I love a porch project that looks far more expensive than it really is, and these glowing copper spheres are exactly that kind of make. You start with humble plastic kitchen colanders, give them a metallic copper finish, and pair them into round lantern-like forms around warm white LED string lights. The result has that cozy evening glow I usually associate with boutique patio décor, but it comes together with very basic supplies and an afternoon of hands-on work.
This is a good project for anyone who wants seasonal curb appeal without power tools, woodworking, or complicated wiring. If you can spray paint, line up a few holes, and fasten zip ties, you can make these. I especially like this one for porches, front steps, covered patios, or even tucked into large planters, because the perforated pattern in the colanders lets the light sparkle through in a really charming way.
Materials
8 plastic kitchen colanders, 9 to 10 inches wide, all the same size
Instructions
1. Wash the 8 colanders with dish soap and warm water, or wipe them down with rubbing alcohol, then dry them completely so paint will stick evenly.
2. If the plastic is very glossy, lightly scuff the outside and inside surfaces with 220-grit sandpaper, then wipe away the dust.
3. Set the colanders upside down on a drop cloth or cardboard in a well-ventilated outdoor area, spacing them a few inches apart.
4. Spray the first light coat of metallic copper paint over the outside of all 8 colanders using smooth, sweeping passes from about 8 to 10 inches away.
5. Let that coat dry according to the paint directions, then apply a second coat to the outsides for fuller color and a more metal-like finish.
6. Turn the colanders over and spray the inside of each one with one to two light coats, letting them dry between coats until the color looks even.
7. Allow all the colanders to dry fully before assembly so the finish does not scratch when you handle them.
8. Pair the colanders into 4 sets, matching rims together to form round spheres, and check that the drainage holes line up well enough for zip ties to pass through.
9. Thread the LED string lights so a cluster of lights sits inside the first pair of colanders, leaving enough slack for the lights to glow throughout the sphere instead of bunching at one point.
10. Fasten the first sphere closed with 4 zip ties spaced evenly around the rim, pulling them snug enough to hold the shape without cracking the plastic, then trim the tails if desired.
11. Repeat with the remaining 3 pairs of colanders, distributing the LED lights evenly so each sphere has a similar amount of glow.
12. Plug in or switch on the lights and adjust the wire inside each sphere so the bulbs are centered and the glow looks balanced from all sides.
13. Arrange the finished spheres along the porch floor, on steps, or inside large planters, keeping the plug connection and any battery pack protected from direct weather exposure.
Variations & Tips
Use outdoor-safe lights: If your spheres will live on an uncovered porch, choose LED string lights rated for outdoor use. I always check this first, because the prettiest setup in the world is not worth fussing over if the electrical part is wrong for the space.
Try different sphere sizes: If you can find colanders in two or three diameters, mixing sizes gives the display a more collected, designer look. Just make sure each sphere is made from a matching pair so it closes neatly.
Go lighter with paint coats: Thin coats look better than one heavy coat and help preserve the crisp hole pattern. Metallic paint tends to show drips quickly, so patience pays off here.
Choose your wire color carefully: A green or brown light wire disappears more easily than white in porch displays. That small detail makes the finished spheres look much more intentional.
Add timer control: If your light strand has a timer or you plug it into a timer outlet, the spheres become delightfully low-maintenance. As someone who spends plenty of time thinking about dinner timing, I appreciate any home project that can keep its own schedule.
Secure for windy spots: In breezy areas, nest the spheres into planters, lantern groupings, or shallow baskets to keep them from rolling. You can also loosely anchor the light wire behind a porch post or railing.
Swap the finish: Metallic bronze, matte black, or hammered gold spray paint also work beautifully if copper is not your style. The warm white lights pair especially well with deeper, earthy finishes.
Store them gently: At the end of the season, stack or box the spheres with a little tissue paper between them so the painted finish stays neat. Because these start as budget materials, a little careful storage really extends their life.