DIY Dollar Store Basket Table Lamp: Upcycled & Glamorous!

Updated at: 12/05/2025

Tired of drab, expensive lamps that lack personality? Get ready to unleash your inner designer with this stunning DIY project! Transforming humble dollar store finds into a glamorous table lamp is easier than you think, and the results are surprisingly chic. This project is a perfect example of upcycling, taking something ordinary and transforming it into something extraordinary, all while saving a significant amount of money. We'll be breathing new life into a simple wire basket, proving that budget-friendly doesn't have to mean boring. Prepare to be amazed by how much impact a little creativity and some inexpensive materials can have.

This DIY Dollar Store Basket Table Lamp project is surprisingly simple, requiring only a few readily available supplies. Forget spending a fortune on designer lighting; you'll be amazed at how easily you can create a unique and stylish piece for your home. Ready to turn that plain basket into a showstopper? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions and create this upcycled and glamorous lamp together!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Hand basket
  • Trash basket
  • Wire cutters
  • Jewelry bending tool
  • Protective gloves
  • Zip ties
  • Strong foam board
  • Glue sticks
  • 14-inch paper towel roll
  • Large bamboo skewers
  • Poster board
  • 5-inch round styrofoams
  • 15-inch skewer
  • Clear tape tube
  • Metallic gold spray paint
  • Leaves
  • Gemstone stickers
  • Fairy lights
  • Remote LED touch lights
Safety Guidelines
  • Always unplug the lamp before handling any electrical components or making adjustments. Electricity is dangerous; avoid touching exposed wires.
  • Use a low-wattage bulb (recommended 40 watts or less) appropriate for the size and type of socket in your basket to prevent overheating and fire hazards.
  • Ensure all wiring is securely connected and insulated to prevent short circuits and shocks. If unsure about electrical work, seek assistance from someone experienced.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Trash Basket

    • Cut off the top wire rim of the trash basket. Wear protective gloves because the mesh is sharp.
    • Pinch the center of the trash basket mesh using a jewelry bending tool to create a sweetheart neckline.
    • Cut out the shaped neckline.
    • Shape the upper part of the trash basket using your fist, taking advantage of the moldable plastic mesh.
    Shape the upper part of the trash basket using your fist, taking advantage of the moldable plastic mesh.Shape the upper part of the trash basket using your fist, taking advantage of the moldable plastic mesh.Shape the upper part of the trash basket using your fist, taking advantage of the moldable plastic mesh.Shape the upper part of the trash basket using your fist, taking advantage of the moldable plastic mesh.
    Prepare the Trash Basket
    • Create a waistline using the same pinching and shaping techniques.
    • Cut the bottom wire of the trash basket.
    Cut the bottom wire of the trash basket.Cut the bottom wire of the trash basket.
    Prepare the Trash Basket

  2. Prepare the Hand Basket

    • Remove the handle and cut off the remaining parts of the hand basket.
    • Cut off the bottom part of the hand basket.
    Cut off the bottom part of the hand basket.Cut off the bottom part of the hand basket.
    Prepare the Hand Basket

  3. Assemble the Lamp Base

    • Combine the trash and hand baskets to create the body frame, using zip ties to secure them.
    • Trace the bottom of the basket frame onto foam board and cut out a bottom cover. Glue the bottom cover to the frame.
    • Glue a sturdy cardboard paper towel roll into the center of the basket frame, creating the lamp's central support.
    Glue a sturdy cardboard paper towel roll into the center of the basket frame, creating the lamp's central support.Glue a sturdy cardboard paper towel roll into the center of the basket frame, creating the lamp's central support.Glue a sturdy cardboard paper towel roll into the center of the basket frame, creating the lamp's central support.
    Assemble the Lamp Base

  4. Construct the Lampshade Support

    • Insert and glue painted bamboo skewers into the paper towel roll to provide support for the lampshade.
    Insert and glue painted bamboo skewers into the paper towel roll to provide support for the lampshade.
    Construct the Lampshade Support

  5. Create the Lampshade

    • Create the lampshade using poster board strips, glued into an oval shape.
    • Glue two 5-inch round styrofoams together with a 15-inch skewer in the center, creating the top and bottom of the lampshade.
    • Glue the oval poster board lampshade to the styrofoam, using a clear tape tube for support.
    Glue the oval poster board lampshade to the styrofoam, using a clear tape tube for support.Glue the oval poster board lampshade to the styrofoam, using a clear tape tube for support.Glue the oval poster board lampshade to the styrofoam, using a clear tape tube for support.
    Create the Lampshade

  6. Decorate and Light the Lampshade

    • Spray paint the lampshade with metallic gold paint. Once dry, glue on leaves and gemstone stickers.
    • Place fairy lights inside and glue them around the top edges.
    • Glue LED touch lights inside the lampshade.
    Glue LED touch lights inside the lampshade.Glue LED touch lights inside the lampshade.Glue LED touch lights inside the lampshade.
    Decorate and Light the Lampshade

Read more: Super Crown Cosplay Tutorial: Fabric Covering for a Professional Finish

Tips

  • Wear protective gloves when working with the sharp basket mesh.
  • Fold any sharp areas under to prevent cuts.
  • Use strong glue sticks and sturdy materials for a durable lamp.
  • Spray paint in a well-ventilated area.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Uneven Wiring and Bulb Placement

Reason: Improperly securing the wires or placing the bulb too high or low can lead to an unstable or unsafe lamp.
Solution: Secure all wires with electrical tape and adjust the bulb height to ensure even weight distribution and optimal illumination.

2. Weak or Unstable Base

Reason: Using a flimsy basket or not adequately reinforcing the base can cause the lamp to easily tip over.
Solution: Choose a sturdy basket and reinforce it with additional support, like gluing a heavier base plate to the bottom.

3. Poorly Covered Wiring

Reason: Leaving exposed wiring is a fire hazard and detracts from the lamp's aesthetic appeal.
Solution: Carefully conceal all wiring using decorative ribbon, fabric, or by running it through the basket's weave.

FAQs

What kind of light bulb should I use with my DIY basket lamp?
Use an energy-efficient LED bulb. They produce less heat, which is important for safety since the basket is a flammable material. Choose a wattage appropriate for the size of your bulb socket.
Can I use any type of wire basket for this project?
While most wire baskets will work, choose one that's sturdy enough to hold the lamp kit and isn't too flimsy. A basket with a relatively tight weave is preferable to prevent the bulb or wiring from showing through.