I transformed a $3 thrift store pleated lamp shade into a tree collar for my dining room Christmas Tree! This upcycle project is not only a sustainable way to decorate your home for the holidays, but it’s crazy affordable and easy to make!

How many trees is too many?! Asking for a friend…

I love filling my home with Christmas trees because that soft glow in every room just brings us so much joy! I love the look of a tree collar versus a skirt but they can get pricey – especially if you have more than one tree!

I had an idea the other night in bed about turning a thrifted lamp shade into a tree collar – they’re practically the same shape, right?! And I just had to show you what it looks like!

I found this pleated shade at Salvation Army for $3 and it is the perfect size for the tree in our dining room! I cut off the metal pieces inside the shade that hold onto the light bulb. If you are adding this to a preassemble tree, you can cut through the lamp shade and cut open the wire rings that make the shape. The shade will retain the cone shape and you can easily slide it onto your tree base!

From here, you can leave it as is or spray paint it! I asked my Instagram audience what they thought and most people voted to paint it black.

I just gave the shade a few light coats of flat black paint and let it dry for a few hours before adding it around my tree. What do you think? If this a thrifting trick you’d use in your home? Let me know in the comments!

xoxo, L