DIY Rustic Mason Jar Light Fixture

Marie Overton

Apr 24, 20212 min read

Updated: Mar 1

My sons’ broken bamboo blinds started a cascade of bathroom projects that resulted in a full bathroom makeover. This light fixture was the last project on the list. It was a nice fixture but was too dark and not rustic enough for my new decor. I decided on a DIY Rustic Mason Jar Light Fixture.

Three beige glass light fixtures with dark mounts on a wooden table, seen from above. The setting appears rustic with wooden textures.

I started by removing the light bulbs and then the shades. One of them stuck a little so I had to use needle-nose pliers to help me. These are held on by a plastic piece (light socket shade ring) that screws on and off. I set all of these off the side except one of the rings.

Hands install glass light shades on a metal fixture over a wooden table. Nearby items include another shade and a roll of electrical tape.

I then prepared for the next step by getting a permanent marker, a hammer, a nail, 3 wide mouth, quart size, mason jars, lids, and rings. I used the shade ring center hole as my template and drew a circle in the center on the top of my lids.

Hands writing on a jar lid with a blue pen on a wooden table. Three jar rings and another lid are nearby. Rustic setting, no visible text.

Next, I placed the lid on my jar with the ring and used the hammer and nail to create a ring of closely-spaced holes on the outside edge of the circle I drew.

Hands using a hammer on a jar lid on a wooden table. Surrounding are jar rings, caps, a marker, and gloves, creating a DIY setup.

Next, I used a pair of wire cutters to finish cutting through the circle of holes.

Hands use pliers on a jar lid, on a wooden table with two jar rings, a Sharpie, duct tape, gloves, and a hammer. Cozy indoor setting.

I recommend work gloves at this point since the metal is very sharp. Now wearing my gloves, I push the cut circle all the way out.

Hands in gloves holding a jar lid on a wooden table with tools, tape, and canning rings. Neutral tones with indoor setting.

This does leave some rough edges so I like to use the hammer to lightly tap them flat. I repeated this step on the other two lids.

Overhead view of a wooden table with canning lids, pliers, a Sharpie, and tape. A hand is painting an object. Plants visible in the corner.

Now is the time to put the lids and rings on the light fixture. I put all the lids inside the rings and placed them over the sockets using the shade ring to hold them in place.

Hands sealing a jar lid on a wooden table, with other lids and a black Sharpie nearby. Bright light from the left, plant in background.

Now that I had all the basics, I needed to make the colors match. I had wanted a lighter color anyway, so this was a good step for me. (A lot of times you can find nice fixtures in an unpopular color for good prices.) I used Krylon Supermax in hammered brown spray paint. Usually, I spray paint outside. If you spray inside, you should be sure to have good ventilation and cover any close surfaces to protect from overspray. Clean all surfaces of the fixture. Shake the paint can well before you start. Spray from multiple different angles to be sure you obtain full coverage. Do not spray any one spot too long or it will begin to pool and run.

Hand spray-painting a chandelier base dark brown on parchment paper. Wooden floor and plants in the background.

After the paint has dried, screw in your light bulbs. Next, place the jars over the light bulbs and screw them onto the rings making the jars all face the direction you want.

Hands holding a bronze light fixture with mason jar covers on a dark wooden table. Some flowers are visible in the background.

I began the project with regular modern mason jars but then switched them out for antique jars a friend gave me.

Bathroom mirror reflecting a toilet and wall decor. Rustic light fixture above with three glowing bulbs in mason jars, beige walls.

I later replaced my normal light bulbs with Edison LED bulbs and I like them much better.

Triple mason jar lights illuminate a bathroom with a rustic mirror and tiled wall background. Warm ambiance.

This has been a great project for culminating my bathroom remodel. It really makes a big difference in the feel of the room but costs very little out of pocket.