8 Creative Ways to Repurpose Lamp Shades

Lamp shades are one of those home decor items that we often overlook once they’ve been in use for a while. Maybe they’ve faded, gotten a little dirty, or simply don’t match the latest trend in our home.

But before you toss them out, have you considered repurposing them into something new and exciting?

Repurposing items not only saves money but also allows you to add a unique touch to your home that’s completely one-of-a-kind.

In this blog post, I’ll share 8 creative ways to repurpose your old lamp shades. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or just looking for a fun weekend project, these ideas will inspire you to breathe new life into your forgotten lamp shades.

1. Turn Lamp Shades into Unique Planters

Do you have a collection of old lampshades gathering dust? Instead of throwing them out, why not transform them into stylish planters? Lamp shades, especially those with wider openings, can make for a perfect base for your favorite indoor plants.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Choose a Lamp Shade: Select a lamp shade that has a sturdy frame and a relatively wide opening.
2. Remove the Fabric: If your lamp shade has fabric covering, carefully remove it to reveal the frame. You can either keep it bare or decorate it later.
3. Make Drainage Holes: Use a drill or a sharp tool to make a few small drainage holes at the bottom of the lamp shade. This is crucial to avoid water accumulation which could damage your plant.
4. Add Soil and Plants: Place a small plastic pot inside the lamp shade or directly fill the lamp shade with potting soil. Add your chosen plant, and you’re all set!
5. Decorate (Optional): You can paint the lamp shade or add twine, fabric, or other decorative items to make it match your home’s decor.

Personal Insight: I’ve repurposed a couple of old lampshades into planters, and they make for such a statement piece in my living room! They bring a lot of personality to the space, and the plants thrive in them as long as I keep them properly watered.

2. Create a Chic Pendant Light Fixture

If you love DIY lighting projects, turning an old lamp shade into a pendant light can be a fun and stylish way to add new light to a room.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Pick a Shade: A drum or cylindrical lampshade works best for this project, but you can get creative with any shape.
2. Prepare the Shade: Clean the lamp shade thoroughly. You can also paint it or cover it with a fabric that complements your space.
3. Install the Pendant Kit: You can purchase a pendant light kit from your local hardware store. These kits come with everything you need: a cord, bulb socket, and ceiling mount.
4. Attach the Shade: Insert the shade onto the pendant kit’s socket and secure it in place. Make sure it’s stable.
5. Hang and Enjoy: Finally, install the pendant kit according to the manufacturer’s instructions and hang it in your desired spot.

Common Mistakes to Avoid: Make sure the lamp shade is securely attached to the pendant kit. If it’s loose, the light fixture may wobble or fall. Also, ensure that the wiring is done safely, or consult an electrician if you’re unsure.

3. Repurpose as a Decorative Wall Art Piece

Old lamp shades, especially the ones with interesting shapes and textures, can be turned into eye-catching wall art. This simple project involves minimal effort but makes a huge impact on your home decor.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Choose a Lamp Shade: Select a lamp shade with a unique design or structure.
2. Remove the Fabric: If your lamp shade has fabric, carefully remove it. If you prefer a different texture, you can replace it with burlap, lace, or even wallpaper.
3. Mount It on the Wall: Use screws or nails to mount the lamp shade directly to the wall. You can use a picture hanging kit for added security.
4. Add Additional Decor (Optional): Consider adding fairy lights inside the lamp shade for a glowing effect, or use it as a base for a larger wall display with frames or other decorative items.

Personal Insight: I turned a wire-framed lamp shade into a piece of art by painting it gold and hanging it on my wall as a unique focal point. It was an easy project that completely transformed the vibe of my living room!

4. Transform into a Stylish Basket or Storage Container

Lampshades with sturdy frames can also be converted into handy storage containers. This is perfect for those who need extra storage space but don’t want to compromise on style.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Select a Shade: Choose a lamp shade that has a sturdy frame and is wide enough to hold small items.
2. Reinforce the Base: If needed, reinforce the bottom of the lamp shade with cardboard or a wooden disc to add strength.
3. Cover the Shade (Optional): You can cover the shade with fabric, rope, or even contact paper to give it a more cohesive look.
4. Add Handles (Optional): To make it easier to carry, add handles to the sides of the lamp shade using rope or fabric.
5. Fill with Items: Now that it’s ready, fill the repurposed lamp shade with small items like books, toys, or office supplies.

5. Craft a Unique Lampshade Clock

If you’re feeling crafty, why not turn a lamp shade into a clock? With a little creativity, you can transform it into a functional yet decorative piece for your home.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Pick a Shade: Choose a lamp shade with a flat or slightly convex surface.
2. Prepare the Surface: If the shade has fabric, you can remove it or leave it in place if you prefer the look.
3. Install Clock Mechanism: Purchase a clock kit (available at most craft stores) and install it into the center of the lamp shade. Follow the kit’s instructions carefully.
4. Decorate: You can add numbers, paint, or embellishments around the clock face to make it more personalized.
5. Hang or Place: Hang the clock on your wall or place it on a stand.

6. Create an Artistic Mobile or Chandelier

If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, repurpose your old lamp shades into a stunning chandelier or mobile. This is a great project for those looking to add something dramatic and whimsical to their home.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Select Multiple Shades: Use several lamp shades of various sizes or styles for an eclectic chandelier or mobile.
2. Connect the Shades: Using fishing wire, thread the shades together, ensuring they hang at different heights for a dynamic look.
3. Add a Central Light Source (Optional): If creating a chandelier, consider adding a light source in the center of the shades.
4. Hang the Chandelier or Mobile: Choose a location that can handle the weight of the lamp shades, and hang your creation.

7. Turn It into a Decorative Wreath

Another beautiful way to repurpose a lamp shade is by turning it into a decorative wreath. This idea is especially fitting for seasonal decorations or adding a personalized touch to any room.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Choose a Shade: Pick a lamp shade that has an open frame, like a wire-frame shade.
2. Create a Base: If your lamp shade doesn’t have a circular base, create one by wrapping a piece of cardboard or foam in fabric.
3. Decorate: You can decorate your wreath with seasonal flowers, artificial greenery, ribbons, or even vintage buttons.
4. Hang It: Hang the wreath on a door, wall, or even as a centerpiece on a table.

8. Make a Stylish Shelf or Tray

An old lamp shade can also serve as the foundation for a creative shelf or tray, perfect for adding a personal touch to your coffee table or desk.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Select a Shade: Choose a lamp shade with a flat top and sturdy construction.
2. Remove the Fabric: Clean the lamp shade and remove any fabric.
3. Add a Base: Attach a flat wooden board to the top of the lamp shade. This will serve as the surface for your shelf or tray.
4. Secure the Shade: Make sure the lamp shade is securely affixed to the base. You can use glue or screws depending on the material.
5. Decorate: Paint the tray or add decorative paper or fabric to make it suit your home’s aesthetic.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While repurposing lamp shades can be a fun and creative process, there are a few mistakes you should avoid:

1. Not Reinforcing the Shade Properly: Lamp shades, especially wire-framed ones, may need additional support when repurposing. Ensure the shade is stable enough for your project, whether it’s hanging on a wall or holding items.
2. Not Planning for Weight Distribution: If you’re hanging or mounting a lamp shade, make sure it’s secured properly to avoid accidents. Always test the stability before finishing your project.
3. Overcomplicating the Design: Sometimes less is more. Keep the design simple and don’t try to overdo it with too many embellishments. It’s easy to get carried away, but simplicity often leads to a more polished final product.

Conclusion

Repurposing old lamp shades can be a fun, rewarding, and budget-friendly way to enhance your home decor. Whether you’re creating planters, lighting fixtures, or artistic displays, the possibilities are endless.

By following these creative ideas, you can turn something that might have otherwise been discarded into a unique and functional piece for your home.

Remember to think about the materials and structure of the lamp shade when choosing your project. With a little creativity, you can transform your old lamp shades into works of art that bring charm, functionality, and character to your living space.