The Coolest DIY For A Vintage Umbrella Hops On The Statement Lamp Trend

You do a double-take as you enter an aisle of your favorite thrift store: Is that a circa 1970 psychedelic-patterned umbrella? You snap it up, not caring if it's functional. Even if its canopy is held open with glue, you know it'll make the most stunning lamp you've ever seen. Affixed to a floor lamp or DIY rig and lit from underneath with an LED bulb, it will come into its glory again as a one-of-a-kind statement lamp. This eye-catching light trend is popping, as designers and homeowners turn to offbeat, attention-grabbing ways to light their spaces.

This scenario is ideal, but it might be difficult finding a choice vintage piece at your neighborhood Goodwill. Luckily, morphing any umbrella into a lamp is possible, old or new. They're common thrift items that make unique home decor and are just waiting for a new purpose. Revamp its canopy with paint and faux flowers, or swap out a ragged one for a circular lace tablecloth. If you can score a thrifted paper parasol, even better; these beauties are typically painted with a floral or avian motif that you'll love to see illuminated.

Can't find a second hand floor lamp that fits your lighting vision? Purchase a shepherd's hook stand like this RGJ Hummingbird Feeder Stand and a hanging lantern cord. Try to source a black lantern cord that matches the color of the shepherd's hook so it's less conspicuous. Also, cut down the fire risk by only using relatively cool-burning LED bulbs. Traditional bulbs can release too much heat, creating a safety hazard with the umbrella's fabric.

Bring this vision of the perfect DIY decorative lamp to fruition without a lot of work. It's not complicated to upgrade an existing lamp and shade with an umbrella. Do note that this will work best with umbrellas that don't have hinged ribs, since those don't open into a cone. Once you've opened the umbrella to a point that gives you your desired look, secure the runner in place. You can get by with duct tape or a bit of non-flammable glue below the runner. A few non-flammable glues like epoxy or silicone sealant could become your best friend during this project. The latter glue might seem odd, but its thickness, heat tolerance, and ability to fill gaps makes it a good choice. 

If you're going the shepherd's hook route, tie the open umbrella at two points on the hook, loop the head of the lighting cord around the hook as well, and coil the remainder of the cord down the hook's post. To use an existing floor lamp with a shade as the base, try a conical one. Remove most of the umbrella's handle with a hacksaw, leaving a few inches below the runner. Adjust the angle of the umbrella's opening to match the angle of the shade. Then you can simply set the open umbrella atop the lampshade. Gluing it in place can help hide the original shade. You may need to cut a bit more of the shaft off if it conflicts with the bulb. Now your DIY umbrella lamp is the ultimate eclectic decor piece sure to earn lots of attention.