Alternative Lamp Shades

Wicker Wastebasket

Turn a wicker wastebasket upside down and cut out a hole in the center of the bottom with wire cutters. Make the hole big enough to accommodate a socket and cord. This can be used either as a hanging lamp or pendant lamp, or to replace an existing shade on a table lamp. Baskets that are not considered wastebaskets can also be used to fashion a lampshade; remove any handles that are obstructions.

Colander

Use an old or new metal colander to create a lampshade. Turn colander upside down and drill into the bottom, making one of the existing holes larger. Use a heavy duty drill with a titanium bit. Fit the socket and cord into the opening and use the colander as a hanging light fixture or use as a lampshade for a table or floor lamp.

Buckets

Drill a hole in the center of the bottom of an old metal bucket. Use tin snips to make the hole large enough for a cord and socket. Outfit with a cord and socket package and use upside down as a hanging light. Likewise a bucket can be set upright with a light and cord installed; the light will shine toward the ceiling in an up-lit fashion. Remove the metal handle from the bucket for a better visual presentation, regardless of how you configure the bucket.

Vintage wood buckets can be used in much the same manner, by drilling a hole in the bottom center of the bucket and fitting with a cord and socket mechanism.

Clay Pots

Terra cotta clay pots have the advantage of a hole already present in the bottom center. This existing hole makes quick work of installing the cord and socket configuration to create a lamp shade. Use small terra cotta pots in this manner to create hanging pendant lights, or small votive lamps turned upright.