How to Use Your Old Phone Charging Cables to Create Unique Lighting Fixtures

Old phone charging cables can be repurposed into creative lighting fixtures to add a unique decorative touch to any space. With a few simple steps and minimal cost, you can upcycle cords that would otherwise end up in a landfill into beautiful, functional lights.

Gather Your Supplies

Old charging cables: The cables can be from an old cell phone, tablet, e-reader or any other device. Make sure to collect cables in varying lengths.
Light bulb sockets: Choose sockets that match the size of light bulbs you want to use. Edison-style bulbs work nicely.
Wire strippers: You'll need these to remove the plastic coating from the cables.
Pliers: Helpful for bending and shaping the cables.
Scissors: To trim the cables to size.
Hot glue gun: To attach cables to sockets and hold everything in place.

Prepare the Cables

The first step is to prep the cables for wiring.

Use the wire strippers to remove the plastic coating from both ends of each cable. You want to expose about 1/2 inch of the metal wiring underneath.
Trim the cables to your desired length using scissors. For a single pendant light, a 3-4 foot cable works well. For a table lamp, try 8-10 feet. For a floor lamp, 10 feet or longer.
Arrange the cables how you want them to hang. Carefully bend and shape the cables using pliers to create swoops and waves.
Once you're happy with the shape, use hot glue to temporarily hold the cords in place. Let the glue cool completely before moving on.

Connect Cables to Sockets

Now it's time to wire up your light sockets:

Start with the first socket. Pick two cables you want to connect to it. Twist the exposed wires of the two cables together tightly.
Push the twisted wires into the socket holes and screw them securely in place.
Connect additional cables to fill each socket, twisting matching cable colors together.
Once wired, wrap connections with electrical tape to prevent shorts.

Add Hanging Details

To finish your DIY cable lights:

For a pendant, attach a pendant light kit to the top socket and hang as desired from the ceiling.
For a table or floor lamp, securely attach your wired sockets to the base.
Hide connections with heat shrink wrap or small lamp finials.
Screw lightbulbs into the sockets and test that all cables are working.
Hang or display your unique creation and enjoy your innovative upcycled lighting!

With a some simple tools and leftover charging cables, you can build eco-friendly lighting fixtures that add stylish charm to any space. Let your creativity run wild, and don't be afraid to experiment with bold shapes and patterns. In no time you'll be illuminating rooms with these artsy upcycled cable lights you can make yourself.