All you need to do is clean, disassemble, modify it, and install lamp holders and parts of the sewing machine to turn it into a lamp.
How to Turn a Sewing Machine Into a Lamp
You have an old rusty sewing machine lying there in your home. Maybe it’s just taking up space, and no one in your family wants to learn to sew, but you can easily repurpose it into a beautiful vintage lamp to turn up the aesthetics of your bedroom.
Check out the following step-by-step instructions on how to turn your sewing machine into a lamp.
Step 1: Chalk the Plan & Disassemble
First things first, we need to get the vision of how the lamp is going to be through the chassis of the machine. Use a disc sander to sand and clean the rust if there’s any. Disassemble some parts of the sewing machines that block the way and before doing that taking pictures from a couple of angles might be helpful for future reassembling.
Step 2: Take Out the Rotary Parts
The part in the front which is the portion of the needle and foot needs to come out. The main goal is to get the rotary portion out of the machine.
To get the rotary portion out you need to cut the shaft that is connected to it. After getting that part off the chassis run the lamp directly through the hole which is made. Before doing that put some of the pieces back on. After that comes a bit of modification.
Step 3: Modify to Set the Bulb
To get the bulb through that hole, you need some modifications. Cut a hole in that base plate to line up the bulb in that hole. Make sure to measure the bulb’s holder so that it fits perfectly.
Step 4: Wire Through the Chassis
Run the wires of the lamp through the chassis of the sewing machine. You may need to remove the plastic part of the bulb holder to get the bulb to fit into the base plate.
Step 5: Fit the Base
Attach the base plate with the sewing machine with the help of a screwdriver. Make sure that the bulb holder fits the baseplate perfectly.
Step 6: Setup the Bulb
Attach the bulb with the holder tight enough and connect the wires to an electrical outlet. Your sewing machine bulb is ready to go.
For more information and details of the procedure check out this video
Vintage Sewing Machine Lamp
As the name suggests, you could say that the top brands like Bernina, Brother, Singer, etc, sewing machines are vintage because those models have the best components, features, functions and so on this era can give them.
The definition by the Cambridge Dictionary says- “showing the best and most typical characteristics of a particular type of thing, especially from the past.”
Making a lamp out of a vintage sewing machine not only enhances the aesthetics of your lounge but also displays the creativity and artistic mind of an individual. Make a hole out of the rectangular plate where the sewing machine stands. The hole needs to be on the bottom middle of the plate. After making the hole set the lampstand and the wires through that hole and set them up perfectly. Add a lampshade to it and finish the work.
Some Other Ideas for Old Sewing Machines
Turn your rusty, neglected upcycle vintage sewing machine into various types of home decor accessories with these unique ideas.
Drink Cart
You can repurpose your sewing machine cabinet into a beautiful drink cart. This is a popular Pinterest idea is to use the features of these cabinets: they have a flip-top and cutout. Choose some nice color pallets to paint it. Pop in a plastic or galvanized metal tub for ice. You can also add a towel holder or a bottle opener, and maybe some caster wheels.
Table Base
The wrought iron treadle sides of vintage sewing machines are such impressive works of art. You can showcase them by repurposing them into a beautiful side table or console table. Cut a piece of wood boards of the length you want, stain, and seal them before attaching them to the metal sides. We recommend water-based or oil-based stains and sealers for a finish that will last for generations to come.
Steampunk-Themed Lamp
This concept requires both artistry and mechanical skills to pull off. However, the outcome of this hard work pays off big time. Coming up with a way to reuse them is worth the effort. Find the perfect lampshade to coordinate with your particular machine, purchase a new lamp kit for safety, and create a truly one-of-a-kind statement piece for your home.
Dressing Table
If you can’t bear to rip your antique sewing cabinet into bits and pieces, here’s an idea for celebrating it nearly intact. Remove the sewing machine and paint/stain the cabinet, to transform it into a unique dressing table.
The drawers are the perfect size to hold cosmetics and jewelry, and with a mirror and hinge, the top will open and close easily. Paint a petite chair or bench to match, and you’re all set.
Recycle Old Sewing Machines
You find your old sewing machine gathering dust somewhere in the storehouse? They used to be part of your daily life, elegant pieces of history that you want to keep, but also don’t know how to make worth keeping. Here are some ideas to make them into a piece of home decoration for your bedroom or garden.
You can turn the lower table part of your sewing machine into a beautiful Kitchen island, dining table, coffee table, desk, bookshelf, or drink cart.
To Conclude
Before you think about recycling or repurposing your old sewing machine, make sure to check out its antique values as they are worth big bucks. Also, you can donate it if it’s fully functional which can be a great help for penniless families. Lastly, you can recycle it to a vintage aesthetic piece of art which will also be an everyday use decoration or furniture.
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