Reuse An Old Washing Machine Part To Light Up Your Living Room In Style

It likely isn't particularly wonderful news when your washing machine gives up its ghost. Not only are you now obligated to purchase a replacement, but you also have to figure out how to dispose of the mechanical corpse of this heavy, awkward behemoth. Crafty DIYers have come up with a variety of creative ways to repurpose old or unwanted items — and this washing machine drum-turned lamp is just another fabulous example.

It's ideal in a lot of ways: the machines themselves aren't cheap, so of course, we'd want to get whatever value we could out of them when they no longer serve their intended purpose. The drums are made of heavy-duty metal that can withstand quite a bit of heat, so the heat of your bulb won't be a concern. What's more, the perforation pattern on the drum will cast interesting light and shadow patterns throughout your space. Take advantage of this unique style by mounting the drum as a chandelier or hanging lamp. Or, add legs and use the drum as a shade for a floor lamp. Additionally, there are a few ways you can also customize the project to your personal style, such as painting the drum or using different light sources.

Once you've freed the drum from the machine, use a lamp kit, similar to the JACKYLED Pendant Light Kit, to add the electrical element. Wire it directly into the electrical box for your chandelier, then mount the drum to the ceiling. Or attach a rope and hang the lamp from an exposed beam. You could even support your hanging lamp by securing a strong branch to a wooden base, winding the rope, and wiring up the branch to the hanging washing machine drum. Of course, you'll want to be sure your hanging device can support and appropriately balance the weight of the drum.

Another option would be to construct a base for your lamp using three lengths of wood to create a tripod stand. Similarly, you could use four wooden legs connected by a wooden cross in the center — similar to some potted plant stands — on which to set and mount the drum. You could even cut the drum in half and mount it as a wall sconce.

Customize your one-of-a-kind lampshade on a budget by painting the drum, swapping out the regular bulb for a higher-wattage version, or even opting for an Amazon Basics Smart LED Light Bulb for color features. Using a circle light instead of a traditional bulb would also create an interesting play of light and shadow. Just confirm that your wiring kit can handle your preferred lighting option. No matter how you execute it, this repurposed project will give you stylish statement lighting to brighten up your living room.