DIY electrician work has never been so much fun! Here are eleven projects from ordinary household items that can turn your ceiling light fixtures into a wow factor and make the darkness a fun time as it becomes an excuse to use your DIY lighting!

When I watch a movie, listen to music, or read a book, the experience is amplified when the lights are dimmed. The soundtracks become louder, the characters become realistic and alive, and the mystery and plot deepens. The very air around me is charged with currents of entertaining electricity. Those around me munching on popcorn, or the soft whisper of me turning a page either heighten the experience or bring me back to earth in a deafening crescendo of disappointment.

But when the lights are on, it’s a reminder that the planet earths sans Men in Black, is not too shabby. There are so many intriguing, mysterious wonders to hold our fascination even without the aid of five dimensional prescient aliens, time travel or the magnificent Nueralyzer. Life is a beautiful concept and in a world where our dreams and ideas have the resources to conceptualize further than we could have imagined perhaps that Nueralyzer isn’t too far off in the future.

So let’s turn the lights on and illuminate the phenomenon of human existence. And while we are at it, why don’t we make the light fixture itself the element of suspense. The moment, the object that captures our undivided attention, and for many of these objects we too will go back with Agent K (Tommy Lee Jones) to 1969 and beyond for some delicious vintage materials.

So let’s put our hardhat marked electrician on and prepare ourselves to flip the switch to a visage of cinema, page thriller, billboard hit quality!

1. Mason Jar Lights

Not only do these make great single pendants they are awesome when combined in groups making a very distinct chandelier. (found on WeDesignStudios)

2. Plain Silver Gallon Paint Can

Industrial, quirky, and something you might find in the home of a home improver. So finish your painting project so we can continue with this one! (found on Grishley)

3. Flashlight Canister

It’s ironic, that your main source of light could be the very light you use even when the storm hasn’t rendered you in darkness due to faulty lines. (spotted on Pinterest)

4. Food Grater

Not only with this box food grater look great hanging from an appropriate room, such as your industrial kitchen, the slates and other grating options create fun enticing shadows on your wall when dusk falls. (great job, really inspiring by army_arch)

5. Vintage Fan

Replaced your air conditioning unit? Don’t throw that vintage fan out, as you can turn into some décor with purpose. A table lamp! Or a chandelier like the ones above? (found on Etsy)

6. Upcycled Vases & Liquor Bottles

Like the Mason jar, these old vases can be touched up and turned into a spectacle of light. Now go get those old bottles of Jack Daniels and turn them in a light fixture. Neat — from here.

7. Vintage Wire Baskets

Tightly woven, or intricate designs these will offer a similar effect as number five but can be easily integrated in more scenarios of your home décor as both a light fixture and artistic elements. (spotted on miscelaniasdani, infarrantlycreative, the barnlightelectric blog)

8. Upside Down Tea Cup

Tea party at my house! Carefully arranging the teacups create a wonderful tea party that will make a perfect light fixture accessory to your Victorian themed room or pretty in pink bedroom for you daughter. (via Tillyscottage)

9. Vintage Distressed Funnel

Another effective tool towards your industrial vibe is the funnel. These funnels which can be found in various sizes, often have been through a lot of distress.  This adds a great patina and a strong character to a pendant lamp! (found on AntiqueArchaeology)

10. Vintage Camera

Lights, Camera, and Brace for the Flash! Replacing the apparatus of your flash mechanism with a permanent light bulb may be a literal translation for a light fixture but it is great for lover of cameras and vintage style. Guilty for this is Jay Fish, who had a few old cameras from the 50s and 60s; he removed the shutter, some plastic, and voila, a light fixture.

So scrounge through your attic, your garage, your basement, the local farmers and flea markets upscale the forgotten times and upcycle them to something worth turning the lights on for!