To make a rattan light shade, you can simply join two pieces of rattan for an easy drum shade, use webbed rattan and embroidery hoops to create a tiered flower design, or shape a round light shade using an inflatable ball. Each method results in a beautiful, functional light fixture that highlights rattan’s natural texture and warmth.
In this guideline, we’re going to introduce three exciting ways to make your own rattan light shade. These methods are arranged from the easiest to the one needing more courage.
Let’s start with the simplest way to make a rattan light shade.
1. DIY Drum Rattan Light Shade Using Embroidery Hoops and Wooden Block
This drum rattan light shade adds a touch of natural elegance and cozy warmth to any room.
Tools and Materials Needed
Here are the 9 essential tools and materials you'll need to get started:
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A roll of rattan cane webbing(width around 15-20 inches, depending on the desired size of your lamp)
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2 pre-cut rattan strands, each about 30-40 inches long
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2 wood embroidery hoops (diameter around 13-18 inches, as long as they are smaller than the width of the rattan cane webbing roll)
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1 hot glue gun
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1 scissor
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1 tube of wood glue
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1 pendant light cord kit with a bulb (the bulb type can be chosen to match your home's electrical system)
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1 thick square wooden block with a pre-drilled hole at the center
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1 wooden dowel (diameter about 0.08-0.12 inches)
Tools and materials to make a rattan drum shade
Step-by-Step Instructions
To make drum rattan shade using embroidery hoops and wooden block, you should follow the instructions with 9 steps below:
Step 1: Cut the Rattan Cane Webbing
Lay the rattan cane webbing flat on your work surface. Place the circular wooden hoop on top as a guide. Cut around the frame with scissors, leaving one inch of excess material beyond the edge for secure attachment.
Cut the rattan cane webbing to be 1 inch larger than the embroidery hoop frame for a perfect fitStep 2: Attach the Rattan to the Hoop
Position the wooden hoop over the cut cane webbing.
Place the embroidery hoop on the cut rattan webbingPress the webbing firmly onto the hoop to secure it evenly across the surface with both hands. Press along the edges to create smooth folds. Tuck all excess strands inward for a clean finish.
Press the embroidery hoop with both hands to secure the rattan webbing into the frameStep 3: Trim Excess Rattan Webbing
Use scissors to carefully trim any leftover rattan cane webbing. Make sure the edges are perfectly neat and flush with your hoop's frame.
Trim any excess rattan webbing with scissors for a clean finishStep 4: Glue the Edges
Apply a little thin glue along the edges of the frame. This will keep your rattan from loosening. Check the underside for any loose spots!
Apply wood glue to the edges to secure the frame and ensure its stabilityStep 5: Create a second matching piece
Simply repeat steps 1 through 4 with a new hoop. You need a second, identical piece for the top of your lampshade.
Repeat the same process to cover the remaining surface of the frame
Both surfaces of the frame are now completeStep 6: Assembling the Shade with wooden block and dowel
Attach the block to the inside surface of the rattan. Let it sit for a while to dry the glue. Then, align the second piece above the first one. Make sure the circles are stacked parallel.
Join the two rattan surfaces together using a wooden block in the center by hot glue gunUsing a glue gun, attach a wooden dowel to the little gap between the embroidery hoops. Once the dowel is placed, press it down firmly to secure it in the frame. Then, allow the glue to set.
Continue using hot glue to attach a wooden dowel on the opposite side of the wooden blockStep 7: Attach the Cord Kit
Securely attach the hanging cord from your kit right into the center hole of the wooden block. This holds the light.
Thread the pendant light’s electrical cord through the hole in the center of the wooden blockStep 8: Attach the Rattan Layer Around the Shade
Apply hot glue to the outer edge. Wrap the rattan cane around the outside, covering the space between the hoops. Add a decorative strand to the edge.
Attach the rattan webbing to the surface around the light shade for a seamless finish
Glue the rattan strands to cover any rough edges at the joints with the embroidery hoopStep 9: Connect and Hang the Light
Connect the wiring safely. Test the light to ensure it works. Hang your beautiful new DIY lampshade and enjoy your work!
Connect the wiring, hang the light, and admire your finished creation!DIY Rattan Drum Lampshade Tutorial Video
2. DIY Flower-shaped Rattan Light Shade From Embroidery Hoops and an Old Vase
This tiered petal shade is the combination of rattan webbing and the embroidery hoops, forming an extraordinary light for your space.
Tools and Materials Needed
This project requires 7 readily available craft supplies and basic tools for assembly.
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6 12-inch (30 cm) diameter embroidery hoops for petal frames
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1 can of black spray paint for finishing
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1 roll of rattan cane webbing
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1 truncated cone-shaped wooden vase
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6 small wooden dowels, 6mm diameter, 4 inches (10 cm) length
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1 electric drill with 6mm bit
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1 craft knife or sharp scissors for cutting webbing
Tools and materials to make a rattan tiered shadeStep-by-Step Instructions
Work through 6 steps methodically to assemble the tiered structure correctly.
Step 1: Paint and dry wooden components
Apply two coats of black spray paint to all embroidery hoops and wooden dowels, allowing two hours of drying time between coats for a cohesive, finished appearance.
Prepare 6 embroidery hoops in the desired size for your light shade
Use a spray paint bottle to coat the surfaces of the embroidery hoops and let them dryStep 2: Soften the rattan webbing
Submerge the rattan webbing in warm water for 15 minutes, blot excess moisture, and let it rest flat to increase flexibility and prevent tears during stretching.
Soak the rattan cane webbing in warm water for 15 minutes to increase its flexibilityStep 3: Cut rattan squares
Cut six squares measuring 14 inches (35 cm) per side from the webbing, following the natural grid lines to ensure clean edges that resist fraying.
Cut the rattan webbing to a size that is 1 inch larger than the embroidery hoopStep 4: Attach rattan to hoops
Separate each hoop, sandwich one rattan square between the inner and outer rings, tighten the screw until the rattan is taut, and trim the excess material.
Place the cut rattan webbing between the two embroidery hoops and press down with your hands to secure it in place within the frame
Use pliers to tighten the clasp of the embroidery hoop, ensuring the frame is secure
Repeat the same process with the remaining 6 pairs of embroidery hoops
Trim any excess rattan webbing to complete the surfaces and ensure a neat finishStep 5: Prepare the base basket
Drill one central hole in the basket base for the light cord and drill six additional holes evenly around the perimeter for the dowel connectors.
Paint the vase with the same color as the embroidery hoop for a coordinated look
Use a drill to make a hole at the bottom of the vase
Attach the pendant light socket into the hole you just drilled in the vase
Drill a small hole in each embroidery hoop to attach the small dowels
Attach the small dowels to holes to make petal-shaped sections
Drill similar small holes around the vase to match the holes in the embroidery hoopsStep 6: Assemble the tiered fixture
Insert the wooden dowels into the perimeter holes, position each rattan-covered hoop onto a dowel, and adjust the angles for a balanced, symmetrical layered effect.
Attach the petal-shaped pieces into the holes you just drilled
Connect the wiring, hang the light, and admire your masterpieceDIY Rattan Flower Lampshade Tutorial Video
3. DIY Round Light Shade with Rattan Strands and Inflatable Ball
This stunning rattan sphere pendant light is a unique, handmade piece featuring hundreds of small, interlocking rings that cast a warm, ambient glow, perfect for any nature-inspired space.
Tools and Materials Needed
Here are 7 tools and materials you'll need to create the round pendant light:
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1 bundle of about 30-50 pre-cut rattan strands, each 35cm or longer
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1 pendant light cord kit, including a bulb (the bulb is optional; choose one suitable for your home electrical system)
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A basin of water to soak the rattan
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1 Scissor
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1 Hot glue gun
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An inflatable ball
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A hand balloon pump
Tools and materials to make a rattan round shadeStep-by-Step Instructions
Following the 7-step process below to make your own rattan strands round shade lights:
Step 1: Prep the Rattan Strands
First, soak your rattan strands in warm water for 10-15 minutes. This simple step makes the rattan flexible and much easier to bend, which is key for a successful project!
Soak the rattan strands in warm water for at least 10 minutes to make bending easierStep 2: Form the Rattan Rings
Now, create the light’s blocks. Take a strand and form a small loop, pulling the rattan through and tightening it until the ring is about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter.
Layer the rattan multiple times by threading it through the loop to add thickness and stability. Once finished, trim the excess rattan and secure the end tightly so the ring holds its shape.
Form a circular shape by bending a single rattan strand into a ring
Cut any excess rattan strand and tuck the remaining end neatly to hide it
Repeat the same process with the remaining rattan strandsStep 3: Inflate and Position the Mold
Inflate your ball fully; this is your mold! Place the ball on a steady surface (use scotch tape to keep it from rolling away). For easy removal later, make sure the ball's valve is facing upwards as you work.
Inflate the ball using a hand pump and place it on a stable surfaceStep 4: Glue the Rings into a Sphere
Using a hot glue gun, begin attaching the rattan rings onto the ball. Work in a circular pattern, making sure each ring is evenly spaced and securely glued. Important: Leave a large enough opening at the bottom of the sphere. This is where you'll install the light socket.
Use hot glue to attach the prepared rattan rings onto the entire surface of the ball
The ball is now fully covered with rattan ringsStep 5: Cure and Remove the Mold
Allow the glue to dry completely until the shade is solid. Then, gently deflate the ball by opening the valve. Once soft, carefully pull the deflated ball out through the bottom opening, leaving you with a lightweight rattan sphere.
Use a hand pump to deflate the ball and carefully remove it from the rattan light shade
The light shade is readyStep 6: Install the Light
Carefully thread the power cord, socket, and light bulb up through the opening at the bottom of the rattan shade. Make sure the socket is properly secured.
Attach the light socket with the bulb inside the light shadeStep 7: Test and Hang
Finally, connect the light to power to ensure everything works safely. Once confirmed, hang your beautiful new rattan pendant light, adjust the height, and enjoy the cozy, natural glow it adds to your room!
Connect the wiring and test the light to ensure it works properly
Hang the light in your favorite spot and admire its beautyDIY Rattan Round Lampshade Tutorial Video
Tips for Finishing and Installing Your Rattan Light Shade
After completing your rattan shade with any method above, proper finishing and safe installation maximize both durability and home safety.
Apply Protective Coating for Durability
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Choose the right product: Use heat-resistant polyurethane spray or acrylic sealant rated for 200°F (93°C) minimum
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Apply in thin coats: Spray 2-3 light coats from 8-12 inches away in a well-ventilated area, allowing 2-4 hours drying time between coats
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Wait before wiring: Allow 24 hours full cure time before installing electrical components
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Optional for natural look: Skip coating if you prefer raw rattan's matte finish
Spraying a protective coating to shield the rattan from temperature effectsFollow Electrical Safety Guidelines
Always turn off power at the circuit breaker before wiring, or hire a licensed electrician for installation
Electrical safety for rattan shades requires following 5 critical guidelines:
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Use maximum 60W incandescent or 13W LED bulbs to prevent overheating.
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Maintain 6-8 inches minimum clearance between bulb and rattan material.
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Ensure all wiring components are UL-certified and rated for pendant lights.
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Connect wires correctly - black (hot) to black, white (neutral) to white, and green/bare (ground) to ground.
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Secure all connections with wire nuts and check for frayed cords before installation. Check local electrical codes for specific requirements in your area.
Complying with mandatory electrical safety guidelinesPosition and Hang Your Shade Correctly
Proper positioning ensures optimal lighting, visual balance, and safe operation of your rattan shade.
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Height above tables: Hang 30-36 inches above dining tables or 30-40 inches above kitchen islands
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Open spaces: Maintain 7-8 feet clearance from floor in living rooms or entryways
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Ceiling support: Mount to ceiling joist or use toggle bolts for hollow ceilings - most rattan shades weigh 2-5 lbs
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Shade sizing: Choose shade diameter 1/3 to 1/2 of table width for visual proportion
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Adjustability: Use adjustable pendant cord for easy height modifications
Think about placing the light fixture in the best spot to enhance the space's overall aesthetic
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are rattan light shades safe?
Yes, rattan light shades are generally safe if you use low-heat bulbs, like LEDs, and ensure proper ventilation. They can be flammable if exposed to excessive heat.
What Bulb Wattage Is Safe for Rattan?
LED bulbs with 60W incandescent equivalent output or lower work safely with rattan shades. Avoid halogen bulbs entirely, excessive heat can scorch natural fibres.
LED technology produces minimal heat whilst offering excellent light output and energy efficiency.
Can you paint rattan light shades without ruining them?
Yes, acrylic paint bonds well to rattan when applied in thin coats. Sand lightly before painting for better adhesion. Spray paint offers even coverage but requires proper ventilation during application.
Is it cheaper to make or buy a lampshade?
Making a basic lampshade, especially using a kit and inexpensive or recycled fabric, is often cheaper than buying a comparable new one. Buying is cheaper if you get a very basic, mass-produced shade.
Contact IndochinaLight for expert guidance and premium materials:
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IndochinaLight - IndochinaHomeDecor LLC
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Address: 30 N Gould St Ste. N, Sheridan, WY 82801
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Phone: (+)1 307 249 0594
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Email: service@indochinalight.com
