The Thrifted Find That Can Give An Old Lamp New Life

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Turning an old lamp into something new can be a challenge. DIY lampshades often have a simple base that you can then decorate with decoupage, embroidery, or paint. But another way to create something really unique without any of these crafty skills and supplies is to place a simple doily over a lamp and let it do the work. This is one of many creative ways you can repurpose old vintage doilies around the house.

Doilies are cheap finds in lots of second-hand stores, and you can probably find some of them lingering in your storage drawers. They're delicate crocheted napperons that were extremely popular a few decades ago, but their charm is timeless. When using a doily as a lampshade, you can create some stunning patterns in light and shadow that reflect on the walls. It's a simple way to dim a light without completely smothering its shine to create a cozy and warm ambiance at home.

To do this DIY, you'll need a lamp base and a lightbulb. In addition, purchase a lampshade frame, like this clip-on metal wire lampshade from Darice. You can also repurpose an old lampshade that you already have at home to give it a completely new look. Use this DIY on reading lamps, floor lamps, and even wall lamps as long as they have a traditional lampshade frame. The idea is to have something that can stand on its own around the light bulb and that can keep the doily in place, away from the direct heat. 

This hack can be as simple as placing the doily gently over a metal lampshade frame, like in the video. However, there are some precautions that you should take in order to make this DIY both long-lasting and safe. When working with exposed light bulbs, it's important to avoid turning a DIY lamp into a hidden fire hazard. 

The key is to secure the embroidered doily on the lampshade. One way to do this is to use some thread to tie the doily in place. Using regular sewing thread and a needle, tie small knots at strategic points on the lampshade frame so that the doily stays firmly in place. If you don't have any thread, some dots of hot glue along the frame can also work to do this. This is an important step because light bulbs should not be covered with any fabric for safety reasons. If the doily slid or fell onto the light bulb while no one was watching, it could potentially catch on fire. 

However, it's not all about safety; properly attaching your doily also benefits the look of your project. A well-secured and adjusted doily lamp shade will last a long time and turn into a staple of your home. Ideally, look for a doily that is big enough to cover the entire lampshade frame and fall over the sides. This will allow you to create a nice draping effect and seamless transition between the lampshade and the base.