Make a DIY Wall Sconce Cover from Thrifted Pants

Today, I’m excited to share with you a fun and budget-friendly project that will add a touch of charm to your space. Have you ever looked at your plain wall sconces and thought they could use a little makeover? Well, I sure did! That’s why I decided to get creative and turn a pair of thrifted pants into stylish lampshades for my sconces. Yes, you read that right – thrifted pants!

Recently I gave our breakfast nook a mini makeover. As part of the refresh, I wanted to add wall sconces to either side of the mirror. To tie them into the warm, vintage-inspired vision I had for the space, I wanted them to have gingham patterned shades. Time for a DIY to make my dream come to life!

Why Thrifted Pants?

You might be wondering why I chose thrifted pants for this project. Well, let me tell you – thrift stores are a goldmine for unique materials that can be repurposed into something beautiful. Plus, using thrifted items is not only eco-friendly but also budget-friendly. So, when I stumbled upon a pair of gingham pants at my local thrift store, I knew they would be perfect for this project.

Materials You’ll Need

• Thrifted pants (preferably stretchy fabric)
• Scissors
• Glue gun and glue sticks
• Wall sconces (I’m using these black & white wall sconces from Amazon)
• Battery-operated bulbs
• Optional: Fabric marker or trim for embellishment

Step 1: Prepare Your Pants

Start by selecting a pair of thrifted pants that match your desired style. I opted for a pair of stretchy gingham pants to achieve that cozy cottagecore vibe. Ensure the legs of the pants are around the same diameter as your wall sconce lampshades. Once you have your pants, lay them flat on a clean surface and use your scissors to cut off the bottom of each pant leg.

Aim to cut them slightly longer than the height of your lampshades to ensure full coverage. Make sure there’s room to fold the hemmed part of the pant over the top of the lampshade, and the raw part doubly folded over the bottom of the shade. Pull the pant leg piece over the wall sconce shade.

Step 2: Attach the Fabric to the Lampshade

Now, it’s time to get crafty! Heat up your glue gun and begin folding the fabric of the pant legs around the tops and bottoms of your lampshades. Ensure the smaller, hemmed part of the pant leg is at the top of the lamp shade with some room to fold it over. Apply a generous amount of hot glue along the edge of the fabric and press it firmly onto the inside top of the lampshade. Work your way around, smoothing out any wrinkles or creases as you go.

For the bottom, fold the pant leg over to the inside once and glue. Then fold it again, and glue it into the bottom inside of the lampshade. This double fold will make the seam look finished with no raw edges showing.

Step 3: Add Embellishments (Optional)

If you want to add a personal touch to your wall sconce covers, now is the time to get creative! You can use a fabric marker to draw designs or add trim along the edges for a decorative touch. Let your imagination run wild and make your light fixture uniquely yours.

Step 4: Install Your Wall Sconces

Once your DIY wall sconce covers are complete, it’s time to install them in your desired location. Use the appropriate hardware to securely mount the sconces to the wall, making sure they are level and properly aligned.

Step 6: Illuminate Your Space

Finally, insert a battery-operated light bulb into each of your sconces and admire your handiwork! Because you’re using rechargeable bulbs, you won’t need a plug or re-wiring. This is the perfect solution for renters, too! Turn on the lights and enjoy the cozy ambiance from the warm glow through your new DIY wall sconce covers.

And there you have it – a simple yet stylish way to upgrade your wall lamp using thrifted pants! I absolutely love how these sconce covers turned out, and I hope this tutorial inspires you to get creative with your own home decor projects. So, next time you’re at the thrift store, keep an eye out for unique materials that can be transformed into something beautiful. Happy crafting & don’t forget to tag me, @thediymommy, on Instagram or Facebook if you try this thrifty project!