How I transformed an antique pot into a beautiful lamp

Recently, I decided to take one of my favourite antique pots and transform it into something completely unique - a lamp! If you’ve been wondering how you can do the same, I’m here to walk you through the steps.

You only need these 4 things:

Large pot
Lampshade
Standard lamp
Battery bulb

It’s surprisingly easy, and the end result is amazing! Here’s how I did it:

Step 1: Pick Your Vessel

The first step is to find the right vessel for your lamp. I decided to go with a heavy ceramic antique pot. Most pots will work - just pick something that speaks to you and feels solid. It could be anything, from a vintage vase to an old urn you find at an antique shop. The beauty of this project is that you can use whatever container catches your eye.

Step 2: Pick Your Lampshade

Next, you’ll need a lampshade. You can get creative with this! I chose a neutral, fabric shade that complemented the antique feel of the pot, but you can totally go bold if that’s your vibe. Think about the style of your space - if you’re going for a modern look, a sleek, simple shade might work best. One thing to bear in mind is the proportion of the shade to the base.

Step 3: Buy a Standard Lamp (if you don’t have one already)

You’ll need a standard lamp if you don’t have one lying around. These are super easy to find online or at a local shop. One thing to bear in mind is make sure the lamp base fits inside the opening of your vessel. I find that using a standard simple lamp works perfectly.

Step 4: Pop the Lamp Inside the Pot (Including the Wires and Plug)

Now comes the fun part! Take your lamp and carefully place it inside the pot, making sure the wires and plug are inside too. There’s no need to remove the wiring from the lamp - just let it sit inside the pot where it’s supposed to be. If your pot is deep enough, it will easily accommodate the lamp’s base and give it a sturdy, secure fit.

Step 5: Add Your Lampshade

Once the lamp is nestled comfortably inside, it’s time to add the lampshade. Simply screw it onto the lamp’s socket. Make sure it’s centred and aligned straight so that it doesn’t lean to one side.

Step 6: Screw in Your Battery Bulb and Enjoy!

Now, just screw in your battery-operated bulb. I love using battery-operated bulbs because you don’t have to worry about cords everywhere. Once your bulb is in place, turn it on and enjoy your newly transformed antique pot lamp!

These are the battery bulbs I use HERE.