Upcycled Lamps and Lighting Ideas

Don't spend a lot on lighting: Learn how to repurpose old household items into new lamps, pendants and chandeliers.

By: Jacquelyn McGilvray

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Industrial Inspiration

As seen on HGTV's Flea Market Flip, this industrial light was created by mixing metal roofing hooks with five trendy Edison bulbs.

Line of Lights

Brass candlesticks and vases make for a funky light display in this innovative creation from HGTV's Flea Market Flip.

Birdcage Floor Lamp

A thrift-store birdcage is paired with an old chandelier to create a unique floor lamp. Design by Joanne Palmisano

Mason Jars

Aqua and green jars are fitted with funnel tops and Edison bulbs then hung in a cluster to make a vintage-style kitchen light. Design by Brian Patrick Flynn

Wine Jug

A big bottle of vino was emptied then turned into a table lamp. The unique macramé shade adds the perfect touch of fun chic.

Library Lamp

A stack of books is sandwiched together, wired, then topped off with a wire egg basket.

Dress Form

This lamp can wear a gown for formal occasions or put on a casual frock for everyday use. Design by Joanne Palmisano

Wood Baskets Pendants

Wooden bushel baskets are repurposed as kitchen lighting. The conduits were covered in rope to give the fixtures a coastal look and to provide a nice contrast with the wallpaper-covered ceiling. Design by Brian Patrick Flynn

Globe Light

The world is dissected at the equator then the Southern Hemisphere is turned upside down to create a semicircular lampshade.

Wash Tubs

A pair of inexpensive galvanized buckets have been converted into charming patio lighting. Design by Brian Patrick Flynn

Old Pulley

A salvage-yard bracket and pulley are joined with an Edison bulb to make a rustic wall sconce. Design by Joanne Palmisano

Big Whisk

Industrial-sized bakery whisks are whipped into a stylish pair of pendants.

Tugboat Toy

A toddler's toy is transformed into an adorable table lamp. Design by Joanne Palmisano

Lego Lamp

Have a table lamp you're sick and tired of? Cover it with these classic building blocks.

Tall Tins

Vintage-style snack tins are stacked together to make this clever floor lamp. Design by Joanne Palmisano

Cupola Cap

The peak of a barn cupola was flipped upside down to make a rustic light fixture in a wine-friendly rec room.

Mementos

Save wine bottles from special occasions and use them to make a personalized chandelier. Before you begin the project, mark the label on each bottle with the date and event. This way you can look up at your new light fixture and reminisce about the time each bottle was enjoyed.

Architectural Salvage

Old columns are easy to find at most any salvage yard, and it is just as easy to drill a hole toward the bottom of the column and wire it to make a floor lamp with tons of character. Design by Joanne Palmisano

Bugle Lamp

A piece of a band's brass section was repurposed into a quirky lamp.

Book Light

The pages of a book that are adorned with an elaborate typeface and detailed artwork were used to create a tiered light fixture. The book pages were fastened to the old chandelier frame using simple binder clips.

A Tisket, A Tasket

A bunch of thrift-store baskets are roped together to make a coastal-style light fixture. Only the large basket holds the bulb; the rest are just accents. Design by Joanne Palmisano

Twiggy

An old thrift-store light fixture is given a budget makeover. Tree branches and the fixture are spray-painted white then wrapped around the base of the fixture. Design by Joanne Palmisano

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Photo By: Rustic White Photography, LLC

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Photo By: Susan Teare

Don't Miss:

Don't Miss:

Upcycled Lamps and Lighting Ideas

Related To:

Industrial Inspiration

Line of Lights

Birdcage Floor Lamp

Mason Jars

Wine Jug

Library Lamp

Dress Form

Wood Baskets Pendants

Globe Light

Wash Tubs

Old Pulley

Big Whisk

Tugboat Toy

Lego Lamp

Tall Tins

Cupola Cap

Mementos

Architectural Salvage

Bugle Lamp

Book Light

A Tisket, A Tasket

Twiggy

Shop This Look