Use Thrifted Items For A DIY Lamp That's Designer-Worthy

If you've ever stepped into an apartment from the 80s featuring harsh, overhead fluorescent lights, you know that lighting can make all the difference in an interior design project. And while changing out your overhead lights to something that's more your style will go a long way in shifting the vibe of your space, a couple of unique, well-placed lamps will do as much or more. However, hunting down a lamp that fits the style of your home and doesn't leave you with an empty wallet could be an exercise in futility. So, why not just DIY some thrift store items and make your own designer-worthy light fixture?

Upcycling a lamp may sound a little daunting for those of us who are still mastering wood glue type-projects (Electricity?! Don't I need a professional for that?), but there are numerous lamp-making kits available online that help diffuse the fear — like this Silver Finish Make-A-Lamp Kit from Creative Hobbies Inc that retails for around $14 on Amazon. You could even simplify it by DIYing a cute lamp out of paper and holiday lights. Before you hit up the Saturday flea market, however, get a rough idea of what you're looking for. A hanging lamp won't require a base, of course, though it may be harder to wire into your existing ceiling light fixtures. If you need a lamp that can easily move as you change up the furniture in your room, then perhaps a floor or desk lamp is the way to go, which would, obviously, require a base and probably a shade. Now for the fun part — the thrifting.

Wander through your favorite thrifting spots and pick up anything that delights you. More likely than not, it could become a lamp. Priority considerations are items that either already have or would allow you to create a hole near the base of your lamp for the cord and another that will allow you to seat the socket for the bulb. Ultimately, all you need for the base is something stable and about the right height. Large glass bottles or thrifted jars, old bird baths or coat racks, pretty vases, and even a stack of old books will do the trick. Just remember that if you're going to stack things, you'll need to be able to securely connect each piece using glue or screws and drill or cut equally sized holes to run the wiring.

As the TikTok duo @keep_it_light demonstrates, bowls can make great shades, as could baskets, old metal trash cans, and even the bamboo rings from a rice cooker. There is a special consideration with the material you're using for the shade; of course, light bulbs can get quite hot. Certain incandescents can reach 200 degrees Fahrenheit, so if your proposed thrifted shade can't take the heat, consider a fire retardant spray such as ForceField FireGuard Spray. Ensure you read the label, no matter which brand you choose. Not all sprays are created equal; some will work on materials that others will not. Or, opt for a cooler (literally) LED bulb that's better for the environment and saves on electrical costs over time.