This IKEA Hack Turns A Metal Serving Bowl Into A Sculptural Light Fixture

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Statement light fixtures can be expensive, so we're often on the lookout for more affordable options you can DIY. And one project that has been making some waves on Instagram from creators like xjeannyx involves transforming an IKEA AFTONHAJ Serving Bowl ($14.99 each) and a rechargeable light bulb into a sophisticated sculptural wall-hanging light. Coming together in just a few minutes, this is a surprisingly easy DIY even compared to other IKEA hacks, with stylish results that can help illuminate and elevate any room of the house.

What makes this project so effortlessly elegant is the AFTONHAJ's smooth silver design. Silver has been a trending finish in 2026, swimming against the current of warm-toned brass, gold, and copper hues that are popular lately. Silver serveware pieces have even been enjoying popularity as a stylish thrift store find. In this case, a contemporary metal serving bowl like the AFTONHAJ, with its high-shine finish and shallow, minimalist curved shape, provides a chic reflective display when paired with a simple lighting element. 

The lack of wiring made possible by some adhesive strips and a wireless light bulb makes this IKEA accent light hack extra simple and sleek. Mounting one on your wall will give you a somewhat straightforward, albeit cool-looking light fixture as the sculpted form creates halos and highlights around the bowl. But you can also place two or more of these DIY lights in line vertically or in strategic arrangements. On a plain wall, it could pass as a contemporary art piece.

Once you've figured out how many of these lights you want to make, the process of putting one together is easy. You need a rechargeable lightbulb with a flat bottom so you can stick it inside the serving bowl. Look for versions that can detach from their screw-in base, like the two-pack of Brightown E26 Rechargeable RGB Light Bulbs that provides a fun color-changing option. These bulbs cost about $10 to $15 each. You can then use double-sided mounting tape to stick the bulb to the AFTONHAJ, making sure it sits directly on the center of the bowl.

The light needs a hanger on the back so you can mount it on the wall. A self-adhesive picture hanger, like the Tandefio Self Adhesive Picture Hangers, is a convenient option. Adhesive plate hangers like the Flatirons Disc Adhesive Plate Hanger should also work well. If you have to buy these adhesives, expect to spend around $20 at most. That puts one DIY accent light at around $50 — even cheaper if you have some materials on hand. 

With no need for an outlet, you can position this light almost anywhere. Place it in a kitchen or dining room to match with other silver serveware like the AFTONHAJ jar, an upgrade to dated countertop storage. It can also be a conversation piece in a luxurious living room or home office, and the cool tones will even look refined on a tiled bathroom wall.