How To Make A Vintage Globe Lamp

HuffPost Social Reading

Let's be honest, virtual maps and travel resources on the internet have made globes obsolete. Today, they serve more as decorative artwork that adds a small touch of nostalgia to a home. If you don't have a globe, they're fairly common in thrift or secondhand stores. However, most won't be in pristine condition -- and that's where this DIY comes in. It turns a damaged globe into a lamp shade for a surprising look. Keep reading for the simple how-to.

Flickr photo by Stacie Stacie Stacie


First, find the exact center between the top and bottom of the globe, and draw a horizontal line around the entire globe. This will most likely follow the equator line. Use a saw to cut the globe in half. Next, measure the diameter of the socket attached to an electrical cord, and use the measurement to draw a circle at the top of your half-globe. (Tip: It'll be easier for you to install the socket later if the circle is slightly bigger than the socket.) Cut out the circle, and insert the electrical cord, prongs first, from the inside of the globe. Finally, screw in a lightbulb and hang. Repeat these steps with the remaining globe half. And, don't forget to admire your clever upcycled vintage lamp from below.

NOTE: An earlier version of this article omitted how to secure excess cord. In this case, use a small ceiling hook to keep the cord out of the way. If you're swapping out the lamp shade of your current (hardwired) pendant, the cord will be hidden in the ceiling.

 
  • Comments
  • 61
  • Pending Comments
  • 0
  • View FAQ
Post Comment Preview Comment
To reply to a Comment: Click "Reply" at the bottom of the comment; after being approved your comment will appear directly underneath the comment you replied to.
View All
Favorites
Recency  | 
Popularity
Page: 1 2 3  Next ›  Last »  (3 total)
HUFFPOST SUPER USER
hman570
06:11 AM on 02/23/2012
If you find Made in America on it keep it as it will be worth something in the future. Hard to find that statement on any products today. The junk we are getting from China and the prices for this junk is just off the map. Seems nobody cares just so they can buy stuff? I try to find products made in America, but there are so many blankets hand made that you can use. Unless we get jobs back in America we will always be at the will of other countries to supply us. Our politicians say we are a service country today, I guess that is true as we get service from all over the world and nothing from America.
03:08 AM on 02/22/2012
My only issue with the vintage globes is that so many contries listed on them don't exist anymore.
This comment has been removed due to violations of our [Guidelines]
12:07 AM on 02/22/2012
why not donate to an organization that can bring it to a classroom in a developing nation (area without electricity or internet). i know many schools would be happy for the supplies.
photo
HUFFPOST SUPER USER
leftylori
12:18 AM on 02/22/2012
Unless the map is out of date that is a very good idea.
photo
fpwillson
Fighter for justice and the truth
12:27 AM on 02/22/2012
Have any idea how much it would cost to ship an old, used, out-of-date globe, half way around the world?
01:20 AM on 02/22/2012
honestly, i hadn't a clue how much it would cost, but for poops and giggles i looked it up... to ship from pittsburgh to usbekistan (first country i thought of) a 10 lb medium box would cost $361.00!

i think i will just sell mine on ebay and let them pay the shipping charges!
11:01 PM on 02/21/2012
Why not get one of those old console Zenith radio's with all the countries listed on the dial,
and set the globe on top of it?
10:38 PM on 02/21/2012
There's places where you can get a globe and it opens up and has a bar inside. I really would love to get 1 of those can't afford it. On the outside it looks like an old antique globe.
12:34 AM on 02/23/2012
Check Craig's list & Ebay.
10:05 PM on 02/21/2012
Typical modern day thinking. When I was a kid, it was called the earth. Now its called a table lamp And kids believe it!
This comment has been removed due to violations of our [Guidelines]
09:12 PM on 02/21/2012
If you are worried about a fire hazard just line the inside with aluminum foil...TA DA!!
08:58 PM on 02/21/2012
If you must hack the globe, make sure to make two lights. Less global waste
HUFFPOST SUPER USER
secondcoming
08:51 PM on 02/21/2012
actually I prefer it intact it comes in very handy in this ever shrinking world, where there is always something going on somewhere that could align to something or at least relate to something I might want to know.
09:49 PM on 02/21/2012
But globes become outdated. Lines change, countries disappear, new ones appear.
08:08 PM on 02/21/2012
I could never do anything with my globe but explore it. Last winter when the power went out, I spent almost two hours getting reaquainted with my globe. I started making lists of places that no longer exist and the changes that have happened. When my friends kid came home we played "where is". This past Christmas he listed a globe on his wish list. I gave him a brand new one for Christmas. He recently brought it over to compare it to mine finding all the "old non existent places" causing me to start growing grey hairs.
08:10 PM on 02/21/2012
That is cool!
09:22 PM on 02/21/2012
that is great,I am trying to find a globe on a stand,than it will always be there when I need it
07:45 PM on 02/21/2012
Before you cut that globe up, you should find out how much it's worth. Hello... antique! I'm a geographer and worked at a specialized store that sold globes - and believe me, they can be worth hundreds as collectors evaulate the age and the maker. Personally, I would NEVER cut up a globe for a "upcycled" lamp... but, then again - I'm a map/globe lover.
08:34 PM on 02/21/2012
I have a globe of all the Lunar landings given to my husband in 1962 by Rchard M. Grossman and Staff Cartographers. How do I find out its worth. Thank you
09:17 PM on 02/21/2012
The value would depend upon it's condition. It was probably put into production by "Replogle Globes" and the cartographer was Mr. Grossman... it was probably popular back then when it was put in production, but not as easily found now. If it's in good condition, get in touch with your insurance company for a recommendation on a good antique appraiser. Next, I would look up antique auction houses or antique stores in your area to see who would have similar items for sale or have sold similiar items. You could also contact a known map dealer/globe dealer to see what they would sell it for. I am familiar with this site for Murray Hudson in Tennessee http://www.murrayhudson.com/antique_globes/globes_lunar.html perhaps they would tell you how much they would sell it for... I bet that's a pretty cool globe to have! Good luck to you!
06:33 PM on 02/21/2012
i like to look at old globes to see how many obsolete nations i can find, ex; North, South Vietnam......East, West Germany, Prussia, U.S.S.R., ETC.
photo
HUFFPOST SUPER USER
Keith Magee
Smarter than the average bear...
06:22 PM on 02/21/2012
Not too bad... and you can use the stand itself to make a really cool Games Workshop "Necron Pylon"! (Game Geek Alert)!!!

Bloggers

 
 
Kirsten Dirksen , Co-founder, faircompanies.com

Discuss "craft" with Scott Constable, whose training includes apprenticeships under master woodworkers and who specialization in traditional joinery, and you're...

Read Post | Comments
Lisa Holt , In-house Interior Designer, NapaStyle; Creative Director, DLS Hotels & Spas

It isn't always easy to please everyone's palate (and possible dietary requirements) when creating a menu for a party, but...

Read Post | Comments
Rana Florida , CEO, The Creative Class Group

Target's innovations in design have dramatically raised its profile, setting it above its rivals. It just announced "The Shops at...

Read Post | Comments
Marcia Prentice , Interior Designer and blogger, Style Illuminated by LAMPS PLUS

Summer is almost here! Now that the days and nights are much warmer, having an outdoor ceiling fan can help...

Read Post | Comments
Bonnie McCarthy , Design expert, writer, photographer

Globe trekkers Heather Morrison and Neil Navin brought back more than trinkets and souvenirs from time spent living in the...

Read Post | Comments
Mary Hall , The Recessionista

Both Philip Treacy and Christopher Guy Harrison must have spent time reading the original Alice in Wonderland with illustrations by...

Read Post | Comments
Condiment , Condiment is a digital lifestyle magazine about tasting the good life through unique and upstart products

The minute you meet Apt2b.com's founder, Mat Herman, you instantly get why the upstart retail site is getting the buzz...

Read Post | Comments
Oyster , Oyster.com visits, photographs, reviews and rates each hotel. We uncover the truth, before it's "uh-oh" time.

These fantasies can very easily become a reality, with an outdoor space and a little elbow grease. We've seen a...

Read Post | Comments
Kelly Cogswell , Lesbian activist, independent journalist and award-winning columnist, Gay City News

I was mortified to learn that in the 1970s and '80s IKEA used slave labor. That's what it's called when...

Read Post | Comments
Courtney Cachet , Designer, TV Personality, Style Expert, Writer, Ninja

I have a lot of friends who could be called crafty. You know the type: They try new recipes, make...

Read Post | Comments
Robin Wilson , Wellness expert, leading eco-friendly interior designer

As you return to your summer home, there are many things on the maintenance list and given the damp weather...

Read Post | Comments
George Hobica , Syndicated travel journalist and founder of Airfarewatchdog.com

During the 20th century, a group of architects staged a controversial revolt. Why, they asked, couldn't less be as impressive...

Read Post | Comments
Fawn Galli , Founder, Fawn Galli Interior Design

The manipulation of light, through the use of paints, fabrics, and lighting, should always be one of the first considerations...

Read Post | Comments
Susan Cahill , Author

Paris is more and more a green city. The current mayor, Bernard Delanoe, has added more than 100 new acres...

Read Post | Comments

Stylelist Home TV