Turn A Large Thrifted Lampshade Into Rustic Entryway Storage With A Simple Upcycle

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Thrifters are not only smart shoppers but also crafty creators. Oftentimes, they'll reinvent the wheel by giving their finds an entirely new purpose, supplying their homes with more life and function in the most uniquely stylish and budget-friendly ways. In a clever upcycling hack from HomeTalk, one crafter followed a similar outside-the-box approach by purchasing a large thrifted lampshade and transforming it into a storage bin made of jute. With a little imagination, they discovered the shade contained the perfect frame for an incredibly straightforward yet highly practical and fashionable farmhouse entryway idea where you can organize shoes, umbrellas, and other large items.

HomeTalk's project is ideal for crowded spaces that need a bit of breathing room. Even though entryways tend to be small, they have big responsibilities, including keeping rogue accessories in check and providing a peek into a homeowner's style. This DIY lends itself perfectly to condensing clutter and offering decorative flair to boot, particularly if you walk away from the thrift shop with a uniquely shaped lampshade. What's more, HomeTalk's vision sets the stage for many different interpretations, so you can customize the project according to the style you're going for. Once you find a lampshade that's large enough for your needs and offers a distinctive silhouette, grab it and enough rolls of jute twine, such as Radix Rope Natural Jute Twine, to wrap around the frame. Beyond that, you just need to keep your box cutter, scissors, and glue gun on hand.

Begin by using your box cutter to remove the fabric from the lampshade, exposing the bare wire frame underneath. If the fabric tightly wraps the shade, you may be able to skip this step and simply keep it in place as you wrap the twine around it. Once your frame is ready, wrap the jute wire around the frame until you reach the top, adhering the twine together with your glue gun as you go. Then, grab a piece of cardboard, and trace the size of the top of the lamp (aka the bottom of your bin). Cut out the shape, wrap and glue fabric around it, and place it at the bottom of the structure. With that, you'll be ready to bid adieu to the hallway mess.  

If this finished product doesn't quite align with your preferred entryway furniture and decor, fear not: There are different ways in which to make this DIY work. Replacing the jute with different yarns, for instance, can provide a patterned mix of rustic colors for a bit more interest, or you could find a fabric in the color and pattern of your liking instead. To elevate the original design, consider gluing a lining to the inside of the storage bin, using scrap fabric in farmhouse patterns like plaid, vintage florals, or simple vertical stripes. Or, literally elevate your completed basket by giving it a rustic wood riser for more convenient access to the items contained within, the perfect finishing touch for a simply stylish storage spot.