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20 DIY Lamp Ideas to Light up Your Decor

update an old lamp

Gathered in the Kitchen

Want to revamp an old lamp or maybe even build one from scratch? It's never been easier to tackle a lamp makeover with the amount of inspiration on the internet. We've searched high and low for easy lamp making ideas and DIY lamp projects to get the creative juices flowing.

These homemade lamp ideas cover all sorts of styles and budgets, some of which only require a can of spray paint to complete. The only thing limiting you at this point is your willingness to try something new. Just make sure no matter which project you choose, that you learn a bit about electrical work before you get started.

  • 01 of 20

    Nautical DIY Lamp

    diy lamp from glass bottle
    The Inspired Room

    There are so many DIY lamp ideas that it can be hard to know where to begin. The first thing to do is decide where you want the lamp to go in your home. Then you will be able to determine things like style, scale, and function. This recycled bottle lamp from The Inspired Room is large enough, that it works great as the only lamp on an entry table or console table.

    Recycled Bottle Lamp from The Inspired Room

  • 02 of 20

    Galvanized Lantern Lamp

    diy lamp projects
    Lovely Etc

    There are basic light kits on the market that can help you turn pretty much anything into a lamp. With these instructions from Lovely Etc., you can turn a galvanized lantern into a unique lamp. One thing to note on this project, though, is to be sure you pick the right kind of light bulb that can be in an enclosed space. Some bulbs, even LED ones, emit too much heat and can be a fire hazard.

    Galvanized Lantern Lamp from Lovely Etc.

  • 03 of 20

    Trestle Lamp

    diy tapered X lamp
    Pneumatic Addict

    Any beginner woodworker has likely explored the idea of making a DIY lamp base. With designs like this geometric base from Pneumatic Addict, it is actually very easy for non-woodworkers to make a DIY wood lamp. The wonderful thing about this project is that there are very clear and concise plans to follow included in the tutorial.

    Tapered Lamp Base from Pneumatic Addict

  • 04 of 20

    Vintage Fan Desk Lamp

    repurpose fan into diy lamp
    Designing Wilder

    When it comes to making DIY lamps, the biggest limitation is your own creativity. If eclectic vintage style is up your alley, think of all the retro items that could be converted into a lamp. This vintage fan lamp design from Designing Wilder is a great example of how old items can be repurposed for entirely different uses.

    Vintage Fan Lamp from Designing Wilder

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  • 05 of 20

    Rainbow Floor Lamp

    playful floor lamp makeover
    Pillar Box Blue

    There are tons of lamp painting ideas out there, and you aren't limited to just one idea. You can paint a DIY floor lamp today and decide a few months down the road that you want to paint it again. As long as you enjoy the main base of the lamp, the colors can change to suit your evolving home. Use this colorful floor lamp project from Pillar Box Blue for inspiration.

    Rainbow Floor Lamp from Pillar Box Blue

  • 06 of 20

    Designer Lamp

    diy lamp project
    Down Home Inspiration

    DIY lamps are often inspired by designer lamps with huge price tags. In this case, it can be much more cost effective and creative to come up with a knock-off version, like this Pottery Barn-knockoff lamp from Down Home Inspiration.

    Pottery Barn-Knockoff Lamp from Down Home Inspiration

  • 07 of 20

    Music Stand Lamp Base

    DIY lamp projects, tripod floor lamp
    The Painted Hive

    You don't need wood and a saw to make a DIY floor lamp. The Painted Hive shows how an old music stand was repurposed to a floor lamp base. Make sure you keep the lampshade simple and streamlined on this project to make the most of the modern design.

    Music Stand Lamp from The Painted Hive

  • 08 of 20

    Mason Jar Farmhouse Style Lamp

    diy mason jar lamp idea
    Chatfield Court

    If you want to add more farmhouse style to your home, make a DIY table lamp out of a large mason jar. This DIY jar lamp project from Chatfield Court has all you need to know to make it happen, including a clever trick to hide the wiring—spray paint the lamp with a mercury glass finish. You could also pick another color that would blend in with your existing decor.

    Mason Jar Lamp from Chatfield Court

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  • 09 of 20

    Distressed Vintage Look

    old lamp makeover project
    Grace Lee Cottage

    There are many ways that bloggers will teach you how to paint a lamp. One of the more time-consuming ways is to give your lamp base a distressed finish. Once you master this technique, you'll be able to turn any lamp in your home into one that is much more rustic and vintage looking. Learn how using this farmhouse lamp project from Grace Lee Cottage.

    Distressed Vintage Lamp from Grace Lee Cottage

  • 10 of 20

    Matte Black Lamp

    old lamp makeover
    The Painted Hive

    Old table lamps are often dated and unsightly, especially those we find at thrift stores. This super easy lamp update from The Painted Hive shows how you can give these lamps a simple and inexpensive makeover with a coat of matte black paint. The darker color will work to minimize any weird shapes or designs, which will help make it work in a much more modern space.

    Matte Black Lamp from The Painted Hive

  • 11 of 20

    Gold Finish Lamp

    update an old lamp
    Gathered in the Kitchen

    Brassy gold finishes are trending right now, but they are a different sheen than the brass we see on outdated, old lamps that people often throw out. This tutorial from Gathered in the Kitchen shows how you can update the brass with a rub-on finish that is much more on trend and fresh.

    Gold Finish Lamp from Gathered in the Kitchen

  • 12 of 20

    Living Lamp Terrarium

    diy terrarium lamp
    The Maven

    One creative DIY lamp base idea is to turn the vessel into a terrarium. Just be sure to pick the right type of plants that are able to thrive inside a closed environment. The Maven's DIY terrarium lamp project gives tips on how to use sand, air plants, moss, and a variety of crystals.

    Terrarium Lamp from The Family Maven

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  • 13 of 20

    Industrial Lamp

    how to build a diy lamp
    Decor and the Dog

    Do you want to build a lamp from scratch but are intimidated by the process? This design from Decor and the Dog one of the most straightforward wood lamp base tutorials out there. Even if you don't own a saw, you can still make this lamp. The base of this lamp is made with 2x4s, and most hardware or lumber supply stores will cut the pieces for you as long as you have the measurements.

    Industrial Lamp from Decor and the Dog

  • 14 of 20

    Eclectic Floor Lamp

    how to give a lamp a makeover
    Pillar Box Blue

    The best floor lamp makeover doesn't take itself too seriously, which is certainly the case with this upcycled piece. This denim lamp transformation from Pillar Box Blue utilized some old jeans and paper maps to give this piece an eclectic boho feel. Consider wrapping an old floor lamp with scrap fabric to replicate this look.

    Eclectic Floor Lamp from Pillar Box Blue

  • 15 of 20

    Minimalist DIY Lamp

    how to make a pipe lamp
    Homemade Makeovers

    Most industrial style lamps are simple and incorporate Edison style bulbs. This DIY industrial lamp design from Homemade Makeovers is made using plumbing fixtures that you can find at a local hardware store, and the base is poured concrete. Make sure whatever you opt to put the lamp on is sturdy because this lamp is a heavy one!

    Industrial Lamp from Homemade Makeovers

  • 16 of 20

    Rustic and Industrial Style Lamp

    industrial diy lamp project
    The Navage Patch

    This industrial lamp makeover from The Navage Patch is a bit spooky in part due to the exposed shade. The base is wrapped with a thick manila rope and is versatile enough to go with a wide variety of styles. You don't even need to mess with strong adhesives on this project. This DIYer adhered the rope using a hot glue gun.

    Industrial Lamp from The Navage Patch

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  • 17 of 20

    See-Through Lamp

    how to make a diy lamp
    Vintage Revivals

    Most lamp bases are opaque to hide the wire running through the middle. However, you could also keep the base clear and opt to use a bright yellow wire instead. These instructions from Vintage Revivals will guide you through the steps to create your own color pop cord lamp. The finished lamp would look charming in a little boys room or an office.

    See-Through Lamp from Vintage Revivals

  • 18 of 20

    Painted Lamp to Match Your Decor

    old lamp makeover
    At Home With the Barkers

    If you want a nautical and refined look for a den or office, consider painting stripes onto a lamp base. We suggest keeping the stripes neutral and sticking to deep navy or black with gold accents for the most streamlined effect. Get more helpful tips with this preppy striped lamp project from At Home With the Barkers.

    Nautical Lamp from At Home With the Barkers

  • 19 of 20

    Update a Basic Goose Neck Lamp

    easy diy lamp ideas
    Carolyn's Home Work

    When you paint a metal lamp, the main thing you need to consider is the type of paint you use. Make sure you pick a spray paint that is specifically geared toward metal surfaces that get hot. Some paint might not hold up well given the amount of heat metal lamps conduct. Learn how to get the best results for a painted lamp with this project from Carolyn's Home Work.

    Goose Neck Lamp from Carolyn's Home Work

  • 20 of 20

    Lego Lamp

    how to make a lego lamp
    Infarrantly Creative

    If you have a squared off lamp in your child's room that is in need of a makeover, consider facing the exterior with Legos. Infarrantly Creative has all you need to know to make your own Lego lamp and, once you have the main base glued on, you can build all sorts of Lego creations on its surface.

    Lego Lamp from Infarrantly Creative