Recycled Lamp DIY Bird Bath

Updated: Mar. 21, 2024

Use an old lamp base to create a unique recycled bird bath that your birds will love.

OK, I admit it. I am a hoarder of lights. Old lamps, ceiling fixtures, chandeliers—they all lend themselves beautifully to reinvention, and I simply can’t resist their promises. In this case, a $1.99 thrift-store lamp said, “Bird bath, bird bath, bird bath!” until, after a few paces, I succumbed and handed over my two bucks. This DIY bird bath was truly a fast and easy project. One lamp, a few hours, spray paint and some epoxy just about did it. So keep your eyes peeled and your ears open at those Saturday morning yard sales. You never know when a lamp will speak to you, giving you a chance to create your own recycled bird bath!

Materials:

Old lamp
Painter’s tape
Spray primer and paint
Wide, shallow bowl for bath
Clear epoxy
Ceiling light canopy (optional)

Step-By-Step Instructions:

Step 1

Remove the socket and lamp shade support from the lamp and cut the cord at both ends to make it easy to pull through the lamp housing.

Step 2

I added a ceiling light canopy to the top of my lamp to offer more support to the bowl. This was simple to do, since a ceiling canopy already has a hole in the center, and the lamp has a screw and nut, making attachment super easy. You may need to add a washer if the nut on the lamp is smaller than the canopy hole.

Step 3

It’s much easier to paint the lamp before adding the bowl. Make sure to wash the lamp down for a dust-free surface, and let dry thoroughly. I used painter’s tape to protect the base of the lamp. Several light coats of spray paint within a few minutes of each other provide a quick transformation.

Step 4

When the paint is thoroughly dry, usually within an hour or two, you can glue the bowl onto the circular canopy edge. I used a clear epoxy out of the tube all around the bowl. Epoxy takes a while to set up but is extremely strong.

Make sure to mark or eyeball the center of the bowl before gluing it to the canopy. An off-center bowl will fall over when you fill it with water. Set the birdbath aside long enough for the epoxy to cure.

Step 5

Scout the perfect spot, place the birdbath, fill it up with water and enjoy your handiwork!