DIY Glam Lantern & Table Lamp | High-End Dollar Store Lighting
Transform basic pencil holders and plastic takeout containers into stunning, designer-style lighting fixtures.
This article is adapted from a video originally published on YouTube on Jul. 24, 2021.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualified purchases from links on this page.
I’m a firm believer that you can find elegance in the most mundane items, like a wire pencil holder or a plastic takeout container from last night’s dinner. For this project, I wanted to create a wireless lighting solution that added an instant “wow” factor to any room without the hassle of cords or electrical wiring. It was so rewarding to see how a simple custom blend of silver paint and glitter could transform a plain ceramic holder into a high-end boutique piece that I’m now so proud to display on my bedside table.
📺 WATCH: See how I transform simple budget materials into these stunning high-end glam lights here.
Materials
Browse my curated list of Favorite Craft Supplies, Tools & Embellishments.
💡 Scaling Note: The quantity of embellishments and paint required will depend on the size of the containers and candle holders you select for your lighting projects.
Medium-sized wired pencil holder.
Two LED hanging lamps (battery operated).
Tall plastic takeout container (cleaned and dried).
Ceramic candle holder (any colour).
Chrome trimming.
Silver beaded necklace.
Clear loose flat-back gems.
Rhinestone mesh ribbon.
Silver metallic paint.
Silver glitter.
Tools
Hot glue gun and glue sticks.
Paintbrush.
💡 Sandy’s Crafting Tips & Hacks
The Custom Shimmer Blend: To achieve a high-end, textured finish, mix silver glitter directly into your silver metallic paint. This provides a multi-dimensional sparkle that hides imperfections in the base material better than paint alone.
The Camouflaging Seam Secret: Use strings of silver beaded necklace to line the areas where different materials meet, such as the joint between a container and its base. This hides glue lines and creates a professional, seamless look.
The Opaque Coverage Rule: When painting dark surfaces (like a black ceramic holder) with metallic shades, apply three generous coats. This ensures the original colour is completely masked and the silver finish looks solid and expensive.
The Instant Chrome Upgrade: Self-adhesive chrome trimming is the fastest way to turn a basic wire pencil holder into a luxury metal lantern. Ensure the surface is clean before applying for the strongest bond.
The Wireless Versatility Hack: Because these pieces use battery-operated LED hanging lamps, they are incredibly lightweight. You can move them from room to room to change your decor without worrying about finding a nearby power outlet.
Instructions
Project 1: The Glam Lantern
Apply hot glue to the rim of an LED hanging lamp and adhere it firmly to the opening of the wired pencil holder.
Wrap the top surface of the LED lamp with silver beaded necklace, gluing it in concentric circles until the entire grey surface area is hidden.
Embellish the top of the lamp by placing clear flat-back gems in a circular pattern to add extra shimmer.
Line the outer top rim of the pencil holder with chrome trimming using hot glue to complete the polished metallic look.
Project 2: The Glam Table Lamp
Paint the ceramic candle holder with your custom blend of silver metallic paint and glitter, applying three coats to ensure complete coverage.
Decorate the lower portion of the plastic takeout container by gluing two rows of rhinestone mesh ribbon around its circumference.
Secure the bottom of the decorated container to the top of the candle holder using hot glue to create the lamp’s body.
Adhere a string of silver beaded necklace around the joint where the container and candle holder meet to mask the seam.
Attach the second LED hanging lamp to the top opening of the takeout container with hot glue and finish the piece by adding one final string of beaded necklace around the top rim.
Related Content & Resources
▶️ Watch Next: More DIY Lantern Designs
▶️ Browse the Collection: See all my DIY Lighting Solutions
💎 Join the Community
Don’t miss a single transformation! Subscribe to my Youtube Channel for weekly step-by-step video tutorials.
Disclaimer: I’m not a professional. All my DIY’s are for entertainment purposes.