Repurpose A Broken Desk Lamp For Another Source Of Warm Light At Home

What do you do with table lamps that don't work anymore or are past their prime? In case your answer is to dump them, think again. Metal lamps often have long lifespans and are made of enduring materials like enamel and stainless steel, making them perfect for upcycling once their initial use has come to an end. TikToker @redeux_style came up with the idea for a great upcycle project to turn an ordinary metal desk lamp into a stylish candle holder with some reconstruction.

Not only will this one-of-a-kind DIY help you decorate your home with candles, but it also costs next to nothing. Plus, it saves portions of the lamp from winding up in the landfill. You can try this with an old lamp you have laying around or with broken or outdated lamps from the thrift store. The finished candle makes a perfect addition to industrial-inspired homes and vintage heavy spaces. Plus, you can customize your candle with paint and other embellishments to give it some personality. This assembly approach can also be a great project for glass-shaded lamps, like stained or colored glass, to DIY a transparent candle that casts a cozy glow. You can also repurpose old floor lamps in a similar fashion to create a large multiple-wick candle.

Begin by disassembling the lamp into its individual components and cutting off the cord. You may need to remove the bottom felt panel to get to the hardware that holds the base. Once it's in pieces, connect the base and the lampshade to create your candle. Usually, you can use the same screws to affix them together. You may also want to add a bit of hot glue to make sure the area around the screws is leakproof when you add wax. For glass candle bowls, or metal ones with an unusual top, use hot glue, Gorilla Glue, or E6000 to affix the shade upright on the base, ensuring the bottom is flat. Otherwise, your candle will turn out crooked and pose a safety risk when lit.

If there are any remaining hardware holes in the base or bowl, use brass beads or buttons to cover them and make your candle look high-end. Leave the lamp in its original style if you like, or paint the exterior with spray paint to fit your decor. You could also use a textured spray paint for a stone or pottery finish. Incorporate other fun elements with a glue gun around the base of the bowl, such as beading, greenery, or wrapped jute twine, for a nature-inspired look.

Since metal lamp shades are designed to be heat-resistant, the candle will burn safely inside without damaging their interior lining. start by cleaning it before adding wax. Now, place a sticky-bottomed wick in the bottom in the middle. You can support it upright by placing the wick snugly between two straws or craft sticks extended across the top. Regarding the wax, choose one among paraffin, soy, and beeswax, and get it from your local craft store or order it online. It typically comes in flakes, beads, or cubes you can melt down in a double boiler or in the microwave. You could also scrape out the leftover wax from other candles.

Pour the wax in the lamp shade and once it solidifies, trim the wick down to size. In case the shade is large, use two to three wicks for an even burn. Place them about 1.5 inches from the edges and maintain equal distance between them. Typically, you should a wick for every inch if the shade's diameter surpasses 3 inches. Lend your candle a subtle scent with a few drops of your favorite essential oil. You can also purchase candle-specific pigments to further personalize its appearance.