Trash Beacons

Chad Olds from Christ’s Community Church of the Nazarene in New Albany, IN shared their stunning stage design with us.

From Chad:

This is a simple Edison bulb design that was inspired by other projects on ChurchStageDesignIdeas.com, with our spin.

We mounted rope cafe lights across the platform above our drum cage. We ran everything into an ADJ ED-15 dimmer pack which ran into our lighting system via DMX to have dimming control from our lighting computer in the back.

We also used several 10-, 15-, and 25-foot black extension cords to do the hanging lights, and plug-to-socket adapters to go into the ends of the cords to plug the Edison bulb lights in. The black extension cords ran up to a power strip mounted at our ceiling, which ran down to our dimmer pack.

We also created floor “lamps”, which we created with pallet wood, PVC, plug-socket adapters, Edison bulbs, extension cords, black mesh trash cans, and flat black spray paint.

We cut a wood pallet in half and drilled holes in it the size of the PVC to run the painted PVC through the top boards of the pallet wood. We used C-clamps with two screws from Lowes to secure the PVC to the pallet wood at the base as well.

We ran extension cords (2-prong) down the PVC pipe (we had to trim the end of the cord just a bit to fit in the PVC). Those cords went into power strips which ran to the dimmer.

At the top of the PVC, we mounted black mesh trash cans by cutting an “X”, pushing the tabs out, and using hose clamps that we tightened down over those “tabs” we created in the metal trash can. This secured the trash cans to the top of the PVC well enough for our purposes.

We then attached a plug-socket adapter to the extension cord at the top of the PVC, and put an Edison bulb in to create each of the “lamps”.

Photos:

Creating Industrial-Chic Stage Lighting on a Budget

This innovative stage design from Christ’s Community Church demonstrates how everyday materials can be transformed into stunning visual elements that elevate the worship experience. The “Trash Beacons” name perfectly captures the essence of this design—taking humble trash cans and turning them into beautiful industrial-style floor lamps that anchor the stage with warm, inviting light.

The Edison bulb aesthetic has become increasingly popular in contemporary worship spaces, and for good reason. These vintage-style bulbs emit a warm, amber glow that creates intimacy and atmosphere unlike harsh modern lighting. The exposed filament design adds visual interest even when viewed up close, making them perfect for stage elements that congregation members will see from various angles throughout the worship space.

What makes this design particularly brilliant is the integration of the floor lamps with the overhead cafe lighting. The rope lights spanning above the drum cage create a canopy of illumination, while the trash can beacons provide vertical visual interest at ground level. This layered lighting approach adds depth and dimension to the stage, transforming a flat platform into a dynamic, three-dimensional worship environment.

The use of black extension cords as hanging elements is a stroke of creative genius. Rather than trying to hide the wiring, this design embraces the industrial aesthetic and makes the cords part of the visual statement. The black color recedes visually while adding textural interest, and the varying lengths create organic, flowing lines that draw the eye upward.

For churches working with limited budgets, this design offers an accessible entry point into professional-looking stage lighting. Pallet wood can often be sourced for free from local businesses, PVC pipe is inexpensive at any hardware store, and the black mesh trash cans are readily available at dollar stores or big box retailers. The Edison bulbs represent the primary investment, but even quality vintage-style LED bulbs have become increasingly affordable.

Understanding DMX Dimming for Church Lighting

The integration of the ADJ ED-15 dimmer pack with DMX control represents a significant step up from basic plug-and-play lighting. DMX (Digital Multiplex) is the standard protocol for professional lighting control, allowing precise dimming and synchronization of multiple fixtures from a central control point. For churches, this means volunteers can adjust lighting levels to match different moments in the service—bright and energetic for upbeat worship songs, dim and intimate for prayer or communion.

The ability to dim Edison bulbs is particularly valuable because these bulbs are typically too bright for direct viewing at full power. By running them through a dimmer pack, the church can achieve that perfect warm glow without overwhelming the stage or creating harsh shadows. The DMX integration also means these DIY fixtures can be programmed alongside professional moving lights, LED washes, and other stage lighting for seamless transitions throughout the service.

For churches considering similar setups, investing in a basic DMX controller and dimmer pack opens up tremendous creative possibilities. Even simple two-scene controllers allow you to preset different lighting looks and fade between them smoothly. As your lighting system grows, this foundation can expand to control more fixtures and create increasingly sophisticated looks.

Related Designs

• Word Lights – Andrew Leslie from Cambridge Community Church shares a creative LED pillar design featuring illuminated typography and pixel-mapped lighting effects.
• Glowing in Circle – Discover how circular lighting arrangements and geometric forms can create intimate and engaging worship environments.
• Reds – A beautiful $45 Valentine’s stage design from the Philippines using string lights and paper lanterns for romantic atmosphere.
• A Brighter Worship – Learn how Grace Bible Church transformed their outdated lighting system into a modern, efficient setup with LED technology.
• Stained Glass Everywhere! – Philip Meadows creates stunning 14-foot faux stained glass panels using vinyl, cellophane, and electrical tape for Easter.

Pro Tips for DIY Stage Lighting

Safety First with Electrical: When creating custom lighting fixtures, always prioritize electrical safety. Use grounded outlets when possible, ensure all connections are secure, and never exceed the wattage rating of your cords or dimmer packs. The 2-prong extension cords used in this design are appropriate for the Edison bulbs shown, but verify your specific bulb requirements. Consider having a licensed electrician review your setup if you’re uncertain about any connections.

Paint for Consistency: The flat black spray paint used on the PVC and trash cans serves both aesthetic and practical purposes. Visually, it creates a cohesive look that helps the fixtures recede into the background while the bulbs shine. Practically, it prevents the white PVC from reflecting stray light and creating unwanted glare. Take time to apply multiple thin coats for a professional finish.

Secure Your Connections: The hose clamp method for attaching trash cans to PVC is clever, but ensure everything is tightened adequately. Stage vibrations from drums, bass, and movement can loosen connections over time. Check all fittings before each service, and consider adding thread-locking compound or additional securing methods for permanent installations.

Plan for Bulb Replacement: Edison bulbs, while beautiful, can be fragile and may need periodic replacement. Keep spare bulbs on hand, and design your fixtures so bulb changes are straightforward. The plug-socket adapter approach used here makes bulb swaps simple—just unscrew and replace without disassembling the entire fixture.