An Easy DIY Custom Lamp From A Vase!

Want to know how to create an easy DIY custom lamp from a vase?! AND, staying within budget?! Then you’ve come to the right place because I have the easy peasy how-to!

I have a thing for lamps. If there is an open space in a room or on a table, buffet or desk, I’m going to put a lamp there. I love the warmth that they bring to a room, and let’s face it, they bring some personality, too.

And of course, light. But that goes without saying.

I’m going to go out on a limb and say that lamps are personal. More often than not, when I’m shopping for a lamp, I’m doing so with a specific room in mind. Sometimes, though, when I find a lamp at a thrift or antique store that I absolutely have to have (and the price is right), then I’ll buy it and figure out where it’ll fit in.

Now, having spewed my affinity for lamps, my rule of thumb is always budget. If I find a lamp that I love and was exactly what I was looking for, then I pass. Patience is my thing because I know eventually I’ll find one, or even design and make one, that will be perfect.

Case in point, this DIY lamp that I made from a vase!

I saw the light.  And I saw the price tag.

When I was doing some inspirational shopping for a lamp or two in the dining room, I wasn’t finding exactly what I had in mind.  I certainly shopped thrift stores and salvage shops, and even ventured in to a few lighting design stores in the city.  Yet when I would found a lamp close to what I wanted, it was at a full retail place and the price was way too high.  Like $300 too high.

I was stuck at square one.

Stuck only until I took a double take on a pine green glass vase that I had on hand.  When I’m not using it, it is stored on a shelf above our washer and dryer.  And one day while folding a load of laundry, I looked at it and thought “if only I could find a lamp with a base exactly like that vase.”

And the lightbulb in my head lit up.

Bing.

Of course I could turn that vase into a lamp.  And if I was going to turn the vase into a lamp, I needed to find some great trim or fabric for the shade.  My go to trim place is M&J Trimming. This is where all kinds of trims can be found. Here are a few options for you:

I fell in love with this crystal ball trim!

This is a beautiful trim option.

And a Greek key patterned ribbon would also make a fierce lamp shade trim!

I was like a kid in the candy store.  So much to look at.  So many choices.  After getting side-tracked more than staying focused, I picked out the trim for the lamp shade.  A simple line of hot glue would put this trim in place.

Meanwhile, Sean cut a circle the size of the opening of the vase, to use as a base for the socket.  He measured and drilled a hole for the bolt, then using a lamp kit, he wired up the socket.  Then, he screwed the socket on to the bolted base. To watch a video on how to change out / install a lamp socket, click here.

And just like that, we have a custom lamp.  An easy DIY project that again, was easy on my wallet.

The trim was the most expensive, costing me $25 for a yard. The lamp shade, $9 and the lamp kit was $10. I’ve had the base for a while, I found a few options that would make GREAT lamps!

Like this one.

And this one.

This one. And with a crisp white linen shade, like this one, would look stellar! My fave of the bunch.

This pair.

This jug would make a super cute lamp, or two for a great pair!

This ginger jar would make a for a killer lamp!!

And even this one!

It’s really up to you and what room or space you have in mind to light up. With this tutorial now in your pocket, really, the possibilities are endless.

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