Floor Lamps and Solar Lights

Hi, I’m Gail from My Repurposed Life, and I’ve been giving new life to old treasures for 17 years! Old floor lamps might not seem like outdoor lighting, but with a little creativity, they can be transformed into unique solar lights. This fun and practical project is a great way to repurpose outdated lamps while adding charm to your outdoor space.

I’ve picked up more than a few sad-looking lamps over the years, and this is one of my favorite ways to save them. Instead of hiding them in a corner or sending them to the curb, you can turn them into something useful that actually gets noticed. Whether your lamp is missing a shade, looking a little worn, or just plain outdated, it still has good bones.

The best part? You don’t need special skills or fancy tools. If you can clean it up and pop in a solar light, you’re well on your way. Let me show you how easy it is to make your own!

Repurposed Floor Lamps Make Great Patio Solar Lights

So many old lamps with endless possibities!

Because this floor lamp had some rust, I had to do some prep work. You can’t spray paint over rust and/or dirt.

But I got such a great deal on it, paying only $5, so I didn’t mind doing a little prep work.

Gut the Foor Lamp by Removing all the Wiring

I gutted it, removing all of the old wiring. Pliers and wire snips are your best friends here. Snip a wire and pull it. I recommend keeping all of your old lamp parts. I rarely throw any away. The small threads are mostly universal, so keeping all the old washers and nuts will work to your advantage when piecing together your one-of-a-kind upcycled solar feature.

Use a Wire Brush to Remove Rust

I used a small wire brush to remove the rust, then I washed the pieces and let them dry.

Spray Paint Repurposed Floor Lamp

This is the spray paint I used. This small lamp base is from another article, “turning lamps into plant stands“.

Add Solar Lights to the Repurposed Floor Lamp

I tried out the solar lights that I bought for the chandelier. I liked them okay.

However, I liked these better!

To get them to stick, I used this Silicone. Hindsight 20/20, I should have used Gorilla Glue Epoxy—that’s what I used on the solar light chandelier.

This is how I used the silicone.

One of the arms on this light was bent and crooked, but I couldn’t straighten it. I used some Scotch Blue painter’s tape to hold the light upright while the silicone set up.

Solar Light Fixture Made From a Floor Lamp

This is a small porch that was revealed when I had the bushes removed a couple of months ago. It doesn’t get full sun, but the great thing about these new and improved solar lights? They can charge in the SHADE!

Although I really like this repurposed floor lamp, it’s not the one I keep on this porch regularly.

This was a more modern lamp I got from a friend. Most lamps are 3 pieces screwed together. On the left are all three pieces, making the lamp very tall. The top right is two pieces, and the bottom right is one piece. I love the option to make it taller or shorter.

Since I was putting it on the small porch, I used two pieces. I like that height the best. I have it placed next to my small outdoor garden bench made from reclaimed lumber.

When I round the corner to come home at night, it makes me smile to see my porch illuminated.

UPDATE! This was years ago! Let’s see what THIS light looked like earlier this week.

Yes, I have had this floor lamp solar light for 5 1/2 years. I’m shocked that the solar light still works. I painted the floor lamp in a hurry last year, getting the backyard camper retreat up and running.

Now that I’m spending a LOT of time in the backyard, I decided it was time for another update. Notice that the solar light is the original brushed nickel color.

How to Update a Brass Floor Lamp Solar Light

First, I used a wire brush, then I used a sanding sponge. After that, I washed the floor lamp with the hose. Finally, it was ready for chalk spray paint.

Prep Solar Light for Spray Painting

I began by cleaning the solar light, dismantling it, and adding painter’s tape to protect the photo cell. Then it was ready for spray painting!

Clean Solar Light and Reassemble

Did you know I keep a bottle of very diluted dish soap in the shop? It comes in handy for everything. I used that to clean the glass. Then it was time to reassemble the solar light.

It’s hard to find the words to tell you how much I love this solar-powered floor lamp. It used to greet me as I rounded the corner when driving, but now it really makes me smile in the backyard.

Please Save & Share on Pinterest!

This isn’t a cheap light. I think I may have gotten it at Walmart in the Summer of ’14. It really puts out a lot of light!

Before you head over to check the other projects this month. Let’s take one last look at my pretty “Camp Wilson”.

Maybe you have the stuff at home to make your backyard make you smile with a new solar light makeover?

 

I still have some repurposed lamps to turn into solar lights, way too many in my stash!

This repurposed floor lamp has been hanging around for years, and I still smile every time I see it lit up at night. That’s the beauty of projects like this… they’re not just quick and budget-friendly, they actually last. If you have an old lamp tucked away somewhere, don’t overlook it. A little paint and a solar light can give it a whole new life outdoors.

Read more about Gail Wilson | My Repurposed Life

Let’s take a look at what my friends have been working on for this month’s challenge.

House of Hawthornes Thrift Store Decor Bird Nest DIY

Petticoat Junktion Cookbook Organizer

My Repurposed Life Floor Lamp Solar Lights (You are here)

Our Southern Home Painted Stripe Basket Makeover

Sadie Seasongoods Herb Saver From A Decanter Tantalus

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