A quick and easy Christmas decorating idea for lamps where you will learn how to turn an inexpensive Christmas ornament into a lamp finial.
Today is 20-Minute Decorating day where I share a project that can be completed in under 20 minutes. Its Christmas themed this month.
I made a Christmas ornament finial for the thrift store lamp that I made over recently.
This little decorative detail can be made in 5 minutes with no DIY skills needed.
The ornament finial adds a festive Christmas touch to any lamp that has a finial that secures the shade.
I liked how the finial looked on the table lamp so much that I decided to also make one for the floor lamp in the room using a different style ornament.
You can use any shatterproof ornament. They look like glass, but are plastic and bounce when you drop them. I bought mine at Walmart. They are usually sold in bulk by color in a clear tube or container.
You also need a lamp where the lampshade is attached with a finial like the shade in the photo above.
How to Make a Christmas Ornament into a Lamp Finial
supplies needed:
- Existing lamp finial that holds shade on lamp
- Shatterproof Christmas ornament – Walmart
- Sharp, pointy scissors or a craft knife
- Cutting board
- Optional – glue dot
Time needed: 5 minutes.
How Do You Make a Lamp Finial for Christmas?
- Remove Finial From Lamp
Eyeball the top diameter of the current finial on your lamp.
You are going to cut a hole around the top of the ornament to fit over this existing finial. You need to make a cut circle on the ornament that is as wide as the existing finial.
- Place Ornament on Cutting Board
Place the ornament on it’s side on a cutting board. Use a craft knife to cut off the hook. - Cut Hole Larger If Needed
Using a craft knife, cut hole to size needed. The shatterproof ornaments are very easy to cut. - Optional Way to Cut
Another way to cut the top off the ornament is to use a pair of scissors.
Use a Sharpie to draw a circle (to the size needed) around the top of the ornament to use as a cutting guide.
Place the one tip of the scissors into the top of the ornament. It may need a gentle push. Once the scissor tip is through the ornament, start cutting the top off.
Place it over the top of the finial, if it is too small, cut a little more off until it fits. As you cut, try to keep the hole even as much as possible. - Different Ways to Place Ornament Over Existing Finial
Depending on the type of finial you have, you can cut the hole large enough to cover the whole finial or just a part of it as shown below.
- Optional – Place a Glue Dot
If the ornament is wobbling or won’t stay straight, roll a piece of tape so the sticky part is out. Place on top of finial and then place the ornament on.
If you have Glue Dots, use instead of the tape. -
The ornament on the left is sitting on top of the existing finial allowing the bottom section to still be visible.
The ornament on the right covers the whole finial.
A sweet little detail that makes any lamp part of your Christmas decor.
More 20-Minute Decorating Ideas
If you like 20-Minute Decorating, head over to my blogger friends linked below who are sharing their fast and easy Christmas decorating ideas along with me today.
Shabbyfufu | How To Make New Christmas Ornaments Look Vintage
Maison de Cinq | Five Quick & Easy Christmas Decorating Ideas
StoneGable | Use What You Have Christmas Arrangement
Designthusiasm | Christmas Porch and Entry Foyer
On Sutton Place | Christmas Shelf Decor
Tiffany says
So clever, as always!
Lisa says
Love it! How do you think of these things??
Eileen says
That is super cute!!
Cate Cooper says
What a charming idea, Diane! I would never have thought to do this. Makes the house even more festive. Thanks for this idea and ALL your great ideas!
Deanna says
Very clever! And simple for even the craftily challenged person like me! LOL. Also love the simplicity of your wooden bowl with ornaments and a touch of greenery. I just put away my fall tray away, but am going to pull it out again and set it up similar to yours. Wish my neighbor was home so I could ask to cut a bit of greenery off her evergreen. :)
Tracey says
Clever and creative! Love it!