In my opinion, one can never have enough great lamps. These DIY lamp ideas for lamp makeovers, building your own lamps, creating your own lampshades and more are sure to give you a “lightbulb” moment.
I have a serious obsession with lamps. In fact, many would say I’m a lamp hoarder.
And they’re right. I totally am a lamp hoarder. I never leave a good one behind.
One of my favorite things about lamps though, is that they can easily be made over or made from objects you might already have on hand. And just to prove my point, I thought I’d showcase some of my favorite lamp ideas.
DIY Lamps
Make a lamp out of a bottle.
Learn how easy it is to make a lamp out of an old bottle here!
Make a lamp out of books!
Learn how to make a lamp out of books from The Shabby Creek Cottage!
Give a tripod a second life.
Breathe new life into an old music tripod with this tutorial from The Painted Hive on how to turn one into a lamp.
Reach for some scrap wood.
If you have some salvaged or scrap wood lying around, you can turn it into a lamp with these instructions from Burlap & Denim.
Lamp Painting and Lamp Makeover Ideas
Reach for light and bright colors.
How about a little lamp painting? This lamp got a breath of new life with pink, yellow and white. See how I did it here.
Get your Kate Spade on.
Give an old lamp new life with a Kate Spade inspired twist!
Go aqua!
Add some bright blue to your life with this aqua spray painted lamp makeover idea!
Grab your wrapping paper!
Update a basic lamp with a roll of cheap wrapping paper with this tutorial form At Home with the Barkers!
DIY Lampshade Ideas
Make your own lampshade!
How to Make Your Own Lamp Shade out of Any Fabric + DIY Lamp Finial
Get creative with electrical tape!
Give cowhide a spin!
Learn how to recover an existing lampshade with faux cowhide here!
Reach for some balsa wood.
Give a lamp shade a modern twist with this DIY balsa wood lamp shade from Pomp and Circumstance.
Got any trim lying around?
Give your lampshade a touch of class by trimming them out with greek key trim like Honey We’re Home Did.
Give your lamps a vintage twist.
Love the vintage shabby chic look? Then see how My Blessed Life made over this lamp.
DIY Lamp Finial Ideas
Give it a glam touch!
Hands down, one of my favorite lamp ideas for dressing up your lamps is to top it off with a lamp finial. Give your lamps a touch of glam with this tutorial for how to make a crystal lamp finial!
Agates are always a good idea.
If crystals aren’t your thing, then maybe agates are. How about topping off your lamps with one of these DIY Agate Slice Lamp Finials?
Other Ideas for Dressing Up Your Lamps
Everything is better with tassels.
Make these lamp tassels in under five minutes to add a little somethin-somethin to your lamps!
Add an unexpected pop of color.
Give your lamp an unexpected twist by making the cord pop with this idea from Vintage Revivals.
Have you done any of your own DIY lamp makeovers?
Looking for more great DIY decorating ideas?
7 Super Simple, Super Cute Electrical Tape Ideas – you’ll kick yourself if you don’t take a peek at these!
14 Painted Rug Hacks – gorgeous rugs on a budget!
17 Easy Crafts and DIY Projects under $10 – budget projects!
20+ Duck Tape Crafts & Projects – duck tape, a crafter & DIYer’s best friend!
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Jackie says
Jenna, Great roundup! I especially live the brushstroke lamp and the music stand lamp! Thank you for including my drum shade!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
I LOVE that brushstroke lamp too – Jackie! I just have to find a lamp to do it to now!
Kelly says
Lovely giveaway, I would love to be the lucky one! In fact I am doing over a guest room and DIY dresser and would love to have a new lampshade for the room.
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
It is a great giveaway – Kelly – an awesome kit!
Sonya ~At Home with The Barkers says
WOW, that kit looks fun! SO many great ideas in this post. Thanks for including my thrift store lamp. ~Sonya
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
It is fun, Sonya! And you are so welcome – loved your lamp!
Dawn K says
I would love to win a lamp shade makeover kit! So cute and maybe I could actually complete one successfully!
Laura @ The Turquoise Home says
Great roundup! I need to make a few lamp shades, so I would LOVE to win a lamp shade kit. So cool!! Thanks for hosting!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
It is a really cool, kit, Laura! And a great round-up – lots of inspiration!
Kayleigh says
I hope I win!
Angela says
I like em all! LOL! Lamps are an obsession of mine!! Great post!~~Ang
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
I know, Angela! As I was writing this post – I was thinking of you and your 12? lamps in your living room! haha!
Jennifer @ Decorated Chaos says
I love the Kate Spade inspired lamp and the one made from the music tripod. Very creative!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thanks, Jennifer! That music tripod one is pretty cool!
Thistle says
Hey rock star! LOVE this post (but your lamp is my favorite)! Hope you are having a wonderful week!
Happy day!
karianne
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Oh, Karianne, to hear you tell me I’m a rock star and that you like my lamp just makes my day! Hope your weekend was fabulous!
Dicksi says
Cute ideas for shades! Hope I win! Thanks for a chance…
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
There are some cute ideas! Good luck!
Julie says
This is so nifty! Moving into our first home with first baby on way so I’m all about upcycling and thrifting to save money!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Yep, Julie, I’m the same way! There are some great ideas here!
Lolly Jane says
Love your roundup! How did I miss that pop of color cord in Mandi’s lamp? And that book lamp?! Cute! Love your spray painted lamp, too!!! Oh, the possibilities with lighting! 🙂 LOL
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
I know – LOVE that color cord! Lamps are just so much fun!
Daune | Cottage in the Oaks says
Jenna….it was great meeting you at Haven! Love all these features…wonderful! Hope you have a great week!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
It was great to meet you as well!! Thanks for stopping by!
Jen @ Girl in the Garage says
There are some awesome ideas on this list- great roundup! Pinned and sharing on Facebook. 🙂
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
There are, Jen!! Thanks for the pin and FB love!
Abby @ Just a Girl and Her Blog says
Awesome roundup, Jenna! Lamps are so hard to find, so it’s great to have a list of ways to DIY them! Hope you have a wonderful week!
~Abby =)
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Lamps are so hard to find! I always end up diying them!
[email protected] Stroll Thru Life says
They are all amazing. I really love the tripod. Thanks for linking to Inspire Me. Hugs, Marty
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Isn’t that tripod one so cool?! Tons of great inspiration!
Lizy @ http://justdipitinchocolate.blogspot.com/ says
Awesome roundup and a fantastic giveaway Jenna ! I love re doing lamps the all end up in my little one’s room and he loves it! Thank You for sharing at the Fluster Buster Party, have a great week, Lizy your party co host for today!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thanks, Lizy! Loved having you co-host!
Thalita @ The Learner Observer says
I swear, sometimes there’s no point in going to a store and looking for a lamp that you want – you gotta look for one that has qualities you want then take it home and make it your own, which is great because then you get amazing projects like these! Awesome round-up full of great ideas!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
You are so right! And its much cheaper that way!
Kaitlin says
This has me really thinking; the only thing I’ve done that was “creative” for a lampshade was a paper lantern (and that’s only because my husband broke the glass shade that came with the lamp!)
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
haha! There are some great creative ideas!
Cindy says
Man, I can never resist a good lamp makeover! Thanks!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Me either, Cindy! I’m a sucker for them every time!
Elle says
Love all the fabulous lamp idea’s can’t wait to see more, great giveaway thanks for the chance. [email protected] chic n shabbies.
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
There is some great inspiration, Elle! Thanks for stopping by and entering the giveaway!
Christina at SWEET HAUTE says
So fun! Thanks for linking up at Thursday SWEET HAUTE Share!!!!
Kim says
Jenna, thanks for including my lamp. I am glad I am not the only one who likes lamps or to make them over.
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
You are welcome, Kim! I love that lamp! It seems like I’ve always got a lamp makeover going on!
Amanda @ Burlap and Denim says
Thanks for featuring my wood lamp! It’s still one of my favorite projects. I love the inspirations from the other sites, especially the book light, adorable.
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Loved your lamp, Amanda!!
polly plum says
Hi, DIY ladies,
I’m newat this stuff, Is there some way to make a lampshade out of something that isn’t meant to be heated(by the lightbulb?)Is there a way to treat it so it won’t be flammable? I have an old, damaged globe from hubby’s childhood, its dented, not fixable, cardboard, etc. I would LOVE to cut it in half along the equator line and use half as a lampshade- but its cardboard. Any ideas? Or should I just find something else to do with it?My 5 yr old is obsessed with maps and globes, its all over his bedroom, so it would be ideal for him, I just don’t know how or if its possible.
Jennifer @ Brave New Home says
Great roundup and so much inspiration!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thanks, Jennifer!
Penny says
Jenna,
Great post on lamps! So true about finding one that you like and that is affordable and not flimsy or cheaply made. So, question is – do you have any hacks, hints or posts as to how one could paint the interior of a lamp shade? I am looking for a black shade with gold interior in a specific size. No luck at all, so figure I could maybe try and craft one. I would appreciate any suggestion or if you could point me in the right direction. Thanks!!