Corey’s Green Home Project: Eco-Friendly Chandelier

I’m on the hunt for a chandelier to hang in our newly opened-up dining room.

Of course, not just any chandelier will do (much to my hubby’s chagrin).

I’m looking for reclaimed/vintage-farm style-chic.

And I found it.

… At Pottery Barn.

Isn’t this recycled milk-bottle chandelier just delicious?

My heart stopped when I found the fixture online on a blog. It would be perfect. So I dashed over PotteryBarn.com, crossing my toes (my fingers were busy typing) that the light wouldn’t cost an arm and a leg.

Unfortunately, the reality was worse.

The chandelier was no longer available.

Drat.

I fly on over the E-bay. No luck. Craigslist—nothing. Google (sorry, honey - Bing) leaves me empty handed as well.

If I were my mom, I would be secretly excited (“Oh well! Now I’ll just have to make it myself!”) but I’m not sure I can take on another project right now. So I tried to clear my mind of the oh-so-fabulous milk bottle chandelier and see what else is out there.

“Tide Chandelier” by Stuart Haygarth

The Tide chandelier is one in an ongoing series inspired by the ‘man made’ debris, mostly plastic, that has washed up on a specific stretch of Kent (UK) coastline. According to the artist, “The sphere is an analogy for the moon which effects the tides which in turn wash up the debris.”

Commentary: This light (previously drooled over by Lynn) is a stunning statement. But it’s too much for my space. I’m looking for something more subtle.

“Ink Cartridge Chandelier” by Etsy artist LowellandLouise

Made from reclaimed ink cartridges in all the colors of the (printer) rainbow: Cyan, Yellow, Magenta, Black, Light Cyan, Light Magenta, and two Grays.

Commentary: More subtle, but this just doesn’t shout country style. Might be fun in an office, though. Hmmm… (Can you really ever have too many {reclaimed} chandeliers in a home?)

“Cascade” and “Cascade Lancashire” by Michelle Brand

Michelle’s award winning lighting is “a modern and environmentally conscious twist on a traditional iconic Chandelier.” Made entirely from the bottoms of upcycled plastic bottles.

Commentary: Getting warmer. I love the light and airy feeling of Michelle’s designs but the look seems a little too sophisticated for our taste. We’re going for country casual (with just a hint of elegance).

“Recycled Milk Bottle Jug Hanging Pendant Light” by Etsy artist ClaraBellsCloset

Lighting made from repurposed glass milk bottles from a local farms near the home of the artist in the Hudson Valley (NY).

Commentary: Hot! And - look! - the milk bottle I’ve been longing for is back. Unfortunately, this fixture is too diminutive for over a dining room table but I might just have to find another place for it in the house. Or maybe I’ll make my own. I found the instructions here.

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… In the middle of our online search my family went on a vacation to Coeur d’ Alene, ID. And there, in a little shop called Mix It Up, I found it.

Here is the photo I took, eyes wide, and heart pounding:

A RECLAIMED MILK BOTTLE chandelier. Bulls-eye!

The “Leitmtive Milk Bottle Chandelier” by Bonne Plat is vintage farm-style chic with just hint of elegance. And a surprisingly low price (about $225) to boot!

What do you think about my find? Do you think it could be the one? Have other ideas for me? Add your comment, below.

For more innovative chandeliers made from every-day objects, visit PoshPosh.com, LIGHTEN UP exhibition, MoreWaysToWasteTime, VerdaDesign and this post on our blog.