Save the World! Make a Globe Lampshade
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A rescued globe lamp makes an illuminating shade. -
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The table lamp variation.
Posted by ReadyMade
Project by Paul Schifino; photos by Andrew Nagata; illustration by Kate Francis
With geography all but nixed from the grade-school curriculum, those spinning blue spheres are getting the boot from classrooms everywhere. Do your part for the planet and snatch one up at a swap meet or antique shop. A single globe makes two shades: Hang both for a United Nations look, or give old table lamps a cosmopolitan flare. Either way, these handsome hemispheres both amuse and instruct.
Skill Level
Easy
Active Time
Half a day
Cost
$$
- Globe (cardboard works best)
- Socket kit with 6-foot cord
- 15- to 25-watt lightbulb
- Latex paint
- Washer (should fit snugly around cord)
- Replacement plug (optional)
- Extension cord (optional)
Materials
- Screwdriver
- Pencil
- Utility knife
- Fine sandpaper (optional)
- Paintbrush (optional)
Tools
Separate the globe from its stand by removing the top and bottom screws.
If the orb consists of two halves fitted together, twist them apart. Otherwise, grab a utility knife and cut along the equator.
For cardboard globes, gently sandpaper the inside before brushing on a few coats of latex paint. Yellow or orange casts a warm glow.
Use the utility knife to trim the plug from the end of the cord.
Thread the cord up through the inside of the shade and pull it tight. Slide the washer over the end of the cord and down to the surface of the shade. This will help ensure the shade hangs straight.
If you know how to wire your new lamp straight to the ceiling plate, go for it. Or ask an electricity-savvy friend to help. (Don’t forget to turn off the power!) If you don’t want to mess with ceiling installation, attach the replacement plug following the instructions on the box, then run an extension cord up the wall near the lamp.
Screw in the bulb.
Use the remaining globe half to make a lamp for someone in your orbit.
Variation: To make a globe table lamp, follow Steps 1 through 3 above. Then, remove the shade from an old table lamp and replace it with the globular one. Plan your next world tour.
