You may have heard the saying, “Don’t hide your light under a basket,” which means let yourself — and your light — shine wherever you are. Don’t be afraid to be you!
Well, this project flips that idea on its head. We’re putting a light on top of a basket to create an unusual, eye-catching planter lamp. Talk about letting your DIY light shine!
“Plant” Goodwill-found succulents and silk flowers around the base for two fresh looks that stay vibrant all year long. This might just be the most cheerful light you’ll ever see.
Here’s How:
1. See the Light & Find Your Good at Goodwill
Any Goodwill nonprofit retail store is a bright place to start. In the Electronics section, you’ll find an ever-changing collection of lamps, lights, appliances, and more. After seeing this week’s blog idea on social media, I headed to Goodwill to pick up a lamp just waiting for its glow-up.
Next, browse the Home Goods aisles for a basket to serve as the base for your planter lamp. I found a pretty whitewashed basket that was wide enough to hold the lamp’s base — and its curved handle was a bonus detail.
While a basket works beautifully, you could also use a flowerpot, ceramic bowl, or planter, depending on your style and what you discover. Let your creativity blossom!
Expert Tip:
Look for a lamp that already includes its shade. Why? It saves money because it’s sold as one complete unit. Plus, it will include the “harp” — the metal piece that connects the shade to the lamp. Bases are sometimes sold without one, so you have to buy an extra part. We’re all about bright ideas and budget-friendly finds.
2. Harvest Your Plants & Florals
To make your basket lamp come to life, look for faux succulents at Goodwill. Sometimes they’re sold individually in small pots for a dollar or two, or as part of a larger arrangement. Gather what you love — you’ll remove most containers later.
Also, pick up silk flowers to give your planter a seasonal pop. Spring may be just around the corner, but there’s no need to wait to add floral flair to your home or office. Goodwill often carries flowers that reflect the current season.
The flowers featured here were picked up during an Art Supply Swap event hosted by Finding Your Good and Tim Kime Art. Join us for the next one on Tuesday, March 10, from 6–8 PM at Brookland’s Arts Walk Artist’s Lounge. It’s free and open to all — simply bring art supplies to swap and take home new creative treasures! Also, plan to meet some of the coolest peeps in town!
3. Cut a Hole for the Cord
All it takes to cut a hole in a basket is a sharp pair of scissors or a knife. Create a small opening near the lower back or underside of the basket so the plug and cord can pass through.
If you’re using a flowerpot, it may already have a drainage hole large enough for the cord. If not, you can run the cord up and over the rim and secure it discreetly along the outer edge.
Place the lamp in the center of your basket and guide the plug through the hole. You’re officially ready to grow and glow!
4. Prepare Your Succulents
Decide whether to keep or remove your succulents from their containers. Smaller pots can often stay as they are. Larger containers can be carefully cut apart or dismantled to separate individual plants.
Sometimes the faux plants pull right out, so gently experiment and see what works best.
5. Pot Your Plants
Start by adding scrap paper or plastic grocery bags to the bottom of your basket to conceal the lamp’s base. My lamp base was flat on top, which made this easy.
Next, arrange your succulents around the base, nestling them into the filler. Be mindful of color, texture, height, and shape.
You’re creating a mini-indoor garden, so aim for balance and visual interest.
6. Finish with Moss, Tissue, or Cardboard
To give your planter a polished look, cover visible filler with torn green tissue paper, moss, or even small pieces of brown cardboard. Tuck everything neatly around the succulents so the base looks natural and cohesive.
If you can find moss at Goodwill (sometimes attached to old arrangements), even better. Craft stores also carry it if needed. This finishing layer really helps your project look rooted in intention.
7. Make It Bloom for the Season
While the succulent planter looks handsome on its own (my personal preference), adding silk flowers gives it a seasonal boost.
Place blooms throughout the arrangement so they stand tall and bright.
Mix colors and varieties for playful charm, or stick to a single tone for a more elegant feel.
In the fall, add orange and golden leaves. In winter, try pine branches or poinsettias. This lamp can change outfits with the seasons, and thankfully, no watering is required!
8. Position with Pride & Let Your Light Shine
Set your basket planter lamp on a side table in your living room for a bright decorative accent that fully functions. Place it in the kitchen for instant charm. Add it to your desk for a creative glow that makes you smile.
Wherever it lands, it’s a reminder: don’t hide your light — plant it boldly and let it shine.
Remember, sometimes the best way to brighten a room is to think outside the basket!
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Tim Kime
Artist, Motivational Speaker, Life Coach
