Floor Lamp to Table Lamp
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Sometimes the best part of a thrift store find is only one piece of it. This vintage floor lamp had a beautiful decorative base, but I didn’t need another tall floor lamp. Once I started taking it apart, I realized the bottom section was just the right size to become a table lamp. So, let’s see how I turned a floor lamp into a table lamp.
$2 Rummage Sale Lamp
It’s hard to judge the age of this lamp. The lamp is in good shape, and I knew right away that I wouldn’t be painting it. When I brought it home, I expected to make either a birdbath or plant stands. Then I started taking it apart.
Dismantle Floor Lamp Socket
Most lamps come apart in pieces and may have a threaded rod going through the base. I really didn’t know what to expect with this floor lamp. The harp is held in place under the socket, so that was the first order of business.
Always unplug a lamp before taking it apart. If the cord, socket, or wiring is damaged or you’re unsure about the electrical connections, replace the lamp kit or have the wiring checked by someone qualified.
If you ever dismantle a lamp, you will want to take pictures to make it easier to reassemble it.
Going slowly, I took the lamp apart one step at a time.
Notice how the harp is secured by the screw-on washer on the threaded rod.
Knowing this is very important to remember as you reassemble the lamp. You will need to decide what kind of shade you want to use before reinstalling the light bulb socket.
After removing the harp section, I unscrewed the threaded lamp nipple that connects the lamp sections.
Can You Turn a Floor Lamp Into a Table Lamp?
Yes! If a floor lamp is made from separate threaded sections, you may be able to remove some of those sections and turn the remaining base into a table lamp.
Gently start at the top and twist sections to see if they come apart. In this image, the very top section separated from a larger section.
The size of the upper portion made me realize that this floor lamp into table lamp project was going to be pretty easy.
Some lamps have a long threaded rod running through several sections. I was happy to discover that this lamp came apart at the threaded connections instead.
Aren’t the etchings on the metal pretty? Too pretty to paint.
Remove Large Middle Section from the Base
The main section of the lamp easily came apart from the floor lamp base.
In this image, you see the base of the floor lamp and one very large section that I later discovered came apart into two sections.
Not shown: I was so giddy when I tested the upper portion securing onto the lamp base that I forgot to take any pictures.
Fish the Cord Using a Wire
The opening in the threaded lamp nipple was pretty narrow, so pushing the cord through wasn’t working. I fed a piece of wire down through the opening, taped the lamp cord securely to it, and used the wire to pull the cord back through the upper section.
With the cord fished through, it’s time to screw what was the top portion of the lamp onto the base of the floor lamp.
Bonus: The cord is now longer, which will make it easier for the table lamp plug to reach the outlet.
Continue to fish the cord into the threaded nipple.
Choose a Lampshade for the New Table Lamp
This French script lampshade was in my stash. To use the UNO shade, you won’t need the harp. The original lampshade on the floor lamp was very dated and much too large to reuse on the table lamp.
Before rewiring the socket, I did a quick test fit to make sure the UNO lampshade looked proportional on the newly shortened lamp.
Reassemble the Light Socket
I screwed the base of the socket onto the thread and rewired the socket.
Finally, I put the rest of the socket together. This is a good time to remind you that whenever you dismantle old thrift store lamps, you should keep all of the spare parts. They will come in handy when you’re doing another lamp upcycle.
I think the UNO lamp shade fits nicely on the new table lamp.
Because I didn’t know if this project was going to work, I hadn’t even cleaned any of the lamp yet. I used a damp cloth to wipe down the lamp and the cord.
The Finished Floor Lamp to Table Lamp Makeover
I have rescued a lot of floor lamps, but it never occurred to me to turn one into a table lamp. It was hot and late in the day, so I quickly snapped a shot of the lamp in the yard.
Pretty Table Lamp
Have you seen the “easiest sewing cabinet makeover“?
I’m not sure why it never occurred to me to transform an old floor lamp into a table lamp. I love it so much better as a table lamp. I wish I could share it with the folks from the rummage sale. They were assured that I wouldn’t paint it, but I know they would love its new look. Don’t you agree?
Leftover Floor Lamp Pieces
After twisting again, these two pieces came apart. What do you think they want to be? I’m leaning toward oversized candlesticks, but I’m not making any promises yet.
Tips for Repurposing an Old Floor Lamp
- Look for lamps made from separate threaded sections.
- Check the wiring before investing time in the makeover.
- Don’t assume you need to use every decorative piece.
- Keep extra lamp hardware until the project is completely finished.
- Test different lamp heights before final assembly.
- Choose the shade after you know the final height of the base.
For $2, this floor lamp gave me a table lamp I never expected to make, plus a couple of interesting pieces to save for another project. That’s one of my favorite things about repurposing. You don’t always have to know what something will become when you bring it home. Sometimes you just have to start taking it apart!
Would you have shortened this floor lamp, or used it for something completely different?
Now let’s see what the rest of the team has been up to this month!
Awesome Thrift Store Makeovers
- A charming table lamp made from a towering floor lamp. You are here; thank you.
- Sue from Shop At Blu shares tips on how to make minor repairs and transform a dated hutch into a contemporary beauty!
- Get that whimsical, checkerboard MacKenzie-Childs Inspired DIY Pumpkin look for a fraction of the price with this easy tutorial by Uncommon Slice of Suburbia!
- Michelle from Our Crafty Mom turned thrift store finds into beautiful embroidery hoop wall art with a simple, creative DIY makeover.
- See how easy it is to update a boring vase into a stunning farmhouse beauty with this vase painting idea by Marianne Songbird!
- Christy from Our Southern Home gave a vintage rattan furniture set a fresh new look with a simple seat fabric update.
- See how to flip an old picnic table into a decadent DIY budget-friendly farmhouse dining table by Donna from Funky Junk Interiors!
I’m very excited to check out all of these great projects. When you visit my friends, won’t you tell them Gail sent you?
