I am always on the lookout for items from the thrift store that I can make into something beautiful that I have seen in high-end stores but can not afford. I love the modern look of tripod lamps and especially the floor lamps but these floor lamps can cost several hundreds of dollars. 
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When I add up all of the things that I want for home decor, all of the several hundreds of dollars items add up! I figure that if I can save on a few things by making them myself then I can afford to purchase a few things without putting my family in debt.
I love the tripod lamps from Ballard Designs. After looking at the picture of the lamp, I thought I could make this lamp using an old telescope. You can find the light kit to make your own lamps on Amazon for around $10 and it will work for this DIY tripod floor lamp.
I found this old telescope at my favorite thrift store and the legs look exactly like the lamp in my inspiration photo.
How to Build the DIY Tripod Floor Lamp
The first thing we did was remove the metal piece that held the telescope. I would recommend purchasing a DIY Lamp kit to use on this DIY tripod floor lamp. We used the lamp parts from a broken lamp that we had because we have made our own lamps many times.
Slide the lamp kit into the top.
Tightened the pieces to secure the lamp.
I also used the lampshade from the broken lamp so that I did not have to purchase a new one. In conclusion, this project was super easy to do and cost me around $5.
Marty says
I love this idea. Your lamp looks amazing.
Toni | Girl, Just DIY! says
Oh my gosh this is so great! I’d love to get my hands on an old tripod like that. Way to save a bundle and yours looks just as beautiful as the way too expensive version.
Carmen says
oh my GOSH this is absolutely incredible!! brilliant job and love the price
Megan says
First off, this is amazing!! I have always wanted to make a lamp like this. Thanks for sharing this fantastic tutorial!!
Christine says
The tripod lamp looks wonderful!! You must have been over the moon when you found the telescope at the thrift store! Love that you reused a lampshade you had already.
Amy says
This is so great! I love how easy this was and that you re-used a thrift store find!
Casey says
That looks like a designer lamp! What a great idea, now I need to find myself a telescope…
Michelle Leslie says
Oh wow, I’ve always wanted a tripod floor lamp, but the prices are ridiculous!!! I can’t believe it’s so easy to make your own. Thanks so much for the tutorial Sherry
Lori Nell says
What a great DIY. The lamp is beautiful!
Maria Brittis says
What a great lamp idea. Never would have thought of iusing a telescope nut it makes sense.
Deana Landers says
This is wonderful! I have an old telescope with the tripod that we don’t use. I’m going to try this. Thank you.
Rosemary Palmer says
I love this. I remember seeing one at Black Dog Salvage a few years ago and wanted one since then.