Do you have a stash of thrifted items that you bought with the intention of giving them a makeover, but you can never seem to find the time or inspiration? We know free time is hard to come by, but we have ALL the inspiration you need to turn your thrifted lamp into the statement piece of a lifetime! Here are some of our favorites.
Vintage Playing Cards
The fastest and easiest way to update a lamp is by replacing the lampshade. But instead of purchasing a new one, swap the shade for a touch of nostalgia by covering the bulb with vintage playing cards! Cut the shade down to its frame and attach the cards using small rings. Visit My So Called Crafty Life for the full DIY!
Ruffled Fabric Scrap
Along those same lines, you can use the frame of a vintage lampshade and tie strips of fabric to it for a soft, ruffled look. It’s a way to make use of your fabric scraps, and it allows you to personalize your color scheme. Head on over to Pursewna's website to learn how to complete this look!
Beaded Bliss
For a truly wacky design, string various beads in all shapes, sizes and colors onto a lampshade frame. Your outdated vintage lamp will become a colorful conversation piece that would go perfectly in any room. Learn how to create this lamp shade with the help of L’avion Rose!
Patchwork Collage
If your lampshade is in good shape but needs a color update, glue old fabric pieces in a collage to give it a vintage quilt look. Choose blues, greens and purples for a bright piece and reds, oranges and yellows for mood lighting. For the full tutorial, visit the Silly Moo webpage!
Back to the "Base"-ics
Of course, if your vintage lamp base could use a refresh, paint is your ticket to transform any lamp into the style you want. This particular turquoise shade complements the old map lampshade for a fun new piece! If you want to skip the sanding process, make sure to use a chalk-based paint. Visit Thrift Diving's page for the step-by-step tutorial!
Color Corded
Paint isn’t just for a vintage lamp base or lampshade. You can also paint the lamp cord to make it part of the piece, rather than trying to hide it. Make it blend in by painting it the same color as the base or make it the focal point with a bright pop of yellow! Check out how Vintage Revivals created this over on their website!
Nautical Rope
If paint isn’t your cup of tea, you can cover an unsightly vintage lamp base with fabric or rope. Rope is a great option for nautical interiors, and it forms well to any shape. Follow Dream Green DIY's tutorial to make this nautical necessity!
DIY Upcycled Lamp
Did you know that you can make a lamp out of almost anything? As long as you can drill a hole from the top to the bottom of the piece, you’re all set! Bottles, thermoses, corbels and even books can be transformed into your new nightstand light. See House of Hawthornes for instructions!
