Whether you ’re interested in going green or just ca n’t bear to deal with the fallout once Aunt Mildred get hold out you hate her wedding present tense , you may not desire to pitch lamps that are n’t being used . Sure , there are a potpourri of reasons to require to get rid of an old lamp :
These are all valid point , but why not make them reasons to repurpose or recycle an onetime lamp rather than project it away ? We desire the following ideas will provide you a way to make peace with your lighting scheme and avoid Aunt Mildred ’s wrath all at the same clock time .
10: Create Lightly Loaded Planters
Many older vintage lamp have a beautiful spyglass or ceramic shade , but the wiring is worn out , part are break , or perhaps the style just is n’t up - to - date . This quick project allow you torecyclethe moderately nicety for a effective cause . Just hang it upside down , suspended by a mountain range to make a endearing planter , bird feeder or even candleholder . This works with bases that are relatively sturdy or particularly cosmetic , like chicken feed .
If the glass shadowiness comes from a ceiling secureness , there may already be holes in the glass that you may use . If not , you’re able to drill your own , but be careful . Make three holes equidistant from each other . The holes should be just big enough to fit your bolt of lightning through . Once you ’ve polish off making your holes , lay the glass tone face up on a softish surface , like a sheet , so you wo n’t inadvertently damage the stuff .
9: Make a Shady New Look
If you have swell old shade and no comely bases , count using them atop something precious like an old jug or bottle . Warning : if you need to wire the " new " lamp , you should spill the beans to a local pro or get word about the acquirement extensively online .
Here are a few idea for repurposing an old shadowiness :
8: Turn the Base Into a Bookend
mayhap you ’d still like to use your lamp in some functional means . as luck would have it , stalwart lamp fundament can be repurposed as bookends , while svelte bases depend lovely holding candles instead of abulb . Just gut them of their electrical parts and economic consumption as bookend , candlestick holders or other household point .
Be originative and do n’t be afraid to try out . For instance , you may try a mosaic pattern or utilize shellac to bond a serial of favorite mailing-card . spread over the base with old stamps or render a stencil with a promising contrasting color . you could also use a clear lacquer to affix any item to your base .
There ’s also the selection of sewing original screening for your bases , using a new approach pattern .
7: Smash Them!
detest that sure-enough lamp ? Just bang up the matter already . If you have a lamp that would expect better in composition , break it carefully and reprocess the pieces to form agarden borderor use in a photomosaic . Here ’s how .
6: Mix and Match a New Look
Often a lamp may be in full working order , but it just does n’t match the room ’s style or color dodging any longer . Do n’t be afraid tospray - paintthe base and mix up the wraith for a whole new look . This is an especially nice way to concur onto lamps you thought would not match a room ’s updated décor .
atomizer - painting a metallic element or plastic base is mere – spray the base exhaustively outside to fend off fumes , allow to dry and replicate for a second pelage ( add clear coat if trust to finish with a higher gloss ) .
spray a ceramic base is guileful , due to the way ceramics are displace and glass over .
Once you have a freshly paint base of operations and new - looking shadowiness , you ’ll be able to mix and match your options to optimize a elbow room ’s flair and décor .
5: Change Their Function
Even if you ca n’t imagine a new function for an old lamp , you’re able to still utilize them as cosmetic pieces around the menage . Once you part with the specter , regard clean out the bases , particularly if they ’re heavy . They can make beautiful vessel or – believe it or not – gorgeous doorstops .
If your old base is made ofglass , fill it with brilliantly colored methamphetamine beads , available in majority from craft stores . Ceramic bases can be decorated and repaint . Metal lamps , which are course very hardy , can bespray - paintedto freshen up the original metallic element tone .
4: Add Some Holiday Cheer
Any holiday you’re able to think of is made better with a picayune originative decorating . This theme is for those lamps with lovely pendants or drop of any form . It ’s gentle to transform them into ornamentation thoroughgoing for a holiday Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree , wreaths or even earring , count on the side of the drops .
You ’ll need the following items :
Examine the pendant attached to your lamp . pack your pliers , mildly afford the small connecting ring at the smear where you want to salvage the chandelier . Slip the pendant off the adjoining conducting wire . Leave the pendent ’s connecting mob slightly unresolved .
Using craft conducting wire , impound the pendants to a white wreath or heighten another pre - deck garland . If you want to use theglassbeads individually , remove from pendent with plyer and attach to garland with hotgluegun .
For earring : Use as much of the dependent as you trust , add or subtract beads , filling gaps with different colored craft beads for effect . At the top of each earring , unfold the connection ring and solecism ends through earring hooks , squeezing tightly to fold when finished [ reference : Stringing ] .
With a small creativity , antique or retro pendants from lamps can be used as ornaments
3: Build Bug Zappers
reprocess lamp can make an outdoor coiffure informal and even be used to keep annoying pest away . just gut the al-Qaida and occupy with citronella common mullein oil color and a taper . That lamp will still be providing light but , rather than draw in glitch , it ’ll be keeping them at bay tree . You ’ll require to calk any fractures and plug the hole where the electrical electric cord used to extend from .
This new use work best with lamps that can wield the open . avert fragile and delicate lamp for this project . That does n’t stand for that it has to be a freehanded lamp , however . In fact , modest radical are best for outdoor manipulation , since they can be moved around well .
2: Use Them for Stable Bases
necessitate a cute closing tabular array or java board more than a duad of old lamp last used during the Carter administration ? Consider using one wide - bottomed base to make an end table . Two matching understructure are consummate for a average - size coffee table . All you need to do is select the tabletop and attach the lamp as the ramification and , voila , you have a piece of furniture unparalleled to your home .
think to select lamp bases that will bear the weight of a tabletop and any point that will potentially be resting on the board . lank or slight lamps are not a honest option . guess heavy , sturdy metal or wood .
1: Give a Little
If you really ca n’t think of anything you want to do with that old lamp , donate it . Goodwill and other similar charities are always a dependable bet , but also conceive local theaters and school with tech programs . The theatre can apply the lamp as props – peculiarly if they ’re vintage – and the tech programs can apply your old lamps as guinea pigs in course of study . A high school , summertime strain program , local community group or Shakespeare fete are among the possibilities .
Your nearest recycling center may accept former lamps of unlike materials . you’re able to also look at U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ordinance in case you have an sometime or mercury - contain lamp that need to be disposed of ashazardous waste[source : EPA ] .
Thatdustylamp of yours may be old but , betting odds are , it ’s still of value in one form or another .
