A few months ago I shared that I had a hankering to make this light (as seen on Secrets from a Stylist):
Dubbed the "Orb-Lando," the light was named after Orlando Soria, who created it. It's completely DIYable and the full (and hilariously informative) instructions for it can be found here.
Following that tutorial, I started working on one of my own and have it mostly completed. Here's a sneak peek of what I have done so far:
I thought I'd hang it over my dining room table, but after the wire frame was finished I started struggling with what color to spray paint it. Orlando (we're on a first name basis) recommends spraying it because the color of the wire will change over time. I could go the safe route and choose black (or maybe white?) or I could go nuts and be bold and choose a fun color. I like the idea of a fun color, but heck if I know what to choose.
Here's my dining room right now. Remember, that icky colored paneling over the fireplace will not stay that way forever. Ignore that.
Also, and I think this is pertinent, this is the light that I got to go inside the wire pendant. I went to Home Depot and searched high and low for a big, pretty, clear bulb, but this is the best thing that they had. I think it'll still work, but it's making me lean towards painting everything white.
What do you think? Should I paint it black? White? Orange? Another color?? Feedback would definitely be appreciated.
Once I get the color sorted out, I'll just need to hang the darn thing. Scary, because I hate ladders.








I think it would look great in white, but it depends on what color you are going to paint the panelling above the fireplace... If that is going to be white eventually, you'll want the pendant to contrast it, or it will blend in! I can't wait to see it; I loved that light when I saw it on SFAS too...
ReplyDeleteORANGE. Love how this light looks - since it's made of wire I think it'll be deliciously subtle.
ReplyDeleteCOLOR!! Orange! Hot pink! Lime green! Go crazy, neutral is boring!! :-) Can't wait to see it finished!
ReplyDeletehaha, I could actually see hot pink being pretty awesome...
ReplyDeleteYou are such a tease!!!!! :)
ReplyDeleteI think white would tie in really well with the rug you have there. But I think it also depends on what other colors (if any) you plan to bring into the room. Like Amanda said, white would blend in with white walls/paneling and that beauty needs to stand out!
i think i like it as is- just kind of dark metal- it looks more rustic like that.
ReplyDeleteI think a bright color would be awesome....but I think an oil rubbed bronze would be amazeballs as well. I am glad I'm not in your position because I am not sure I would be able to make a decision!
ReplyDeleteWhat colors are in the rooms next to the dining room? I would try to pull in one of those colors. And what about this lightbulb?
ReplyDeletehttp://www.potterybarn.com/products/filament-bulb/?pkey=clighting-accessories
I'm super-excited to see this one! Does it require any kinds of strange wiring to light it?
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see how this turns out - what a great project! And I agree - the color needs to contrast against the fireplace wall. A deep orange would be snazzy. But I'm digging the natural color - even if it changes over time.
ReplyDeletei vote for hot pink b/c it would go well w/the rug!
ReplyDeleteturquoise! what a great looking light - your room is lovely but, IMHO, it will need some pop of color :).
ReplyDeleteoooo that looks great
ReplyDeleteStop on by for a visit
Kari
http://dogisgodinreverse.com/
Bright orange OR red!! A pop of color would be fantastic. I think that white wouldn't showcase your excellent DIY work and black would be too harsh regardless of what color you choose for that wall. I can't wait to see what it looks like.
ReplyDeletexM
What a fun idea - i would go with white!
ReplyDeleteArrrgh! Since you asked...
ReplyDeleteI think the metal would stay it's color nicely if you simply spray it with clear acrylic. I have a copper spinner that I did that to and it's been hanging outdoor for three years or so and looks good as new.
But, if you spray it with any color, would you retain the detail where the wires cross or would it glob? We only see a tiny detail of your lamp, but the fine detail of the wire is delicate and lovely as it is. Plus, it *shines* and reflects light. Your mileage may vary, but for these reasons I would vote for clear.
Just a comment on the bulb, I found with my ceiling fans that (sadly) opaque bulbs reflect light (ie light up the room) oh so much better than clear. As do opaque shades. This was a bummer revelation for me as I like the clean look of the clear, but I found that if my point was lighting the room and not ambiance, clear was not the way to go. Can't see, if you have other lighting, this may not be an issue.
Can't wait for the finished pics!!!
Kerin
I would either do ORB or black so the bulb stands out and the frame looks like wire still. No white! I could also get on board with a hot pink or orange, though.
ReplyDeleteThis looks awesome! I am constantly amazed by your skill. How about green, to match the colour of your rug?
ReplyDeleteI say orange or plum which both look great with white and green. At least I think so. :)
ReplyDeleteI think the white will be MUCH nicer than the clear! Softer I think?
ReplyDeleteHot pink!!!
ReplyDelete