I’m so happy to share these repurposed lamp into metal plant stands. They can also be used as candle holders! So, if you're looking for creative lamp base ideas, you're in the right place!
Let’s see how I turned these misfit lamps around.
I sort of have this thing for cheap lamps. It seems I just can’t keep from buying broken lamps of all sorts.
Assess your thrift store lamps
A few of the lamps had already been painted, then put in storage and never repurposed. You can see tools handy for this lamp base project include vice grips, pliers, and wire snips.
Mix and Match Lamp Parts
First, I started mixing and matching lamp parts to see if I could add interest to any of the upcycled lamps.
Remove all wiring
The very tall lamp still had wiring that needed to be removed. This is where the snips come in handy to cut the wires. Whenever I part out a lamp, I save all the bits and pieces for future projects. If the lamp has good wiring, socket and plug—I save those too. In this case this wiring and plug were very old and not worth saving.
Generally to gut a repurposed lamp, you need to work from the base and the socket at the same time. They both are connected to the threaded rod that runs through the entire lamp.
Clean and sand where necessary
This lamp base was a simple fix. I added a small top piece that I found in my stash. See why it is handy to keep nuts and washers from past projects?
Here’s my messy collection of used lamp parts. That large bell shaped piece was dismantled to use on one of my lamp candlesticks.
This piece needed to be sanded and cleaned well before it was ready to be painted.
Painted Repurposed Lamps
Did you see how I did the base coat over on the Homeright site? That will make sense soon.
How to distress with an emery board
I’ve been using these emery boards I bought on Amazon for years. Using the emery boards for distressing gives you more control than sand paper on small areas. This is especially helpful when you’re wanting subtle distressing. I continued with this technique on the other two repurposed metal plant stands.
Repurposed Lamp Metal Plant Stands
Do you love them as much as I do? They currently reside in my hallway, and I smile every time I walk by them. The light distressing is a difficult choice—tough to know when to stop.
Candle Holders made from Repurposed Lamps
I have to say that I don’t love them as much as candle holders. What do you think? How would you use these repurposed lamps?
gail
See more upcycled lamp ideas here
Lori
I love these repurposed lamps! What did you as the top pieces for the plants? Why do you have sand the metal?
Thanks very much. I am excited to try this on 3 old lamps I have.
Lori
Gail Wilson
All the pieces were from abandoned lamps. If you look at thrift stores, many lamps are made up of several components. I just start taking them apart and mixing and matching the pieces. Maybe tuning a cheap BASE upside down to become a holder for a candle or potted plant. It's really, really fun, like working a puzzle. Sanding the metal, roughing it up a bit allows the paint to adhere a little better. (or are you talking about when I used the emery board to distress?)
have fun!
Shirley
These are beautiful! I have several of these lamps sitting in my garage that I’ve wanted to do this to forever! My healthy side hasn’t been with me for a long time so I haven’t done them yet but I will because now that I’ve seen yours I definitely love them! I knew they’d be gorgeous and they certainly are!
Gail Wilson
Shirley,
Thank you so much! I'm so happy you're going to get busy on yours as soon as you're feeling better! I know they will be beautiful!!
gail
Debbie Westbrooks
Love these!! Thanks for your tips and tricks!
Gail Wilson
Thank you so much, and I appreciate you sharing this project on facebook!
gail
Doris Styles
You are, without a doubt, the most talented person online!! I have followed you for many years now and you never cease to delight me and make me smile as I look at your beautiful projects!! Thank you so much for taking the time to share everything with all of us!!!
Gail Wilson
Doris
I appreciate you very kind comment so much. After receiving a really ugly comment in my inbox about my emails being BORING, It's nice to hear such a sweet thing from a longtime reader. It made me smile.
thank you!!!
gail
girlfromwva
they look wonderful. i like how you used the emery board for distressing.
Gail Wilson
Thanks Nova,
The emery board makes the distressing easier to control. It takes a little more patience, but I think totally worth it.
gail
Roseann
I love this. I’m gonna go get me some for my garden. Your a genius 🙂
Gail Wilson
awww you're so sweet Roseann! Thank you. I'm so happy you love my project. Lamps are sooooo plentiful at thrift stores (and my garage) heheheh
gail
Annette M Wells
When I click on the Homeright link it takes me to a project on how to paint crib rails, not the lamps.
Gail Wilson
Annette,
Their post isn't live yet. They are on a different time zone. It will be live later this morning. Please check back after lunch. 🙂
Thank you!
gail