Check out these 111 DIY Farmhouse Decor ideas and get a ton of inspiration on how you can decorate your house in the farmhouse style without breaking the bank!

Check out these 111 DIY Farmhouse Decor ideas and get a ton of inspiration on how you can decorate your house in the farmhouse style without breaking the bank!

111 DIY Farmhouse Decor Ideas

Do you love farmhouse decor as much as I do? What is Farmhouse Style exactly? It can be described as worn, weathered, rustic, comfy, or anything that reminds us of a simpler time. If you’re like me (and love all things farmhouse), you may find yourself being lured into buying new decor that can put a dent in your budget. But, rest assured, today I’m giving you 111 DIY Farmhouse Decor Ideas to help you create the space you desire for less money. Get ready to be inspired!

DIY Lantern

DIY Lanterns for your mantel or side table.

diy sheet metal gift trays

DIY Sheet Metal Trays to display on tables, counters, or your desk.

DIY Farmhouse Decor Ideas

Upcycle an old window into sweet wall decor.

 

personalized wood slice coasters

DIY Personalized Wood Slice Coasters to decorate your table.

 

make a tray from a cabinet door

Make a tray from a cabinet door for serving drinks at your next party.

 

Home State Pride Garden Flag from a Placemat

Make this Home State Pride Garden Flag from a Placemat to add some interest to your yard.

 


how to sew reversible recipe placemats

Sew these memory making Reversible Recipe Placemats for a personal touch to your tablescape.

 

Hanging Beaded Glass Flower Vases

Hanging Beaded Flower Vases add color and sparkle to your windows.

 

north carolina state capital rustic tray

Make this State Capital Rustic Tray to carry coffee each morning.

 

Artist imspiration board from an old window

This Artist Inspiration Board is made from an Old Window for the artist in your home.

 

How to Make Colored Chalkboard Paint

Another window can be transformed into a memo board with Colored Chalkboard Paint (make custom colors for your chalkboard projects.)

 

pen and ink sketch decorative plates

Gorgeous Pen and Ink Sketch Decorative Plates to hang on your wall.

 

how to install a scrap wood wall

How to Install a Scrap Wood Wall to add character to any room!

 


easy diy yard stick star

Easy DIY Yard Stick Star to stand or display on your mantel.

 

DIY Chalkboard Painted Mugs

DIY Chalkboard Painted Mugs to give to guests at your next holiday party.

 

DIY Metal Number Sign

A DIY Metal Number Sign adds rustic/industrial interest to your wall collage.

 

Build a Vintage Produce Crate Centerpiece

This DIY Vintage Produce Crate Centerpiece adds rustic beauty to your table. Best of all, you don’t need any power tools to make it!

 

Reusable Tote Bag Sewing Tutorial

Reusable Tote Bag Sewing Tutorial would be cute hanging on a wall hook in your mudroom. Or use them at the grocery store and watch the other shoppers gawk.

 

Upcycled Cabinet Door Chalkboard Art

Make Upcycled Cabinet Door Chalkboard Art to add a sweet quote to your wall.

 

DIY Feather Art

DIY Feather Art is unique and eye-catching.

 

DIY Farmhouse Decor Ideas

This DIY Star Garland is simple yet impactful for year round decor.

 

customizing a tote bag with an old shirt

Customize a tote bag with an old shirt to carry everything you need.

 

Make a Driftwood Gift Crate

Make a Driftwood Gift Crate to attractively store books, trinkets, or any small items in your home.

 

Frosted Glass Vases from the Recycled Bin

Frosted Glass Vases from the recycling bin can be used all over your home, with flowers or none.

 

Fork Photo Holder

This Fork Photo Holder is a simple and fun way to display photos!

 

Upcycled Magnetic Chalkboard Frame

An Upcycled Magnetic Chalkboard Frame lets your kids write messages on their door.

 

Decorated Chalkboard Clipboards

Decorated Chalkboard Clipboards are a great way to stay organized or give as gifts to the teachers.

 

Rustic Metal Magnetic Window Frame

Create a Rustic Metal Magnetic Window Frame to display photos anywhere.

 

Making a Decorative Barn Door

Make a Decorative Barn Door for impactful wall decor.

 

Dressing up Dormer Window with Shutters

Dress up a Dormer Window with Shutters to add cute character to a window.

 

How to make a DIY Tray Gift Box

Build a DIY Gift Tray or Box (because you can always use trays for a multitude of things.)

 

How to DIY a Barn Wood PIcture Frame

A DIY Barn Wood Picture Frame adds some rustic charm to your art.

 

how to make a concrete wood planter

Make a Concrete and Wood Planter for your sweet succulents.

 

Pottery Barn Inspired Lantern

This Pottery Barn Inspired Lantern came from a super inexpensive source! You too can score one like it for less than $10!

Painting an Antique Wash Stand with Wagner Power Painter Plus Sprayer

Learn how to paint and antique an old wash stand or any furniture.

 

Rustic Wooden Caddy with a Branch Handle

This Rustic Wooden Caddy with a Branch Handle is the perfect farmhouse accent with rustic charm.

 

Creating a Faux Ceiling Medallion with Stencils

Create a Faux Ceiling Medallion with Stencils to add instant decorative detail to your room.

 

Aged Painted Pail Tutorial

Follow this Aged Painted Pail Tutorial to create chippy paint on almost any surface.

 

Refinishing a Garden Bench

Try Refinishing a Garden Bench to update furniture that has seen better days.

 

Shutters for Displaying Christmas Cards

Shutters are great for Displaying Christmas Cards or any cards throughout the year. It’s the perfect tall decorating item for your farmhouse look.

 

White Washed Window Box From a Wine Crate

A White Washed Window Box from a Wine Crate is perfect for a farmhouse accent for any window.

 

Curbside Vintage Step Stool Makeover

This Vintage Step Stool Makeover transformed from an old worn out style to new farmhouse style.

 

Create a Rustic Wood King Headboard

Create a Rustic Wood Headboard to add farmhouse beauty to your bedroom. You’ll be surprised by how affordable this project is.

 

How to Cut and Finish an Old Tabletop To Create a Wood Desktop

Cut and Finish an Old Tabletop To Create a Wood Desktop in your kitchen instead of spending big money on countertops.

 

White Washed Patriotic Flag Tutorial

A White Washed Patriotic Flag adds a patriotic farmhouse feel.

 

Rubber Bronzing Cabinet Hardware

Rubber Bronzing Cabinet Hardware can update your dated cabinet knobs and pulls.

 

Chalk Painted Stenciled and Distressed Table from a dumpster

A Painted, Stenciled, and Distressed Table was previously a dumpster cast off.

 

Rustic Red Pie Safe Painted with Milk Paint

A Rustic Pie Safe got a vintage makeover with some Milk Paint in a bright color. (Farmhouse style doesn’t have to be colorless.)

 

Chalkboard Calendar for the Refrigerator

Have an old fridge you don’t mind painting? Add a Chalkboard Calendar to keep your family on schedule.

 

Chippy Painted Corbels

Chippy Painted Corbels are the definition of farmhouse style. This is one tutorial you must read!

 

Faux Cross Stitch Tea Towel

This Easy Faux Cross Stitch Tea Towel is a sweet farmhouse accent to your kitchen.

 

DIY Chalkboard Calendar

This DIY Chalkboard Calendar Wall is one way to be sure you don’t miss an activity.

 

DIY Painted and Distressed Wood Panels Tutorial

A Painted and Distressed Wood Tutorial will help you add rustic colorful wood anywhere you want.

DIY Vintage Painted Oars

DIY Vintage Painted Oars are a fun way to add nautical accents.

 

Installing a Branch Towel Bar

Install a Branch Towel Bar to add some nature to your bathroom.

 

Chalk Painted Wooden Stool

Chalk Painted Wooden Stools are handy and attractive to have around.

 

Aging Galvanized Metal Quickly

Learn How to Age Galvanized Metal Quickly and save some money on that aged metal look.

 

The Gray Restoration Hardware Stain Recipe

My Personal Gray Restoration Hardware Stain Recipe is perfect for the farmhouse aesthetic.

 

Scrap Wood Christmas Tree

A Scrap Wood Christmas Tree is a great farmhouse holiday centerpiece.

 

Create Inexpensive Faux Copper Patina

Create Inexpensive Faux Copper Patina to add gorgeous character to your home.

 

Book Page Rose Wreath

This Book Page Rose Wreath is a beautiful DIY craft.

 

Perfect Rustic Paint Technique Tutorial

The Perfect Rustic Paint Technique Tutorial can be used for many items or furniture for a farmhouse look.

 

DIY Farmhouse Decor Ideas

Aging and Antiquing Furniture Legs gives it an old, worn and beautiful look.

 

Blue Loft Bed Kids Room

Build a Blue Loft Bed with colorful wood stain, so pretty!

 

Make an Old Sign from a Footboard

Make an Old Sign from a Footboard to decorate your mantel. Signs like this sell for hundreds of dollars, but this one will cost you much less!

 

Create a Unique Wine Rack From an Old Dresser

Create a Unique Wine Rack From an Old Dresser for an instant bar cart.

Old Paintbrush Cabinet Door Handles

Old Paintbrush Cabinet Door Handles are a clever addition to your craft room.

 

An Autumn Book Page Leaf Garland

An Autumn Book Page Leaf Garland is a pretty and simple DIY craft that looks great.

 

DIY Springtime and Easter Blue Bird Nest

For your springtime tablescape, make this DIY Springtime and Easter Blue Bird Nest.

 

Rustic Farm Crate Sign

DIY a Rustic Farm Crate Sign to fake a farm in your family name.

 

Anthropologie Inspired Pendant Light

This Anthropologie Inspired Pendant Light looks like it came right from the farm.

 

denim bunting

This Patriotic Denim Bunting Tutorial is perfect for your summer decor.

 

Building a Kitchen Counter Height Desk

Build a Kitchen Counter Height Desk to customize your organization center.

 

Song Lyrics Lamp Makeover

This Song Lyrics Lamp Makeover has simple colors and is perfect for a bedroom.

 

Twig Star Decorations

Twig Star Decorations are quick and cute farmhouse decorations.

 

10 Uses for Old Windows

10 Uses for Old Windows help you achieve farmhouse aesthetic in any room.

 

Log Tea Light Pillar Candles

Log Tea Light Pillar Candles are rustic yet elegant.

 

How to Make a Chalkboard Surface Desk

How to make a Chalkboard Surface Desk to create a built in workspace for your kids.

 

How to Install Brick Wallpaper Mural

Installing Brick Wallpaper Mural gives an aged feel to any room.

 

Make a Mason Jar Soap Pump

Make a Mason Jar Soap Pump and use that blue ball glass to remind you of old times.

 

diy rustic cake stand

This DIY Rustic Cake Stand can be decorative and functional.

 

Painted Lampshade and Guest Room Makeover

Take a plain lampshade and paint it to match your farmhouse-inspired room.

 

Spoon Tealight Candle Holder

A Spoon Tealight Candle Holder is a great use of old spoons.

 

make a simple pinecone garland

Make a Simple Pinecone Garland to bring some outdoors to your indoors.

 

Build a Wall Chalkboard With a Chalk Ledge

Build a Wall Chalkboard with a Chalk Ledge for the entire family to use.

 

DIY Industrial Cupcake Stands

DIY Industrial Cupcake Stands are a cute farmhouse style addition to any party.

 

How to Mount Antlers

Learn How to Mount Antlers and bring some farm to your decor.

 

how to build diy rustic wood box crates

Here’s How to Build Custom Rustic Wood Box Crates that will fit into many spaces.

 

How to build a giant chalkboard

You must Build a Giant Chalkboard to decorate for all the holidays.

 

DIY Interior Cedar Shutters

DIY Interior Cedar Shutters are a staple for any farmhouse home.

 

Spigot Handle Drawer Pulls

Adding these Spigot Handle Drawer Pulls is a cute and creative way to update a dated dresser.

 

rustic ikea hacked cabinet

Learn How I Took a Standard IKEA Cabinet and gave it a rustic farmhouse look.

 

Farmhouse King Size Bed with Storage

A Farmhouse Bed with Storage is a great addition to your farmhouse styled bedroom.

 

Mirrored Glass with Spray Paint

Use Mirrored Glass Spray Paint to give glass an aged look and make it reflective.

 

Fall Chalkboard Art

FREE Printable: Fall Chalkboard Art is a great wall decor item.

 

Build a Trough Centerpiece

Build a Trough Centerpiece to add to your farmhouse style dining room.

 

Vintage Map Lampshade

This Vintage Map Lampshade is perfect for your living room or office.

 

Re-Paint Home Decor

Re-paint Dated Home Decor to update old decor and transform it into farmhouse style.

 

How to Build Vintage Rustic Sleigh Ride Sign

How to Build Vintage Rustic Sleigh Ride Sign and keep the farmhouse look through the holidays.

 

Metal Tree Form

This Metal Tree Form is simple and beautiful.

 

Pros and Cons of a Farmhouse Sink

This isn’t a DIY, but thought you should know the Pros and Cons of a Farmhouse Sink before you purchase one.

 

DIY Copper Pipe Centerpiece

A DIY Copper Pipe Centerpiece adds some shiny and industrial farmhouse feel.

 

Rustic Wine Crate with Rope Handles

Rustic Wine Crate with Rope Handles are an attractive way to store magazines or books.

 

Rustic Bark Vases

Rustic Bark Vases are so easy to make and look perfect anywhere in your home.

 

Make Your Own Street Sign

Make Your Own Street Sign to add your personal flair to your gallery wall.

 

DIY Sheet Metal Vase

DIY Sheet Metal Vase is shiny, industrial and beautiful.

 

Magazine File Box Facelift

Give Tired Magazine File Boxs a Facelift with rustic, natural papers.

 

Make Your Own Clock Sign

Make Your Own Clock Sign from any flat surface material.

 

Family Organization Center Door

A Family Organization Center Door with aged copper and distressed paint screams of farmhouse charm.

 

DIY Faux Aged Metal Pulley

Guess what?! This DIY Faux Aged Metal Pulley is actually a cheap plastic pulley I painted!

 

Hidden Storage Under Laundry Room Sink

Hidden Storage Under Laundry Room Sink makes an otherwise messy space beautiful.

I hope you liked these 111 DIY Farmhouse Decor Ideas and found a lot of inspiration! Share it on social media and PIN this image to show your friends how they can save money on Joanna Gaine’s worthy decorating.

Check out these 111 DIY Farmhouse Decor ideas and get a ton of inspiration on how you can decorate your house in the farmhouse style without breaking the bank!

If you liked 111 DIY Farmhouse Decor Ideas, you’re going to love:

20 clever diy upcycled vases social media image

Clever DIY Upcycled Vases

Hostess gift ideas pinterest image

16 Unique DIY Hostess Gift Ideas

20 clever diy upcycled vases social media image

20 Clever DIY Upcycled Vases

Vases are beautiful and one of those home decor items that can be used in many different ways. They can sit empty on a shelf adding to the style of the room, hold beautiful flower arrangements, or be given as loving gifts.  These clever upcycled vases show only a few creative ways you can make a vase from items you already own, can be found in your recycling bin, or at local yard sales. I hope one of these many ideas inspire you to think outside the bottle ;-).

DIY aluminum sheet metal vase

Can you believe this DIY Sheet Metal Vase is made from a decorative aluminum sheet found at your local hardware or craft store?

 

test tube wall mounted vase

These DIY Wall-Mounted Test Tube vases look really cute on the wall and can be used in any room.

 

Make these sweet personalized gifts by wrapping Pounded Flower Artwork around a jar. It would make a great gift!

 

Spring Foyer Vignette | Pretty Handy Girl

Simply slip a Mason Jar into a Boot to create this fun and quirky vase.

 

DIY Copper Pipe Centerpiece | Pretty Handy Girl

Practice your soldering skills to create this unique and pretty Copper Pipe Flower holder.

 

Create a Living Wall Lattice Privacy Screen | Pretty Handy Girl

Decorate lattice and add some privacy to your yard with these gorgeous Glass Jar and Copper Wire vases.

 

How to Build a Rustic Crate Centerpiece (No Power Tools Needed!) #DIYCourage | Pretty Handy Girl

No power tools? No problem! Create this gorgeous Produce Crate Centerpiece to hold your flowers using only hand tools.

 

Create this Outdoor Patio Living Flower Centerpiece vase using PVC pipe and decorative tin.

 

Frosted Vases from the Recycling Bin | Pretty Handy Girl

Check your recycle bin for bottles and make these Frosted Glass Vases for your springtime flowers or to give as a pretty gift.

 

Beautiful rustic DIY decor for any room in your home!

Use some beautiful pieces of tree bark to make these beautiful Rustic Birch Bark Vases that can be used year-round.

 

Vintage Coat Hook Wall Vase | Pretty Handy Girl Guest Post

Make this functional and pretty Reclaimed Wood Hook and Vase to decorate your entryway.

 

Radiant Orchid Vases from Recycled Cans & Jars | #upcycling | Pretty Handy Girl

These Simple Bright Colored Vases can be made using recyclables, some paint and tape, and look absolutely gorgeous holding a variety of flowers.

 

Beautiful Simple Springtime Flower Striped Vases are created just using some decorative washi tape. They make great gifts!

 

You’ll just need a couple supplies to create beautiful Spray Painted Glass Jars and Bottles.

 

Use some small glass bottles to make these pretty Hanging Beaded Glass Flower Vases to hang near a window.

 

Paint some jars, fill them with flowers and show your teachers some love any day of the year with these Painted Vases.

 

Would you believe you can turn a soap dispenser into a vase like this unique Mother-of-Pearl flower vase.

 

Use old milk bottles to create these modern DIY Glass-Etched Vases.

 

Turn an old glass bottle into this fun textured Faux Stone Vase. 

 

Still have some recycled bottles left? Make these super simple (but super elegant) Gold Leaf Bottle Vases to display or give as gifts.

What do you think? I hope these 20 DIY Upcycled Vases collection inspired you to use something old to make something new and beautiful. All of these make great home decor items or gifts to others to show how much you appreciate them. Enjoy, and get out there and create something!

If you liked this collection, please pin this image to Pinterest:

20 clever diy upcycled vases pinterest image

Happy upcycling.

~Read more of Sheri’s posts~

 

Other posts you may like:

12 Inexpensive Ways to Decorate Your Bathroomways to decorate your bathroom

Decorating Ideas for an Outdoor Garden Partygarden outdoor party ideas

 

Pin for later!

Clever DIY Upcycled Vases | Pretty Handy Girl

Painted laminate table

How to Paint Laminate Table Top to Withstand WearHow to Paint a Laminate Table Top

Do you have a laminate top dining table that you want to paint, but are not sure how to paint it so it will withstand the wear and abuse a table usually receives? I can help by showing you how I painted my table. It was easy to do but takes some patience.

Hello awesome readers, I am Julie from Love My Simple Home, and I’m so excited about today’s post!  Over the summer I purchased this laminate dining table at a yard sale to use in my dining room.  After storing the table for several months,  I finally decided to pull it out of storage and give it a beautiful new finish with bright white paint.Laminate Table Top

Laminate Table Top Material List:

Palm Sander

Paint with Primer

Foam Roller

Paint Pan

Synthetic Paint Brush

Polycrylic Clear Satin

Paint a Laminate Table Top Step 1: Clean

The very first thing you need to do is wash the table off.  Use a soapy sponge with water to clean all the dirt, oil, or grime off the table top and base.  Use a clean dry towel to dry it completely.

Paint a Laminate Table Top Step 2: Sand

The purpose of sanding is to give the paint/primer something to grab onto.  Use a palm sander with 220 grit sandpaper and sand the top in the direction of the grain. You don’t need to sand too much, just enough to add some “tooth” for the paint to stick to. After sanding, clean the surface again with a soft clean cloth.  If the base of your table is in poor condition, go ahead and sand it too. (You might find it easier to hand sand the base of the table.)

Laminate Table Top

 

Paint a Laminate Table Top Step 3: Paint

A table that will be used daily needs a paint that is durable and can withstand spills.  I recommend BEHR Premium Plus Ultra in an Eggshell enamel finish. (You don’t need an entire gallon, one quart is plenty.) This paint is stain-blocking and is paint & primer in one.  For a super bright white, use Ultra Pure White.

Laminate Table Top

 

Apply 4 thin coats of paint with a foam roller.  Wait 2 hours between coats.  Don’t let the first few coats discourage you. They will show the laminate underneath. Be patient, the end result will be a beautiful smooth finish.

This is what the table looks like after one coat:

Laminate Table Top

Here is the same table after 4 coats:

Laminate Table Top

If you are painting your base, use a paintbrush to paint the legs and other parts of the table that are not easily accessible with the roller.

Paint a Laminate Table Top Step 4: Seal

The final step to keep your table beautiful and help it stand up to wear is to seal it!  Use at least 3 coats of Minwax Polycrylic clear satin to seal the top of the table.  Using a synthetic paintbrush apply one thin coat and let it dry overnight (patience).  Then lightly hand sand with a 320 grit sandpaper.  Clean off the surface and add another coat, wait 2 hours and apply the final coat (or more coats if desired).

Laminate Table Top

 

Allow the sealer to harden for at least 48 hours. Then start eating at your beautiful new table.

Laminate Table Top

Would you believe this table was an ugly laminate tabletop if you had not seen the before pictures?

Laminate Table Top

That’s it, I hope this tutorial was helpful!

Laminate Table Top

If you liked this post, I think you’ll also love these posts because they will help you transform more furniture in your house!

Laminate Table Top

Faux Weathered Gray Wood Grain Table Top Tutorial

 

Facelift for a Knotty Pine Dresser | Pretty Handy Girl

How to Paint a Knotty Pine Dresser

 

plugged in devices in desktop organizer charging station

How to Turn a Desk Organizer into a Charging StationHow to Turn a Desk Organizer into a Charging Station

Do you have multiple devices that need charging every day, but they are cluttering up your counter or table? Luckily I have the answer to that problem and it involves this simple desk organizer.

empty wood desktop organizer

Would you believe that wooden organizer is now a stylish charging station!

plugged in devices in desktop organizer charging station

Here’s what a typical desk organizer holds. Functional? Maybe, but by thinking outside the box I came up with an even more useful option for our home.

Plain wood desktop organizer

Materials:

(I’ve included affiliate links for your convenience. I earn a small percentage from a purchase using these links. There is no additional cost to you. You can read more about affiliate links here.)

Optional:

(I’ve included affiliate links for your convenience. I earn a small percentage from a purchase using these links. There is no additional cost to you. You can read more about affiliate links here.)

Supplies to make desktop charging station

Instructions:

Follow this simple video tutorial (or read below for the step-by-step instructions.)


Start by giving your organizer a good cleaning. Make sure there is no dust or dirt.

Wipe out Desk Organizer

Place all your devices into the organizer to determine where you want them to rest when charging. Next, plan where you want the USB charger to go.

Test fit devices

Mark the spot where the charger cord will need to come through the back of the organizer by tracing around the plug end.

draw around plug end of cord

Determine the size of bit you need to create the holes for the plug. You want it to be about the same size as the width of the plug. (Depending on the shape and size of your plug, you may need to drill two holes next to one another.)

Choose drill bit the width of one of the plug holes.

Put on your safety glasses. Drill the plug hole. Be careful not to let the bit sink too deep into the organizer to prevent damage to the other sections.

Drill through back of organizer for plug

Insert your USB charger cord into the hole to make sure it fits. Wipe off any sawdust and sand any rough edges.

Test fit plug in newly drilled hole.

Paint your organizer any color you desire. I highly recommend using at least two coats of paint.

paint organizer if desired

After the first coat of paint dries, lightly sand it before applying the second coat.

Lightly sand between coats

Optional: You may wish to use a vinyl cutter to create some fun lettering for your charging station.

Cricut vinyl cutter supplies

Add vinyl lettering "in charge"

Place your USB charger into the organizer. Insert the cord through the back and plug it into the charger.  Use adhesive velcro to attach the charger to the inside of the organizer.

Slide charger into slot and adhere with double sided velcro.

Time to plug in all your devices and get them powered up!

devices sitting in desk top charging organizer

plug in devices

Now you have a beautiful and stylish charging station to organize your devices and keep them from cluttering your kitchen counters.

plugged in devices in desktop organizer charging station

I hope you love this charging station as much as I do.

"In charge" Gray Charging Station on kitchen counter

I’m curious where you charge your devices? Is the kitchen where they all get deposited or have I been doing this all wrong?

signature

If you like this tutorial, you might also like this Industrial Charging Station & Lock Box.

Industrial Charging Station and Lock Box | Pretty Handy Girl

Or these creative paint brush or pencil holder using scrap 2×4’s:

Create Art Utensil and Pencil holders

 

Hanging A Barnlight Tutorial

Hanging a barn light tutorialHow to Hang A Barn Light

Hi everyone, it’s Dean from Diane and Dean today. I can’t wait to show you how to hang a barn light. Some may call it an obsession, but I  like to think of it as a significant interest! What is it? Exterior lighting! Most homeowners may not think much further beyond function, but exterior lighting can REALLY make a difference to the curb appeal of your home.

With fewer choices for lighting fixtures on the outside of the house (compared to the inside), getting the right light fixture is important. Like most typical homes, our’s came with the gratuitous flood light circa 1980. The light was mounted in a highly visible spot over a walkway to the paver patio and pergola. Unfortunately, the flood light lacked everything but function!

Hanging A Barnlight Tutorial

For a long time, I have been eyeballing gooseneck barn lights. They remind me of my summers in eastern Pennsylvania spent on my cousin’s dairy farm. These fixtures aren’t the most economical in price, but the prominent spot dictated reaching a little further into the old wallet. After placing the order with a local company, that makes replica fixtures by hand, I anxiously waited for its arrival!

Here it is fresh out of the box, and it looks pretty simple to install because it is simple to install!

How To Hang An Exterior Barnlight

Let’s get to it and I’ll show you How to Hang a Barn Light!

Materials:

(I’ve included affiliate links for your convenience. I earn a small percentage from a purchase using these links. There is no additional cost to you. You can read more about affiliate links here.)

Instructions:

Step 1:  Turn off the power at the circuit breaker. (It’s a good idea to turn the light on before you turn off the circuit. Then you can visually verify that the power is indeed turned off to the light.)

Step 2:  Unscrew the cover off of the flood light (or whatever fixture you are replacing.) Pull the wires out of the junction box. Unscrew the wire nuts. Discard or recycle the old fixture and throw away the old wire nuts. (I like to replace the wire nuts when installing new fixtures because they are inexpensive and it insures a good connection.)

Hanging A Barnlight Tutorial

The gooseneck barn light comes with a face plate, a shade, and the gooseneck arm. All light fixtures have a white and black wire (together they provide the power); and a green wire (the ground wire). Thread the wires through the goose neck arm and the face plate (if not already threaded through). One end of the gooseneck arm is threaded and will attach to the shade. Wrap the threaded end of the goose neck arm with plumber’s tape (to prevent water from getting into the fixture.) Screw the threaded end into the shade. The other end is held into the face plate with a hex screw. Super easy, right?

Hanging A Barnlight Tutorial

Unfortunately, with this light, you must mount the entire fixture fully assembled (some fixtures can be installed by first mounting just the face plate first.) Therefore, you will need an extra set of hands to help hold the fixture in place while trying to connect the wire nuts and the fixture to the junction box.

NOTE:  This fixture is made from real materials (aka heavier than big box retail fixtures). You need to make sure your junction box will hold the weight of the barn light snug against the exterior wall. If not, you will need to replace a plastic junction box with a metal one to support the additional weight.

Hanging A Barnlight Tutorial

Step 3:  Cut the excess wires with the wire cutter. Using the wire stripping tool, remove approximately 1″ of the wire covering from each wire. (I like to remove a little bit more than usual because it can always be trimmed off if the wires don’t fit within the wire nuts.)

Hanging A Barnlight Tutorial

This fixture also comes with a gasket that goes on the back of the face plate (to prevent water from getting into the junction box.) Feed the wires through the gasket before the next step.

Step 4:  Holding the fixture close to the junction box, connect the green ground wire from the light fixture with the green or bare wire from the junction box. Connect the white with the white wire and finally the black with the black wire. Secure all the connections with new wire nuts.

How to Install a Wall Sconce | Pretty Handy Girl

NOTE:  For safety, all wire connections need to fit inside the wire nut with no bare wires exposed. If you want, you can wrap electrical tape around the wire nut and wires to fully seal and secure the connections.

Step 5: Gently fold the wires into the junction box behind the face plate or mounting plate. Lift the light fixture into place against the wall. Thread the two mounting screws through the holes in the mounting plate and into the junction box. Tighten the mounting screws.

How to Install a Wall Sconce | Pretty Handy Girl

Congratulations! You have just learned How to Hang a Barn Light!

Hanging A Barnlight Tutorial

Do you love the look of the barn light? Much better than the bare floodlights, right. I hope you’ll try installing an exterior light to your home, it’s not hard to do.

diane and dean diy

~ See more of Diane +  Dean’s projects ~

If you liked this tutorial, you’ll love How to Install a Motion Sensing Light:

How to Install an Exterior Security Light | Pretty Handy Girl

Or How to Install Low Voltage Landscape Lights:

 

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How to Hang a Barn Light | Pretty Handy Girl