Great design depends on a few basic elements. One of the most important features is lighting. The right lighting can change the atmosphere of a space and turn a home from simply put together to perfectly cozy. If you don’t have the luxury of changing your existing lighting from top to bottom, turn to the next best thing- lamps. They’re relatively inexpensive and perfect for the avid DIYer. The possibilities are endless. Here are a few to get you started.
Unique Features
Vintage flair gains a modern edge with this DIY by Stacie of Stars for Streetlights. If you have some older cameras sitting in a drawer somewhere, put them in the spotlight- literally! For your slide lampshade, feature images of important places or destinations you’d like to visit for a worldly touch.
This lamp from Shelterness is just as minimal as it is glamorous. Purchase a bare wire lampshade or remove the fabric from one you have on hand and attach black feathers using fishing wire. This lamp looks super sleek in all black- maintain the monochromatic theme if you choose a different color for the same effect.
Traditional Designs
Perfect for spring and summer, this electric lime green chandelier from Better Homes and Gardens is easy to replicate. A fresh coat of paint and basic lampshade covered in coordinating fabric bring an outdated chandelier back in style.
Bare is beautiful with this project by Netta-Natalia of Likainen Parketti. Showcase this type of lamp over a dining room or coffee table. The lower setting will draw your eye to your creation. Be careful not to hang it too low though- you don’t want anyone bumping their head!
Spherical Stunners
If you’re a fan of industrial decor, try this DIY by Orlando of Homme Made. Three handmade wire hoops are crossed to create the structure, then additional pieces are snaked throughout to fill the gaps. This lamp looks spectacular in the dark- imagine the intricate shadows cast across your walls!
Calling all craft enthusiast! For those of you with spare yarn lying around, this string chandelier from Pickles borrows techniques from the old-school art of paper mache. The best feature of this innovative design? The stiffened yarn will cast mesmerizing shadows on your walls at night.
Painted Pretty
Adding pattern to a space is a great way to spice up your decor without making any major changes. Jen of Made by Girl did exactly that with this DIY lamp base. Taking an old lamp that needed a face lift, she gave it a clean white slate and covered with pink brushstrokes. Talk about a work of art!
Inspired by the project above, Mrs. DeVore of Dwellings by DeVore tried her hand at lamp transformation with fabulous results. Black and white decor adds instant chicness to any space and compliments every color palette. If your lamp has metallic fixtures, leave them unpainted for a posh accent.
Shed some light on your amazing DIY skills with one of these lamp projects! With a little creativity, you’ll gain more lighting and one-of-a-kind decor. Have a lamp that needs a makeover or a project you’ll start from scratch? Share it in the comments below.
