How I made: A ruffled linen ceiling light

Like everything in Sloane’s room, I spent months searching for just the right ceiling fixture. I wanted something playful and sophisticated, light and ethereal and also something that worked with the room’s palette. At first I was drawn to a vintage piece like this, but then I realized it would hang so low the adults moving through the room could easily hit our heads. I also didn’t want something so low it would get in the sight line of the window seat arch we worked so hard to build.

And then I remembered seeing a pendant I’ve been loving so much lately. I knew that there was a chance I could recreate it with an inexpensive drum shade and some linen fabric. I ended up buying a few fixtures to determine the right size (and returned what didn’t work), as well as a few fabric swatches from Joann’s before landing on plain ole cheesecloth. But that’s how it goes with DIY projects though. You have to be willing to experiment and make returns as part of the process. It’s cheaper and more unique, but certainly more time consuming that clicking “add to cart.”

I love the final look so so much—and so does Sloane, luckily. It’s giving high-end linen tutu vibes on an Amazon budget, and I just can’t think of a more fitting light for my tiny dancer girl.