We did it: our clothespin chandelier is finished, completed in time for our unofficial Pinterest Challenge. This DIY drum-style light for the laundry room started as a playful project and turned into a quirky, sculptural fixture that’s both inexpensive and statement-making.
Overview
We adapted ideas from a couple of Pinterest projects and used simple materials: hardware cloth (wire fencing) shaped into a drum, an inexpensive IKEA Hemma plug-in light kit converted to hardwired, and hundreds of wooden clothespins clipped around the frame. The result is a warm, sunburst-like pendant that casts a pretty pattern on the ceiling and adds personality to the room.
Materials & tools
Our shopping list included: an inexpensive Hemma light kit from Ikea (converted to hardwired), a small roll of hardware cloth from Lowe’s, white gloss spray paint, craft wire, gloves and metal snips, and eight packs of medium wooden clothespins (40 per pack). We also used a simple ceiling canopy and a few ceiling anchors and hooks for support. Most of the wire and spray paint were already on hand.
Building the drum shade
We cut a strip of hardware cloth about 9.5 inches tall, long enough to form a 10-inch-diameter loop. Wearing gloves and using metal snips, we shaped the fencing into a circular drum and bound the ends together with 22-gauge craft wire. The fencing held its shape well, so additional metal rings weren’t necessary.
Preparing & finishing the frame
Before attaching clothespins, we sprayed the metal frame with white gloss paint. This improved the finished look to match the ceiling canopy and acted as a sealant—useful when working with older metal that may have surface contaminants. We painted the frame in a well-ventilated area while keeping children and pets away.
Attaching the clothespins & pattern choices
We experimented with several patterns—straight rows, a zig-zag alternating pattern, and a diagonal design—before settling on a zig-zag that let more light through and felt lighter visually. The drum’s perimeter had an even number of wire squares, which allowed the pattern to loop cleanly without an awkward seam. In total we used 320 clothespins (eight packs), and the finished shade weighs about four pounds.
Mounting and wiring
The Hemma plug-in light kit was converted to hardwired by removing the plug and connecting the exposed cord to the ceiling junction box (power off while doing electrical work). We used three heavy-duty ceiling hooks secured with anchors and more craft wire to suspend the drum evenly. A small ceiling canopy hides the connection for a polished finish.
Safety notes
Many lamp shades use flammable materials, so the key is to keep anything combustible a safe distance from the bulb and to use cooler bulbs such as LEDs or CFLs. Allow space for heat to escape from the top and bottom of the shade. We positioned the clothespins and frame to avoid close contact with the bulb and used LED lighting for safety and longevity.
Placement & clearance
The fixture hangs about 16 inches below the ceiling in an 8-foot room, so the bottom sits nearly 7 feet above the floor—high enough that even a 6-foot-tall person has clearance. It’s centered in the space a few feet behind the washer and dryer, which prevents interference with reaching into machines or flailing arms while switching laundry.
Budget breakdown
- 8 packs of 40 medium clothespins: $16
- Pack of ceiling hooks: $1
- Roll of hardware cloth: $8
- Hemma light kit (Ikea): $4
- Ceiling canopy: $5
- Wire and spray paint: already owned
- Total: $34
Final thoughts
The natural wood clothespins were intentionally left unpainted because they complement nearby storage baskets and accentuate the DIY charm. When lit, the pins glow warmly and create an attractive starburst pattern on the ceiling. It’s an inexpensive, modern-rustic fixture with a lot of personality—perfect for a laundry room, mudroom, or casual dining nook.
If you try something similar, aim for an even number of squares around the frame for a seamless repeating pattern, keep heat and electrical safety in mind, and enjoy the process—this project is a fun way to turn simple materials into a memorable focal point.