Repurposing Vintage Milk Glass Light Shades into Stunning Vases
If you’re a fan of DIY projects and love incorporating vintage finds into your home decor, repurposing vintage milk glass light shades into vases is a creative way to bring charm to your home. Milk glass, known for its opaque white finish, adds a touch of nostalgia and elegance to any space. In this video I show you how to repurpose those beautiful light shades into unique vases.
Why Repurpose Vintage Milk Glass Light Shades?
Milk glass has been cherished for generations, known for its durability and timeless aesthetic. Its vintage appeal and versatility make it ideal for repurposing. By giving a new life to these pieces, you not only preserve their charm but also create some beautiful home decor.
Materials You’ll Need:
- Vintage milk glass light shades
- Floral foam or glass vase insert (for stability)
- Fresh flowers or dried arrangements
Steps to Create Your Vase:
- Clean the Light Shade: Start by giving your vintage milk glass light shades a thorough cleaning. Use mild soap and water, and a soft cloth to avoid scratching the surface.
- Add Stability: If the shade is wide or top-heavy, consider inserting floral foam or a small glass vase inside to support your arrangement. This also makes it easier to change flowers seasonally. I chose to keep mine empty because I am placing them in lanterns and cloches.
- Arrange Your Flowers: Now comes the fun part! Fill your new vase with fresh flowers or dried arrangements. I used a mix of soft eucalyptus colored greenery, and to add a feel of Spring I added in sweet peas in a soft peach color, some white orchids and a few more sprigs of peach filler.
- Display Your Creation: Find a perfect spot in your home for your new vase. Whether it’s on a dining table, a mantel, or a shelf, your repurposed milk glass light shade will serve as a lovely conversation starter. As I mentioned earlier I placed mine in lanterns above my front closet and in wire cloches on top of the kitchen cupboards. I do have a couple more above my kitchen cupboards stepped on some old books, as well in some groupings. (However, I have not taken photos of them yet. I was waiting for the light to be better, so I will update soon.)
Other Ideas:
- Mix and Match: Don’t hesitate to combine different styles of milk glass shades for a more eclectic look.
- Seasonal Themes: Change out the flowers based on the season to keep your decor fresh and vibrant. Are used mine in the Fall to display pumpkins, and for trees at Christmas time.
- Layering Effects: Place your milk glass vases inside larger vessels such as lanterns or under cloches. Placed on stacked books or on a tiered tray. The ideas are endless. 🙂
I love turning found pieces into unexpected home decor. Each piece tells a story and adds character to your space. So next time you come across a vintage light shade, don’t pass it by—turn it into a beautiful vase that reminds you of the beauty of bygone days!
Let me know in the comments how you would repurpose vintage milk glass light shades.
