How to Design Your Own Lighting

Decide on a style of fixture and lighting that interests you. If you don't know anything about lighting designs, research it by looking up photographs of lighting fixtures. Examples of lighting fixtures include globes, stained glass lamp covers, and modern recessed or colored LED lights. A trip to home supply center or specialty lighting store in your area may help give you some ideas.

Start drawing on your paper. You do not need to have a specific shape in mind, although it is better if you do. Use the photos you have looked up as research for inspiration. Look at how the fixtures bend or curve or are sharp edged. Explore how color is used. Imitate things you like but change the details. For example, if you like the blue glass of one brand of lighting, but prefer the shape of another, try drawing that shape on your paper and coloring it to your preference.

Decide on the measurements of your design. Do this by finding an everyday object or using a measuring tape to get an idea of an appropriate size for your lights. For example, a large mason jar is roughly eight inches long and 10 inches around, but unlike the measuring tape, holding it in the space you want your chunky pendant lights will give you a better idea of how they will actually look and how much space they will use. Write these measurements down on your paper with the design. Make sure to use write a length, width, and how wide around it should be.

Take the design and measurements to the person you have chosen to make your fixture. Many people and places do this, from large factories to glass sculptors and artisans. You can find these people by learning what it will take to make your fixture, for example, knowing that you want a blown glass fixture will let you know to approach a glass blower, while a stained glass fixture will demand an artisan who is an expert in cutting glass. Once you know who you need you can find one by looking in trade magazines, online or approaching local arts, crafts and design groups.