With the ever-increasing demand for energy efficiency in home lighting, bucket lights have become a popular and easy way to create ambient or task lighting that won’t strain your wallet. Brightening up a room with a homemade lamp made from an old bucket may sound like something out of a movie, but it is surprisingly simple to put together.
In this blog post, we will provide you with step-by-step instructions on different bucket light ideas you can spice up your interior space using nothing more than some basic supplies and materials. From bicycle chains to strips of leather, get ready to explore all of the creative and unique ways you can turn empty buckets into statement lamps!
What Lights Do People Use for Camping Buckets?
When people go camping, they often need to find creative ways to light up their buckets. One of the most popular options is using a headlamp. Headlamps are perfect for this because they can be placed around the edge of a bucket, lighting up its contents while still providing hands-free illumination. LED lanterns are also great for camping buckets as they provide a soft and steady light that’s great for reading or other activities.
Other popular options include glow sticks, battery-operated string lights, and even solar-powered lights that can be recharged during the day and used to light up your bucket at night. No matter what type of light you choose, it’s important to remember to keep your bucket away from fire sources when using these lights in order to ensure safety.
With so many different types of lighting options available these days, there’s sure to be something out there perfect for your camping bucket. So, the next time you go camping, don’t forget to light up your bucket with one of these great options and enjoy the convenience it offers.
16 Bucket Light Ideas
1. Solar-Powered Bucket Lights –
These buckets come equipped with solar-powered LEDs that charge during the day and then turn on automatically at night, providing plenty of light for outdoor areas in a cost-effective manner. If you’re looking for an eco-friendly way to light up your outdoor space, this is the perfect solution! Although they may require a bit of installation, these lights are sure to save you money on energy bills in the long run.
2. Paint Can Luminaries –
This fun DIY project involves taking paint cans and turning them into attractive lighting fixtures by simply drilling holes into the sides of the cans and then adding battery-powered LED lights inside. When lit, the paint cans create a soft and muted glow that is perfect for setting a cozy mood. This project is great for anyone looking to add a unique touch to their home’s decor.
Plus, the cans can be decorated with spray paint or stickers to make them even more eye-catching. With a few simple supplies, you can easily make your own paint-can luminaries in no time!
3. Illuminated Planters –
If you’re looking to add a bit of pizzazz to your garden or patio, take an old bucket and drill some small holes in it, then line it with colorful stones and add a few battery-powered LED lights inside to create an illuminated planter. Not only does this project look great during the day, but you can also enjoy a softly glowing luminary at night.
This is an easy and affordable way to get creative with outdoor lighting. Get creative and use whatever paint or materials you want to give it a unique look that matches your own style!
4. Glowing Orbs –
Whether they are sitting on your table or hanging from above, these glowing orbs made from empty plastic containers filled with liquid and battery-powered LED lights will provide a unique ambiance anywhere you place them. They can be made in any color and are often seen as a fun lighting option for a party or get-together.
And since the orbs are made from plastic, they can be washed and reused many times over. This makes them a great eco-friendly option for any occasion. Although the orbs may have a simple design, they provide an elegant touch to any room and will be sure to make an impression.
5. Fairy Lights in a Jar –
A simple yet beautiful way to light up any space is by filling an old jar with tiny fairy lights for a glow that will last all night long without having to worry about cords or plugs. Fairy lights in a jar are great because they come in all sorts of colors and shapes, making them a great addition to any room. Plus, you can change up the look anytime you want by swapping out the lights for a whole new design. This is an easy and inexpensive way to light up any space with a unique, whimsical style.
6. Carriage Lanterns –
Give your deck, patio, or garden path a touch of old-world charm by creating these vintage-style carriage lanterns out of upcycled plastic buckets and adding battery-operated tea light candles inside for an added decorative look.
Easily transform a simple, inexpensive plastic bucket into an elegant and rustic-looking lantern with just a few supplies to create this classic design. Once you’ve finished, hang the lanterns up with string or wire to light your outdoor space in a beautiful display of warm light.
7. Glow Sticks in Buckets –
Perfect for parties or special occasions, fill buckets with glow sticks for an easy way to create festive lighting without having to plug anything in! Put multiple buckets around the room and turn off the regular lights for an unforgettable experience. Get creative by adding decorations, like ribbon or colorful fabric, to the buckets to give them a unique look.
For added fun, let guests pick out their own glow stick colors! Although these don’t give off a lot of light, they are great for creating an atmosphere. Plus, when the party is over, you can easily store them away until next time.
8. Wine Bottle Tiki Torches –
Take empty wine bottles and fill them with citronella oil before placing wicks inside for an inexpensive tiki torch that adds ambiance without breaking the bank! Be sure to keep your guests away from the flames and monitor them during any outdoor gathering. With a few extra supplies, such as wire hangers, you can also make these in various sizes.
They’re easy to store, and you can reuse the bottles again and again. For a unique look, try embellishing the bottles with rope and seashells for a coastal-inspired twist. If you’d like, you could also use colored glass bottles or spray-paint them for a fun pop of color. With this simple DIY project, you can easily brighten up any outdoor space.
9. Solar Mason Jar Lanterns –
Create lovely solar mason jar lanterns by adding solar panels onto the lids of mason jars, then placing LED string lights inside the jars for when darkness falls! This DIY project is simple to put together, requires no electrical wiring, and will produce an attractive glowing effect in your garden or backyard.
These solar mason jar lanterns are perfect for adding an extra sparkle to any outdoor area. Plus, they’re safe and energy efficient! If you’re looking to bring some extra light and ambiance to your outdoor spaces, this is a great option. All you need are mason jars, solar panels, and LED string lights! Give it a try – you won’t be disappointed.
10. Potted Plants as Lamps –
Fill any old bucket or planter with soil and potted plants, then place solar-powered lamps beneath them which will absorb energy during the day and release it at night as a soft ambient glow! If you want to make it even more eye-catching, line the bucket with stones or pebbles. This is a great way to add a touch of nature to your outdoor lighting.
You can also use larger buckets with tall trees if you have the space! Just make sure the lamps are placed in a way that won’t damage the plants. However, this is an easy way to bring life and light together in perfect harmony.
11. Outdoor Chandeliers –
For those looking to make a statement in their outdoor area, hang some upcycled buckets from your ceiling and place tealight candles (or battery-operated string lights) inside each one for mini outdoor chandeliers that provide plenty of light while helping save energy too! Plus, the rustic feel of these items adds to any outdoor decor. You can use a variety of sizes and styles of buckets depending on the look you’re going for.
They can also be painted or decorated with other materials, such as fabric and ribbon, to achieve a custom look. The chandeliers provide soft, ambient lighting and can make your outdoor area a cozy and inviting space. They’re also great for entertaining guests or just enjoying a relaxing evening.
12. Hanging Votives –
Hang buckets filled with votive candles from shepherd’s hooks around your garden area or along pathways so guests can wander through without fear of tripping in the dark! Votives provide a gentle, romantic light that will let your guests know they’re in for something special. You can even get creative and use different colors or sizes of buckets to create a unique look. Add an extra touch of sparkle by adding some fairy lights to the mix!
With hanging votives, you’ll create a unique, romantic atmosphere that will be sure to impress your guests. While they are relatively inexpensive and easy to set up, you’ll still get the wow factor that you’re looking for.
13. Upcycled Oil Lamp –
Fashion an upcycled oil lamp out of an old metal bucket using vegetable oil as fuel, accompanied by a glass chimney which makes it safe enough to hang indoors as well as outdoors! This easy-to-make lamp is a great way to bring some warmth and ambiance to your outdoor space. To make it, simply drill two small holes in the bottom of your bucket and pass a wick through each hole.
Then fill the bucket with vegetable oil, light the wicks, and put the glass chimney over the top. Voila, you have your very own DIY oil lamp! You can also try filling your bucket with colored sand or pebbles to give it a unique twist. Plus, the wicks can burn for up to 8 hours, so you can enjoy your handiwork all night long!
14. Torch Lamps –
Rather than using those traditional gas lamps mounted on posts outside, try making torch lamps using empty tin cans instead, which can hold citronella liquid before adding wicks — after lighting them up, you’ll have instant bug-repellent plus great lighting all rolled into one! For ultimate safety, make sure the cans are securely attached and placed away from any flammable materials. You can also customize them with colorful paint or decals to add a unique touch.
These DIY torch lamps could be great additions to your summertime hangouts! However, proper safety measures should always be taken when creating and using these lamps. Try to use metal cans, as plastic ones can easily melt from the heat of the flame. Also, make sure that metal cans are placed on a non-flammable surface and never left unattended. With these precautions, you can enjoy your summer evenings free from bugs and full of light!
15. Moonlights –
Dress up any dull corner of your yard by making moonlights out of terracotta pots covered in silver spray paint before lining each pot with white tissue paper, which will give off beautiful beams when placed near other sources of light, such as street lamps or house windowsill spots! If you prefer a more natural look, opt for fairy lights wrapped around tree branches to create the same mystical effect.
The end result will be truly magical! However, use caution and make sure that your moonlights are secured safely to prevent any potential accidents. Try to place these lights in containers with lids, or make sure the pots are firmly rooted, so they don’t topple over. Enjoy your evenings and bring a bit of romanticism into your outdoors.
16. Rain Barrel Downspout Nightlight –
Make use out of rain barrels by attaching downspouts made from PVC pipe onto each barrel before running LED strips along its length so that when rainwater runs through, it will activate these strips creating a brilliant downpour effect throughout your yard! This is a relatively simple and inexpensive way to light up dark spots at night.
Additionally, this can help conserve energy as electricity isn’t required to power the lights. You can also choose to install motion-activated sensors that will switch on only when someone passes by for added safety. However, this will require more setup time and materials.
Things You Need to Know While Bucket Lighting
1. Make sure to measure the area you want to light before purchasing a bucket light. This will help ensure that the size of the light you purchase will fit the space you have available.
2. The wattage of the bulb is an important factor to consider when purchasing a bucket light. Higher wattages require more energy and can lead to increased monthly electricity bills.
3. Be aware of the type of light fixture you want for your space, as this will affect how the light is dispersed and how it looks.
4. Be mindful of the materials used to construct the bucket light fixture, as this will affect its durability and lifespan.
5. Consider the color temperature of the LED bulbs you choose for your bucket light, as this can create different atmospheres within a space. Warm colors tend to be more soothing and inviting, whereas cool colors can add a more energetic feel to the environment.
6. Be aware of the light output (lumens) when choosing your bucket light, as this will affect how much light is emitted from the fixture.
7. It’s important to take into account how the light is mounted when selecting a bucket light. Most lights come with some form of mounting mechanism, but it’s important to ensure that the method chosen is safe and secure for the long-term use of your fixture.
8. Lastly, think about the cost associated with purchasing and installing a bucket light – this can vary depending on the quality and size of the light fixture. Shop around to find the best deal that fits within your budget. With these tips in mind, you’re sure to find a great bucket light to suit your needs!
Some Common Mistakes While Bucket Lighting
1. Not using the correct wattage of bulbs when you are installing a bucket light. The wrong wattage will cause increased energy consumption and may even lead to fire hazards.
2. Using the wrong type of bulb for your bucket light installation—incandescent bulbs can be dangerous if used outdoors, and LED bulbs are more energy efficient but also may not fit in a standard bucket light housing.
3. Not double-check that all wires are securely attached when installing a bucket light. Loose connections can cause the wires to become overloaded, leading to potential fire and shock hazards.
4. Not adjusting the height of your bucket light after it is installed. Too high or too low lighting heights can create shadows or be an eyesore in certain areas of your home or office space.
5. Not making sure that all lights are facing the same direction when installing multiple bucket lights in one area. Having different directions for each light will create an uneven look and brightness levels across the entire area.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your bucket lighting installation goes smoothly and looks great! With careful planning and attention to detail, you can bring a beautiful glow to any area of your home or office.
For even more information on bucket lighting installation, check out our guide to successful bucket lighting! It goes into greater detail about selecting the right width, light temperature, and wattage for your bucketing project, as well as tips on how to install it properly. With this guide in hand, you can be sure that your bucket lighting will always look its best.
Conclusion
All in all, the bucket light is a versatile and easy-to-use product that can bring light to any situation. Whether you’re looking for a new way to spruce up your home décor or you need a reliable source of light for an upcoming camping trip, bucket lights are a great option.
And with so many different bucket light ideas available, you’re sure to find one that fits your needs perfectly. So what are you waiting for? Give bucket lights a try today!