Old shutters possess a charming, weathered appearance that only years of use and numerous coats of paint can provide. This makes them an ideal choice for adding texture and depth to cottage, farmhouse, and other rustic decor styles. There are countless creative ways to repurpose shutters in your home, from fashioning a functional plate rack to crafting a custom DIY paper organizer. One increasingly popular project involves transforming ordinary window shutters into chic lighting fixtures with the simple addition of a light sconce. The end result is a hanging or standing lamp that not only provides warm lighting but also exudes a wonderfully rustic and playful vibe.
Old shutters frequently find their way to secondhand markets after being retired from use. Excellent sources for these include architectural salvage shops, thrift stores, antique markets, and online platforms. Typically constructed from sturdy wood or metal, shutters come in various sizes, ranging from small ones designed for dormer windows to full-length units intended for French doors.
Turning an old shutter into a light fixture
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To create a stunning rustic lighting piece from a shutter, start by cleaning and preparing its surface. Then, apply a coat of paint. Once dry, measure the top rail and mark the hole locations before attaching the fixture with screws. Most wired sconces include a mounting bracket and a faceplate. Attach the mounting bracket to the shutter surface, then follow the manufacturer’s instructions to install the wiring. Lastly, cover the mechanism with the decorative faceplate (which should connect to the mounting bracket) and thread the cord through one of the slats to hide it behind the shutter. Alternatively, you can use a battery-operated sconce with remote control.
Once ready, position your shutter upright against a wall. If you prefer to hang it, attach two nails and some wire to the back or top of the piece. You could also use a French cleat to securely hang the new light fixture on studs, especially if your shutter is larger and heavier. Ideal locations for your shutter light include tight, dark areas where floor space is limited, such as an entryway or hallway. Another option is to incorporate the shutter light into a gallery wall with other rustic accents. These lights would also look fantastic as a pair above nightstands or flanking a doorway or fireplace.
Ways to customize the shutter light DIY
There are numerous ways to personalize your new fixture with paint, finishes, and the style of sconces you select. For instance, consider a white, distressed paint finish with an industrial-style Edison bulb for a vintage look. To distress the wood, wait until your new coat of paint has dried, then scrape it with the dull edge of a knife to reveal the underlying layers.
Alternatively, refinish the shutter with wood stain and add a chic toile shade sconce for a more traditional ambiance. You could also paint the shutter in a deep matte black and pair it with a straw shade for a trendy Balinese aesthetic. Opt for real or faux candle sconces for an even more rustic and romantic atmosphere.
There are many other configurations for shutter lights. For example, you could hang the shutter horizontally above a mantle or use it as a headboard, then add a sconce to each end. Or, install a shelf (or hooks) directly beneath the lighting fixture to provide extra storage for bags or keys in an entryway.
