Turn A Thrifted Lamp Into A Vintage-Style Solar Light For Your Garden Or Yard

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Adding solar lights around your yard is a gorgeous way to make it useable at night. They're very convenient too, since the sun does all the work to keep them shining bright! But instead of just staking these lights into the ground, you can create a charming solar-powered streetlight when you combine them with an old lamp. It's an easy DIY that will light up your backyard or garden in a unique way. Plus, it stands as a lovely metal décor piece during the day.

The first step is to hunt down a floor lamp — preferably a vintage one, as it'll add character. It shouldn't be too hard to find one at a thrift store or garage sale for a reasonable price. If it's broken, scuffed up, or missing a shade, that's okay, because you'll remove all of the electrical wiring and paint it (it'll likely be a little cheaper, too). Just make sure the lightbulbs are required to sit vertically in the lamp.

While this project can work with most floor lamps, try and find one that requires several lightbulbs. This will make the final piece an even brighter source of light. You're also going to need some solar lights, spray paint, and a strong glue. Dollar Tree often sells Solar Lantern Stakes for $1.25 each, or you can get a set of 12 Greluna Outdoor Solar Lights for under $40. The amount you need depends on how many lightbulbs your lamp has.

Start by cleaning the lamp with warm soapy water — if it has rust on it, give it a good sanding. Next, remove the lampshade, lightbulbs, and lightbulb holders, then gut out all of the electrical wiring– it should be a skeleton of a lamp by the time you're through. The next step is to spray paint the entire lamp, giving it a couple of coats. You can choose any color you like, but for a classic streetlight look, consider using Rust-Oleum Painter's Touch spray paint in High Gloss Black. While it's drying, get the solar lights ready to be attached. Most solar lights come with attachable stakes, but they aren't required for this brilliant hack.

Using a powerful glue like E6000, attach a solar light to each part of the lamp where a bulb had been sitting. Do this carefully to ensure they stay on tight. If you are having trouble getting your solar lights to stay upright, a touch of super glue alongside your E6000 should do the trick. It's now a backyard light that'll brighten up your garden without using electricity. Set it along a pathway, next to a door, or any place where extra lighting would be helpful. A vintage lamp creates an old-fashioned streetlight look, but if you prefer a modern take, try using a sleek floor lamp or a paint color that will make it stand out. Whatever look you choose, this budget-friendly décor piece will add the perfect finishing touch to your yard.