DIY: Repurposed Lamp Shade

by LZ @The Summery Umbrella

I'm always looking for new and interesting ways to update my home, and this repurposed lamp shade fits my style to the "T". Mike and I have a local junk yard of sorts in our town which I think is one of the best things since sliced bread. The owners are constantly bringing in new items, and have a huge selection of anything and everything you can possibly think of. I would love to bring a notebook and camera into their shop one day, and just brainstorm about the crazy and wild things that I could create!

diy repurposed lamp shade, lighting, repurposing upcycling

A few weekends ago during one of our trips we found this old lamp shade. I actually thought it was a planter basket because there was a chain hanging down from it, but who knows. I just loved the pattern!

So, this is what my studio light/fan looked like before I installed the "new" lamp shade. Nothing too crazy, and it fits my needs.

Creating this repurposed lamp shade was also incredibly easy! Check out this super, simple list of materials and supplies below:

Here's the lamp shade in it's original state.

I lightly sanded it down to remove any random debris and dirt, but I had to be pretty careful due to quite a few spots that were already getting rusty. Then, on to the spray paint! For this project I decided to use both a primer and a color due to the state of the metal being a little iffy.

The primer took a little bit longer to dry then I expected, but I did multiple light coats to ensure that I had a great base coat.

After the primer coats were completely dry I then used the same method (thin, light coats) for the color.

Use 24 gauge wire to wrap around both the light fixture and the lamp shade. Twist the wire around multiple times (like you see in the below picture), and then trim off the extra with your cutting pliers. Then repeat this a few more times around your lamp shade to ensure it is securely attached. Super easy, right?

And voila! You have a new lamp shade that is interesting, slightly rustic, repurposed and lovely!

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2 of 6 comments

Theresa Shelton on May 17, 2018

This is one I made from a basket. Bottom is closed also. Opens for bulb access.

2 Reply
Tootsie chandler on Feb 22, 2019

I have been thinking along this same line and have already bought the baskets to hang from pendent lighting. I assumed I would need an electrician, but now am inspired to do myself. thanks.

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