Buzz
Don't toss it. Get inventive!
Jupiterimages/Brand X Pictures/ThinkstockIf you're keen on being eco-friendly or dread the thought of Aunt Mildred finding out you dislike her wedding gift, reconsider tossing those unused lamps. Sure, there are various reasons you might want to part with an old lamp:
- Age: Perhaps you're concerned that an old lamp could pose a fire risk, or it’s just so incredibly outdated that you can't help but want to push it off the table every time you dust.
- Reliability: When an old lamp no longer works, it's usually a clear sign that it’s time for a replacement … unless all it needs is a new bulb.
- Style: Fashion and tastes evolve, and lamps are often pricey items essential for lighting a space. What should you do when your room or style has moved beyond the lamps you selected years (or decades) ago?
All these are valid reasons, but why not turn them into opportunities to repurpose or recycle an old lamp instead of tossing it out? We hope the following ideas can help you reconcile your lighting setup and avoid Aunt Mildred's disapproval all at once.
10: Craft Lightly Loaded Planters
Many vintage lamps feature beautiful glass or ceramic shades, but their wiring may be worn out, components broken, or the style outdated. This quick project lets you recycle those lovely shades for a practical purpose. Simply hang the shade upside down, suspended by a chain, to create a charming planter, bird feeder, or candleholder. This works well with sturdy or decorative bases, such as glass.
If the glass shade is from a ceiling fixture, it might already have holes. If not, you can drill your own, but proceed carefully. Create three evenly spaced holes. The holes should be large enough for your bolts. After drilling, place the glass shade face up on a soft surface, such as a sheet, to avoid damaging it.
- Place the three bolts into the respective holes, ensuring the points face inward, inside the bowl.
- Put a washer on each bolt inside the bowl, then loop the chain link through each bolt.
- Secure the bolt points with caps, tightening them with pliers.
- Attach a key ring to the other end of the chains.
- Fill with a lovely potted plant, candles, or a floral arrangement, then hang it in the desired spot.
- Three premeasured lengths of chain
- Drill bit suitable for glass
- Three bolts and caps
- Three washers
- Pliers
- Large key ring
9: Create a Stylish New Look
Take a second glance at that jug. Doesn't it resemble a lamp base?
Hemera/ThinkstockIf you have a lovely vintage shade but lack a suitable base, consider placing it atop something fun, like an old jug or bottle. Caution: if you plan to wire your "new" lamp, it’s a good idea to consult a local expert or thoroughly research the wiring process online.
Here are a few ideas for reusing an old shade creatively:
- Jugs and jars: Flea markets and yard sales are great places to find colorful vintage bottles that can make a perfect base for a lampshade.
- Wine glasses: Depending on the size of the shade, a large martini, margarita, or wine glass can be transformed into a beautiful lamp.
- Dolls: Antique or retro dolls are often hollow, making them a fun base for wiring and turning into a unique lamp—ideal for a girl’s bedroom or as an artistic piece, depending on the style of the doll and shade.
- Hurricane lamps: These old-fashioned lamps are often found in secondhand shops and can be easily converted into a lamp by fitting them with new wiring and a shade.
- Candlesticks: Perfect for lamp height, most candlesticks are hollow, so they’re ideal for rewiring and using with a stylish shade.
8: Repurpose the Base as a Bookend
If you’d still like to give your lamp a functional purpose, consider repurposing sturdy lamp bases as bookends. For the more delicate bases, they can make beautiful candle holders in place of a light bulb. Simply remove the electrical components and transform them into bookends, candle holders, or other household decor pieces.
Don’t hesitate to get creative and experiment with your design. You could add a mosaic pattern or use shellac to affix a collection of favorite postcards. Another option is covering the base with vintage stamps, or perhaps try stenciling with bold contrasting colors. A clear lacquer will help secure any items to the base.
You can also consider sewing unique covers for your bases using a fresh new pattern for a different look.
7: Break Them!
It's not a broken lamp, it's a work of art in the making.
iStockphoto/ThinkstockNot fond of that old lamp? Go ahead and smash it. If the lamp feels outdated or out of place, break it carefully and repurpose the pieces to create a garden border or craft a beautiful mosaic. Here's a step-by-step guide.
- Choose a suitable outdoor area for smashing your lamp. You don’t want to risk glass shards sneaking into the carpet or hurting anyone later.
- Cover the area with newspaper and make sure to wear safety glasses.
- Place the lamp on the covered surface and drape an old towel over it—one you don’t mind discarding. Ensure the base is well-covered.
- Fold the newspaper's edges to seal the lamp inside, securely covering it with the towel.
- Smash carefully, moving from one side to the other. Light taps will give larger pieces, and repeated hits will break them into smaller shards.
- Shake the towel gently above the newspapers to discard any smaller pieces safely (avoid keeping any shards in the towel).
- Pick up the edges of the newspaper carefully and transfer the glass shards into a container, saving them for your upcoming mosaic project [source: Mosaic Safety].
6: Combine Elements for a Fresh New Look
Sometimes a lamp works perfectly but no longer fits with the style or color scheme of the room. Don’t hesitate to spray paint the base and swap out the shade for a completely new appearance. This is a great solution for lamps you thought no longer suited your room’s updated design.
Spray painting a metal or plastic base is a breeze—just make sure to apply the spray outside to avoid inhaling fumes. Let it dry, then apply a second coat. If you'd like a glossy finish, add a clear coat for extra shine.
Painting a ceramic base is a bit more complicated because of how ceramics are fired and glazed, making the process trickier.
- Begin by roughing up the surface using sandpaper or a scouring pad. Evenly scratch the surface, then dust or vacuum the area to remove any leftover dust.
- Spray an epoxy primer on the ceramic base.
- Once the primer is dry, apply your chosen color evenly. Afterward, add a second coat, and finish with a clear polish for a shiny finish [source: Painting Tile].
With your freshly painted base and a new shade, you’ll have endless possibilities to mix and match, creating a room’s decor that reflects your style.
5: Reimagine Their Purpose
Why settle for a standard doorstop when you can get creative with one?If you’re unable to repurpose an old lamp, think about using it as a decorative item in your home. After removing the shade, clean out the base, particularly if it’s a large one. These can easily be transformed into stylish vases or even unexpected doorstops.
For a glass base, fill it with colorful glass beads, which can be found in bulk at craft stores. Ceramic bases are great candidates for repainting and decoration. Metal lamps, known for their durability, can be given a fresh look with a coat of spray-paint to revive the original metallic finish.
4: Spread Some Holiday Spirit
No holiday is complete without a bit of festive flair. For lamps with beautiful pendants or drops, consider turning them into decorations for a holiday tree, wreaths, or even earrings, depending on the size of the drops.
Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- Needle-nose pliers
- Craft wire
- Magnifying glass
- Sewing needle
- Small craft beads
- Straight earring hooks
Take a close look at the pendants on your lamp. Use the pliers to carefully open the tiny connecting rings at the point where you want to detach the pendant. Slide the pendant off the wire, leaving the connecting ring slightly ajar.
Using craft wire, attach the pendants to a blank wreath or embellish an existing wreath. If you prefer to use the glass beads separately, carefully remove them from the pendant using pliers and then affix them to the wreath using a hot glue gun.
For earrings: Select as many pendants as you like, add or remove beads, and fill any gaps with different colored craft beads for a unique look. At the top of each earring, open the connecting ring, slide the ends through the earring hooks, and pinch the ring closed when you’re done [source: Stringing].
With some imagination, you can transform antique or vintage lamp pendants into stylish ornaments.
3: Build Bug Zappers
Repurpose that lamp to keep unwanted visitors away.Old lamps can be repurposed to create a cozy outdoor atmosphere while also doubling as bug repellents. Simply remove the base's insides and fill it with citronella torch oil and a wick. Instead of attracting bugs, it’ll help keep them away while still providing light. Be sure to seal any cracks and plug the hole where the power cord used to be.
This idea works best with lamps that are durable enough for the outdoors. Avoid fragile ones for this project. Smaller bases are ideal since they can be easily moved around in an outdoor space.
2: Use Them for Stable Bases
Looking for a charming end table or coffee table rather than a pair of old lamps from the Carter era? Try using one sturdy, wide-bottomed lamp base to create an end table. Two matching bases make an ideal foundation for a medium-sized coffee table. All that’s needed is a tabletop and some basic attachment of the lamps as legs, and you’ll have a custom piece of furniture for your home.
Be sure to choose lamp bases that can support the weight of a tabletop and any items that might rest on it. Avoid thin or fragile lamps. Opt for heavy-duty materials like solid metal or wood.
1: Give a Little
That old lamp could make a great addition to a local theater performance.If you're truly stumped on what to do with that old lamp, consider donating it. Charities like Goodwill are always a great option, but don't overlook local theaters or schools with tech programs. Theaters may use the lamps as vintage props, while tech programs might find them useful as test subjects in class. Potential recipients include high schools, community theater groups, summer stock companies, or even Shakespeare festivals.
Your local recycling center might accept old lamps made from various materials. If you're dealing with an older lamp or one containing mercury, be sure to check the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency guidelines to dispose of it safely as hazardous waste [source: EPA].
That dusty lamp of yours may be aged, but there's a good chance it's still valuable in some way.
