it—an easy safety improvement.
I used two small hooks already in the closet and tied four loops of white thread to the hoop at evenly spaced intervals. Those four suspension points keep the hoop steady and centered around the light. I considered fishing line but ended up using white sewing thread — it blends in nicely and holds the hoop securely.
When Clara woke from her nap, she loved it. I should have ironed the ribbons first, but I embraced the wavy, casual look for now. Some ribbon ends are cut straight, some at an angle, and a few are dove-tailed, giving the chandelier a playful, uneven edge that suits a child’s space.
One of the ribbons with tiny bunnies is a favorite and brings back memories of past projects. The staggered ribbon lengths mean the bottom edge looks lively and informal, which is perfect for a closet or nursery accent.
From the room, the ribbon chandelier peeks out from behind the curtain like a row of bright dresses. It doesn’t dominate the space, but it adds personality and hints at the cozy nook inside.
This inexpensive DIY—just the cost of a hoop if you already have ribbon—adds charm and color to the closet, and it helps protect breakable items stored up high. The ceramic animals on the top shelf are safe now, and the little chandelier makes the space feel cared for.
Have you used ribbon to dress up a bare bulb, or transformed a simple fixture with fabric or trim? Share your ideas and tips—ribbon is a versatile, inexpensive way to add personality to a nursery, closet, or other small space.
Safety note: Many lampshades are made from fabric or paper, so ribbon can be safe when used thoughtfully. Make sure the ribbons don’t touch the bulb and allow plenty of space for heat to escape. A 10″ hoop provides good clearance, and using lower-heat bulbs helps reduce risk. In some areas, exposed bulbs in closets have specific code requirements, so check locally if you’re unsure.