I’m still swooning over this bathroom 😍. Espe I’m still swooning over this bathroom 😍. Especially the floors! 
Head over to Paintingbythepenny.com for a step by step guide on how to paint a harlequin floor pattern, the products we used, how to achieve a crisp paint line, and the mistake I made during the process 🫠. 
#paintedfloors #harlequinfloors #floorpaint #newblogpost #bathroomdesign #bathroomremodel #vintagebathroom
Budget Friendly Bathroom Makeover ✨ •Painted t Budget Friendly Bathroom Makeover ✨
•Painted the walls using left over paint (Color Sherwin Williams Greek Villa) 
•Painted the floors using Rust-oleum Home Floor Coating 
•Upgraded curtain rod, towel bar and toilet paper holder 
•Replaced vanity knob & pull
•Sanded & installed shelves higher 
•Purchased and thrifted items on shelves 
•Purchased accent table & cut it to size 
•Purchased new rug and shower curtain 
•Hung a new plant baby to bring it all together 🪴
Sometimes all you need is to upgrade some of the small items, paint and thrift some decorative pieces and you have yourself a brand new bathroom! 
#bathroommakeover #budgetfriendlymakeover #bathroomdesign #bathroomdecor #paintedfloors #bathroomideas #bathroominspiration
This bathroom has been through a couple different This bathroom has been through a couple different changes. Mainly wall colors and if I knew how good the floors would have looked painted too, I would have done it a long time ago! 
I painted the floors using Rust-oleum Home Floor Coating and it has completely transformed the look of this bathroom! 
#bathroomdesign #bathroomupgrade #vintagebathroom #paintedfloors #harlequinfloors #bathroom 
#bathroomremodel
Which room is your favorite? I really can’t deci Which room is your favorite? I really can’t decide between bedroom 2, the Kitchen, breakfast nook or Living room. 
Each room means something special. One I was able to put together mainly using FB marketplace items, the other had the biggest transformation in terms of look, and others just came together so nicely that it’s hard to pick a favorite! 
#apartmenttransformation #bedroomdesign #kitchendesign #breakfastnook #livingroomdesign #apartmentdecor #apartmenttherapy
After sharing that we purchased a Murphy bed kit, After sharing that we purchased a Murphy bed kit, I received lots of questions about the desks we built on the sides. 
I gathered some measurements and did some research on standard desks sizes. Took into consideration the IKEA Alex drawer we purchased to fit underneath and then grabbed our tools and some plywood! 
We’ve never built desks before and I’d say it turned out pretty good for our first time! 
#diyproject #builtindesk #desk #officedesk #officedesign #deskbuild #diywoodproject
Over the Summer we refinished our radiators and th Over the Summer we refinished our radiators and there were some mixed reviews on how we did it 😅 
So how are the radiators holding up now that they’re being used? Well so far so good! They look great and work just fine, no chemical smells, or peeling! 
I love how they look in our home! For details on how to refinish steam radiators visit Paintingbythepenny.com
Even if you purchase furniture online, you can mak Even if you purchase furniture online, you can make it unique to you! 
We purchased this Murphy bed online at Bredabeds.com and added trim, painted it, and changed the hardware. 
Now it looks like something we built! 🪚💪🏼
#murphybed #guestroom #woodtrim #sherwinwilliamsriverway #builtins #officedesign #guestroomdesign #diy #diyprojects #bedroomtransformation #bedroommakeover
This transformation still blows my mind! 🤯 I ca This transformation still blows my mind! 🤯 I can’t believe we were able to install cabinets and build shelves and desks around a Murphy bed. 
Makes me wonder what else we can do! 
Took us many months to complete but we did it! Now I’m looking around the house like what else can we build 🤔😅 
#beforeandafter #guestroom #office #guestroomdesign #transformation #murphybed #officedesign
Don’t let a small flaw deter you from using an i Don’t let a small flaw deter you from using an item! Sometimes it just needs a simple refresh and it looks brand new again! 
We find solutions and makes things work around here, especially when it’s free! 
#wallart #homedecor #easyfix #walldecor #interiordesign #framedart #livingroomdesign #diy
Load More...
  • DIY Projects
  • Furniture
  • Interior Design
  • Blog
  • About
  • Contact
  • DIY Projects
  • Furniture
  • Interior Design
  • Blog
  • About
  • Contact

Painting by the Penny

Refinished Furniture, DIY, & Interior Design

DIY Projects · January 16, 2022

5 Thrifted Lamp Makeover Ideas

Who doesn’t love a great lamp to help style their home? There are so many options online but there’s a slight problem. The price! Some of these lamps cost hundreds of dollars! Luckily there’s a solution. Did you know you can purchase an inexpensive lamp and give it a makeover? Lamps are one of my Top 10 Thrift Store Home Decor Finds for this exact reason! I put together 5 different lamp makeover ideas for you to try. The transformations are like night and day.

Entry tables with framed art and several lamps that were given a makeover on it

I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission on. Thank you!

Before working on the lamps, I made sure they all worked correctly by adding a light bulb and plugging them in. I cleaned them well then used painters tape and taped the sockets and areas I did not want sprayed or painted. For the cords, I taped around the initial part and then tied an elastic around the rest and put it in a ziplock bag.

Back of lamps lined up with cords on back taped and rolled and tied with elastic
Small lamp on table with socket and bottom taped with blue tape

Lamp makeover idea #1: Faux marble

In 5 Tips For Remodeling A kitchen On A Budget I chat about DIY faux marble for your kitchen countertops. Well, why not try it on lamps too! This little two dollar lamp was the perfect one to try it on.

Small lamp with off white ceramic middle and top and bottom gold sitting on table

I used Rust-Oleum paint and primer in a gloss finish as my base. When spray painting any item I usually go by the directions stated in the can, however I allow more time for my finish to dry then stated. The environment you are in can really make a difference in how successful you’ll be when spraying. Be aware that if you are spraying in humid environment or really cold temps this may affect the dry time. For this reason, even if I know the temperature is just right, I add at least an additional thirty minutes to my dry time.

Small lamp with blue tape around socket and bottom sitting next to white can of spray paint

Once the spray paint was dried it was time to create the marble look.

How to create the faux marble look

I used white paint and dark gray paint (I had some left over Sherwin Williams colors Pure White and Peppercorn). I used small brushes and natural sponges that I purchased at Michaels.

Small white and gold lamp with two plastic bowls in front. Now bowl filled with white paint and the other with gray paint. Small sponge and brush next to bowls

Starting with the dark gray paint, I added a small amount to the corner of the natural sponge to create my lines. I then went over it (while the paint was still wet) with a small brush and a tiny bit of white paint and dabbed it on to soften the lines. With a smaller brush and dark gray paint, I then painted small lines along the previous painted areas I had created and dry brushed over it to soften that too. Check out the video below.

It doesn’t have to be prefect and it can be random lines. It helps to pull up an image of a marble lamp while you’re painting as a guide.

Small white and gold lamp with gray lines painted on white part of lamp

I later made more defined lines using the dark gray paint and branched off of some and soften those lines too. If you find that you made a mistake you can just wipe it off using a Clorox wipe before the paint completely dries.

Small white and gold lamp with gray lines painted on white part and small brush painting dark gray lines

Once it was completely finished, I sprayed the gold to freshen it up using Rust-Oleum Metallic. I would have sprayed the gold first then painted, but the plan was to do Rub N Buff instead of spraying. Unfortunately, the finish with the Rub N’ Buff turned out too dull next to the white gloss paint.

Small lamp with blue tape around socket of lamp and middle sitting next to can of spray paint

I sealed the entire finish using Minwax Polycrylic in clear gloss.

Small lamp with gold top and bottom and white ceramic middle painted with gray lines for marble look sitting next to can of spray polycrylic

This little lamp will look great on a small desk, placed on top of books, or on a shelf. It may be small but it packs a lot of glam ☺️.

End of entry table with small white and gold lamp on top of book and small plant sitting next to it. Framed art leaning against wall behind plant

#2 Stone-Textured Spray Paint

Ok so this lamp makeover idea has easily become my favorite! I snagged this cute little lamp for $5 at the thrift store and sprayed it with Krylon Stone Fine Texture in the color Pebble.

Small ceramic lamp with two small handles and blue pineapple painting in the middle

I rubbed the lamp using a steel wool to remove some of the gloss finish. It was my first time using this spray and man am I impressed! The texture on this lamp is incredible and it went on so nicely!

Small ceramic lamp with two small handles and blue pineapple in the middle sitting next to can of spray paint

This was after just one coat. It smells pretty strong so be sure to spray in a well ventilated room and wear a mask. When spraying, you have to spray from a further distance to avoid drips. It says it dries within 15 minutes but I waited almost an hour in between coats ( I occupied myself with the other lamps while this one dried).

Small ceramic lamp with two small handles wet with beige spray sitting next to spray paint can

Here it is after three coats! It turned out absolutely perfect!

Small beige lamp with two small handles sitting next to can of spray paint

I highly recommend this spray paint. It was so easy to do and it looks incredible! Just remember to follow the directions closely, be aware of your environment conditions when spraying, and allow for ample dry time.

Small beige lamp with two small handles on top of two books with clear vase and greenery to the left of it. Framed artwork leaning against wall behind lamp and books

#3 Chalk Paint

Using chalk paint is great and easy option for a lamp makeover. The consistency is thicker making it easier to layer on and create different textures.

Using Rust-oleum paint in primer in flat black I sprayed the lamp before painting.

Small ceramic lamp with floral painting in the middle sitting next to can of black spray paint
Small lamp with blue tape around socket sitting next to small jar of off white paint

I used Home Decor Chalk Paint in the color Sheepskin and using a small paint brush painted 3/4 of the way up the lamp.

Small lamp painted black on top and white on bottom sitting next to jar of white paint and bowl of gray paint. Sponge and small paint brush next to bowl

With some leftover chalk paint I already had, I used a natural sponge (you can also use a brush) to add my second color. This time to the top portion of the lamp.

Small lamp painted gray on top black in the middle and white on bottom sitting next to small jar of white paint

I applied most of the top color using the sponge and stopped right before I got to the white paint. Once the white paint was dried, I went back with the same sponge and lightly dabbed on the rest of the paint. As I got into the white paint I applied less paint.

Small lamp with gray top and white bottom

I sprayed all of the lamps, except for the marble and concrete with Minwax Polycryclic in satin finish.

Spray can of polycrylic in between two small painted lamps

This cute little lamp reminds me of something you see at Target.

End of entry table with small lamp on top of two books, clear vase with greenery to the left of it and framed artwork leaning against wall behind lamp

#4 Concrete

This was my first time working with concrete. I purchased DAP Ready Mix Concrete Patch and love how it’s already mixed and ready to use.

Two large lamps with small container of concrete in between lamps

All you have to do is stir the concrete patch well before applying. I used a steel wool and went over the lamp to remove some of the gloss finish.

Large lamp next to small container of concrete. Putty knife,steel wool and wooden paint stirrer laying next to lamp

Using a putty knife, I applied the concrete all around the lamp.

Large lamp with putty knife filled with concrete against lamp

This 32 ounce concrete patch was enough for one coat on these two large lamps. It’s pretty messy so be sure to protect your surface and wear gloves when applying.

Two large lamps covered in concrete with small opened container of concrete in between lamps. Putty knife with concrete on it and wet napkin next to container

It took a few hours to completely dry. When the concrete was still a little soft I made indents to create a design using my fingers. I waited a little too long and some areas had already harden but next time I do this, I’m going to smooth the concrete out more. It could have also used another thin coat of concrete in order to achieve a better design but I ran out and did not want to go out and purchase more. I like how old and worn it looks though. I left it to dry overnight before sanding and painting.

Two large lamps covered in concrete on top of table

Once the concrete was completely dried, I used a 120 grit sanding block and sanded the sharp edges to smooth.

Large lamp covered in concrete with hand and sanding sponge against lamp

I used the Home Chalk paint in the color Sandstorm and lightly dry brushed it on, going in the same direction as I did to apply the concrete.

Large lamp covered in concrete with small container of white paint next to it
Large lamp with concrete on it and paint brush against it

With the same brush, I wet it a little and dabbed the brush onto a paper towel and dry brushed using circular motions.

Concrete lamp with can of spray paint next to it

After painting, I taped off the concrete and sprayed the top and bottom of the lamp using Rust-Oleum in the color oil rubbed bronze.

I love how this lamp looks super rustic and worn. The perfectionist in me wishes it was nice and smooth but the imperfections gives it so much character.

End of entry table with large lamp on top two books next to it with small plant on top. Framed art against wall

Concrete look #2

For the second concrete lamp, once it was dried I added a little spackling on some of the cracks. I might have added too much of a heavy coat of concrete and gravity pulled small areas down. Nonetheless this isn’t something that can’t be fixed. Another coat would have worked well but the spackling did the trick. The spackle goes on pink and turns white when dry.

I sanded it this time using my Surfprep Sander and slowing the speed down worked really well.

I used Dixie Bell Chalk Mineral Paint in the color Terracotta and mixed it with the Home Decor Chalk paint (the same paint I used on the chalk painted lamp) to lighten it up. This was my base color.

I then painted the lamp using Sherwin Williams in the color Khaki Shade.

Using some left over paint from the faux marble lamp, I dried brushed some areas with the gray and white paint.

#5 Spackling

The last lamp makeover idea you can try is spackling. When I first did it it didn’t go as well. I created these random lines around the lamp while the spackle was drying but I did not like that the lines weren’t uniform.

So back to the drawing board I went. I scraped off the spackling and cleaned and sprayed the lamp with Rust-Oleum flat black paint and primer.

Using a putty knife, I applied the spackling to the lamp and left the top portion as is.

I then sanded it using my Surfprep sander. The spackling was very easy to sand. Once that was all set, I painted the lamp black and used painters tape to create a dip look.

The bottom was painted Sherwin Williams Khaki Shade (same color I used on the concrete lamp)

The lamp could have easily been left black after spraying but I wanted to give the spackling a try. The spackling adds nice texture and I love how rustic and distressed it looks.

Where to find shades for your lamp makeover

If you read my blog post on thrift shop items for home decor and what I stay away then you know I’m leaving the used lamp shade behind. I like to purchase new shades for my lamps. One of the best places for lamp shades is At Home Decor Store. They have the best prices and tons of options. They also have harp holders and other accessories for your lamp.

Another great place for lamp shades is Lowe’s. They have a variety of options and accessories but for a slightly higher price then At Home Decor Store.

For online shopping, Amazon has lots of options and sets of 2 shades for really great prices.

Now go and save yourself a few hundred bucks by getting a thrifted lamp, painting supplies, and get to work with this great DIY!

Related

In: DIY Projects

You’ll Also Love

Top 10 Thrift Store Home Decor Finds
How to Paint a Radiator: A DIY(ish) Approach
Ikea Alex Drawer Hack

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Next Post >

Top 10 Thrift Store Home Decor Finds

About me

Hi! I’m Joanna, a Latina who is passionate about making homes beautiful through furniture, design and DIY! Follow along as I share all my tips and tricks and the behind the scenes. I hope to inspire you as much as you all inspire me!

Instagram

Follow @Paintingbythepenny

I’m still swooning over this bathroom 😍. Espe I’m still swooning over this bathroom 😍. Especially the floors! 
Head over to Paintingbythepenny.com for a step by step guide on how to paint a harlequin floor pattern, the products we used, how to achieve a crisp paint line, and the mistake I made during the process 🫠. 
#paintedfloors #harlequinfloors #floorpaint #newblogpost #bathroomdesign #bathroomremodel #vintagebathroom
Budget Friendly Bathroom Makeover ✨ •Painted t Budget Friendly Bathroom Makeover ✨
•Painted the walls using left over paint (Color Sherwin Williams Greek Villa) 
•Painted the floors using Rust-oleum Home Floor Coating 
•Upgraded curtain rod, towel bar and toilet paper holder 
•Replaced vanity knob & pull
•Sanded & installed shelves higher 
•Purchased and thrifted items on shelves 
•Purchased accent table & cut it to size 
•Purchased new rug and shower curtain 
•Hung a new plant baby to bring it all together 🪴
Sometimes all you need is to upgrade some of the small items, paint and thrift some decorative pieces and you have yourself a brand new bathroom! 
#bathroommakeover #budgetfriendlymakeover #bathroomdesign #bathroomdecor #paintedfloors #bathroomideas #bathroominspiration
This bathroom has been through a couple different This bathroom has been through a couple different changes. Mainly wall colors and if I knew how good the floors would have looked painted too, I would have done it a long time ago! 
I painted the floors using Rust-oleum Home Floor Coating and it has completely transformed the look of this bathroom! 
#bathroomdesign #bathroomupgrade #vintagebathroom #paintedfloors #harlequinfloors #bathroom 
#bathroomremodel
Which room is your favorite? I really can’t deci Which room is your favorite? I really can’t decide between bedroom 2, the Kitchen, breakfast nook or Living room. 
Each room means something special. One I was able to put together mainly using FB marketplace items, the other had the biggest transformation in terms of look, and others just came together so nicely that it’s hard to pick a favorite! 
#apartmenttransformation #bedroomdesign #kitchendesign #breakfastnook #livingroomdesign #apartmentdecor #apartmenttherapy
After sharing that we purchased a Murphy bed kit, After sharing that we purchased a Murphy bed kit, I received lots of questions about the desks we built on the sides. 
I gathered some measurements and did some research on standard desks sizes. Took into consideration the IKEA Alex drawer we purchased to fit underneath and then grabbed our tools and some plywood! 
We’ve never built desks before and I’d say it turned out pretty good for our first time! 
#diyproject #builtindesk #desk #officedesk #officedesign #deskbuild #diywoodproject
Over the Summer we refinished our radiators and th Over the Summer we refinished our radiators and there were some mixed reviews on how we did it 😅 
So how are the radiators holding up now that they’re being used? Well so far so good! They look great and work just fine, no chemical smells, or peeling! 
I love how they look in our home! For details on how to refinish steam radiators visit Paintingbythepenny.com
Even if you purchase furniture online, you can mak Even if you purchase furniture online, you can make it unique to you! 
We purchased this Murphy bed online at Bredabeds.com and added trim, painted it, and changed the hardware. 
Now it looks like something we built! 🪚💪🏼
#murphybed #guestroom #woodtrim #sherwinwilliamsriverway #builtins #officedesign #guestroomdesign #diy #diyprojects #bedroomtransformation #bedroommakeover
This transformation still blows my mind! 🤯 I ca This transformation still blows my mind! 🤯 I can’t believe we were able to install cabinets and build shelves and desks around a Murphy bed. 
Makes me wonder what else we can do! 
Took us many months to complete but we did it! Now I’m looking around the house like what else can we build 🤔😅 
#beforeandafter #guestroom #office #guestroomdesign #transformation #murphybed #officedesign
Don’t let a small flaw deter you from using an i Don’t let a small flaw deter you from using an item! Sometimes it just needs a simple refresh and it looks brand new again! 
We find solutions and makes things work around here, especially when it’s free! 
#wallart #homedecor #easyfix #walldecor #interiordesign #framedart #livingroomdesign #diy
Can you cut bamboo shades? Yes, yes you can! Thi Can you cut bamboo shades? 
Yes, yes you can!  This is a quick and simple solution for those odd sized windows. 
Some of the windows at the Airbnb were a little tricky because the width was in between sizes so when ordering the bamboo shades, I went up a size and then we cut it using a miter saw. 
Now it’s a perfect fit 🙌🏽
#windowtreatments #bambooshades #tipsandtricks #diy #homedecor #windowshades #mitersaw #bambooblinds #diysolutions #windowdesign
Load More...

  • Disclaimer
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 Painting by the Penny · Theme by 17th Avenue