How To Turn Your Old Shoe Box Into A One Of A Kind Lampshade

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Lighting plays a huge role in the look and feel of a space. It can change how large or small a room looks, and even impact the way you feel in it. It also tells a lot about the person who lives there in terms of aesthetics. This suddenly makes knowing how to select the right lampshade for your lamp that much more important. You don't want things to be too generic, but overspending on designer options isn't always feasible either. Fortunately, you can save money and get a custom light cover by upcycling your trendiest shoeboxes.

The key here is to play into those designer names and brands you love. From sporty Nike runners to haute couture Christian Louboutin packages, you can create a one-of-a-kind feature that reflects your sense of style. This upcycling hack demonstrated by TikToker @kevinconcepts is a budget-friendly DIY that gives any lampshade a personal touch. Just cut and shape the cardboard into a cube, and slip it over the original shade. Or, remove the original cover and replace it with your homemade one. In either case, you'll come out on top with an eye-catching original. 

Before getting started on this project, you'll need to grab yourself a trendy shoebox, a cutting tool like the REXBETI utility knife, a ruler, and some glue. You can also pick up any embellishments you want to add to the final product. You should also switch to LED bulbs, if you haven't already — these emit less heat than CFL bulbs, which is good when you're working with cardboard. With materials at the ready, it's time to get crafting.

Measure the current lampshade on your light, and make sure the box will cover it. Look for a pattern online to transform it into a shape that works. Finally, either cut the box by hand with your utility knife or use a cutting machine like a Cricut to do the work for you. Fold it into a cube with an opening at the top and bottom to slide over the original shade and glue it together. Slip it on, and you're done. Sure, you've repurposed a shoebox to create the perfect organizer for crafting essentials, but what about using it as decor? This project lets you get truly creative. You can use the container as it is, or cover it with fabric, peel-and-stick contact paper, or paint. Make a different shade for every season and enjoy truly unique lighting without breaking the bank.