Handmade Modern LED Chandelier

What do you do when you see a modern chandelier you really like but it costs 1000s of dollars? Why, make it yourself of course! That's just what my father, Steve White, did at my parents condo. The new light hangs over their dinning room table, and it certainly is a conversation piece. I've already commissioned him to make one for us. 

From the designer:
A unique dining room chandelier was created by modifying standard under-the-counter LED lighting components. The LED lights are available from Lee Valley Tools on reels of peel-and-stick tape in any length.  Also available are one meter long aluminum tracks (to mount the LED tape), light diffusers, wiring, connectors, power supplies, and dimmers for complete kitchen counter or bookshelf lighting.

LED Tape

It was discovered that the LED tracks are made of a soft aluminum extrusion which can be gently curved or twisted into almost any shape prior to installing the LED tape.  The possible lighting designs are only limited by one's imagination.  In this case, 5 of the tracks were bent over a wine bottle into various curves, such that they all line up to be of equal lengths at the two ends.  The ends were then clamped by sandwiching them between two aluminum plates cut in a semi-circle shape and bolted together.  The space between the plates contains the interconnecting wires joining the LED strips.  

A 12 volt power supply, mounted in the ceiling box, can be dimmed using a standard AC light dimmer.  The chandelier is suspended from the ceiling box by 4 picture wires, which also carry the 12 volt power to the fixture.

I just love how unique it is, and even more special since it was handmade. It's amazing what can be done with a little imagination and hard work. Can't wait to have one hanging over our dinning room table!