Repurposed projects including lamps, lights, chandeliers and more are generally easy and fun to make. Light fixtures are readily available at flea markets, thrift stores and yard sales. Don’t overlook broken light fixtures. They can be re-wired. Those light fixtures that do work are a gold mine to use as parts. Have an ugly lamp? Gut it and save all the rods and threaded parts for future projects, or repairing a lamp that doesn’t work.
Repurposed Chandeliers
This outdoor patio lighting project consists of an old floor lamp and a chandelier.
A rope wrapped chandelier is an easy project to make a hanging solar light fixture.
Some candelabras are easier to make than others. This chandylabra didn’t even get a paint makeover.
Once you learn how to take apart a chandelier, a romantic candelabra is an easy project to make at home.
Chandeliers are also great for making hanging candelabras.
Repurposed ceiling fan globes work perfectly for hanging solar lights
Floor lamps are so easy to find at thrift stores. If the price is right, pick them up even if they don’t work. Add solar lights and you’re set. Newer, inexpensive solar lights now charge in shady areas making these options perfect for a garden or patio.
A run of the mill ugly brass touch lamp gets a new chance as a black lamp with an edison bulb!
Don’t pass up a lamp just because you don’t like the color. Paint is an easy fix. This gold lamp was given a fresh coat of white paint, then glazed. Of course you would want to update the shade!
This is my former brass floor lamp. All these years later and I’m still using it and the paint has held up beautifully—even after 7+ years!
You can make lamps out of other things
This Repurposed Book Lamp was made out of an old light fixture and reclaimed books.
Teacups and teapots make fun repurposed lamps. Drilling china can be challenging, but after you get the technique down it can be fun to make lamps out of glassware.
Remember that I said buy lamps for parts? I bought parts for this coffee pot lamp and I paid a lot for new parts. That’s when I realized I should use old lamp parts to make new lamps out of junky finds like this coffee pot!
I have several floor lamps in storage, so if you have other ideas, do share!
gail
Carrie Krumrie says
May 9, 2018 at 7:18 amYou did not mention how to make the lamp from the silver tea pot. I have several sugar and creamers, and tea pots waiting to be restored! I love the look, have the pieces but do not know where to begin, after, shine the piece up!
Please help!
Carrie Krumrie
Gail Wilson says
May 9, 2018 at 8:24 amCarrie,
Click the image or the words coffee pot lamp under the picture, to be taken to the tutorial of how to make that lamp.
thanks for stopping by and letting me know you needed help.
gail
Cathy Young says
December 19, 2017 at 11:08 pmMy husband loves making lamps as well take a look. Facebook.com/youngoldthings
Stacey Jones says
December 19, 2017 at 5:58 amI love all these ideas. However, the solar lighted lamps take batteries. The batteries aren’t that cheap at the store. What about the tiny light bulb getting burned out? Have any suggestions? I really want to make some of these beautiful solar lights.
Gail Wilson says
December 19, 2017 at 1:20 pmStacey,
My first solar floor lamp (the one on the side porch) still works great. The solar lights are a lot better than they use to be. LED lasts a long time, and the batteries have been great as well.
gail