If you’ve got a couple of old wire hanging baskets collecting dust in the garage, this is one of those projects that makes you feel ridiculously clever the second it comes together. I love a DIY that uses something headed for the toss pile and turns it into yard decor that actually looks charming at night, especially when it doesn’t take a full Saturday or a complicated tool setup.
This is a great project for anyone who wants a fast porch upgrade with a big visual payoff. I’m always looking for easy ways to make the front of the house feel a little more welcoming after work, and this one checks every box: inexpensive, beginner-friendly, and pretty enough that neighbors will absolutely ask where you bought it.
Materials
2 wire hanging baskets, 12 to 14 inches wide each, with liners and chains removed
Instructions
1. Remove any coco liner, soil, chain, or plant hardware from both hanging baskets so you’re left with just the clean wire frames.
2. Set the baskets rim to rim and rotate them until the wires line up evenly, creating a full round orb shape with the widest center seam.
3. Zip-tie the rims together at the top, bottom, and both sides first, then add 4 more zip ties spaced evenly around the seam so the orb feels sturdy and holds its shape.
4. Pull each zip tie snug, check that the orb is still round, and trim the excess tails with wire cutters for a cleaner finished look.
5. Starting near one side of the orb, weave the outdoor string lights in and out of the wire frame, wrapping them around the ribs and spacing the bulbs evenly for full coverage.
6. Continue wrapping until the lights circle the orb from top to bottom and side to side, filling the shape generously instead of leaving one side sparse.
7. Tuck the plug end out near the top or back of the orb, and use 2 more zip ties if needed to anchor loose sections so the light strand stays put when hung.
8. Attach the S-hook through one of the top wire intersections, making sure it sits centered enough for the orb to hang straight.
9. Hang the orb from a porch hook, ceiling hook, or sturdy bracket, then connect it to the outdoor extension cord and fluff the light placement with your hands so the glow looks balanced all the way around.
Variations & Tips
Use matching ties: Black zip ties disappear against dark basket frames, which makes the finished orb look much more polished than using white ones.
Choose warm lights for a cozy look: I prefer warm white LEDs because they feel inviting on a porch and don’t have that harsh bluish tone some outdoor lights can give off.
Make a larger version: If you have bigger hanging baskets, use 14- to 16-inch frames and a 100-light string for an extra dramatic orb that really fills an empty porch corner.
Group them for more impact: These look especially pretty hung in pairs or trios at slightly different heights, which is what I’d do if I were decorating for a party or the holidays.
Secure for windy spots: If your porch gets breezy, add one more discreet zip tie where the light cord exits and hang the orb where it can’t bang into siding or glass.
Try seasonal accents: A small weather-safe bow, a few tucked faux greenery sprigs, or even orange lights for fall can change the whole look without rebuilding the orb.