• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Decorate
  • Home Tour
    • Our Current Home
    • Our First House
    • Room Reveals
  • Shop
    • Shop The House
    • Amazon Store
    • Shop My Instagram
  • Printables
  • Subscribe
  • About

The Home I Create logo

<?php wp_title(''); ?>
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Start Here
  • Printables
  • Shop
  • About
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Start Here
    • Printables
    • Shop
    • About
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Thrifting/Craigslist

    Budget Decor, DIY & Crafts, Thrifting/Craigslist

    How to update thrifted lamps in 3 easy steps!

    Hey friends! So if you've ever been to a thrift store you know that old and dated {ugly} lamps are plentiful. 

    They are also a staple at garage sales.

    Most people will pass them by because of their dated exterior. But me? Well, I sorta have a thing for lamps {it's an addiction y'all ?.

    So I always keep an eye out for what could be a diamond in the rough like the pair of lamps I'm talking about today!

    *This post contains affiliate links. Please read my full disclosure policy here*

    For me, the trick to getting past the dated colors and styles is to look at the size, shape, and condition of the lamp.

    If I can check all those boxes it's usually worth considering because outdated colors and finishes can easily be updated with a little paint!

    When I found this pair at a garage sale for $5 each back in the fall. I could see the potential!

    They had a great shape, they were in good condition, and they were a substantial size {no puny lamps for this girl ?}!

    Thrift store Lamp Makeover151017

    How to update thrifted lamps in 3 easy steps!

    Now this project is truly as easy as 1, 2, 3!

    Step 1- Clean your lamp{s}: I wiped down the lamps with a clean damp cloth and let them dry. Once dry, I wiped them down again with a tack cloth to get rid of any lingering dust.

    Step 2 - Tape and protect: Using painter's tape, I covered the parts I wanted to stay gold. I also taped off the cord where it comes out of the lamp and put the rest in a plastic bag to keep it free of paint. Wrapping foil paper around the socket is an easy way to keep it paint-free also.

    Step 3- Paint: Following the instructions on the can, I sprayed the lamps with one coat of Rustoleum primer and two *thin coats of Rustoleum spray paint in flat white {both I already had on hand}. Make sure to let each coat dry before moving on to the next.

    *Remember when using spray paint, you will always get better results doing several thin coats, rather than one thick coat! 

    Thrift store Lamp Makeover151018

    That's it! Talk about easy, right?!

    Once the lamps dried, I added white lampshades that I purchased from Ross for $10 each.

    I can hardly believe the results myself, it's exactly the look I was after!

    You would never guess these lamps were pink outdated $10 garage sale finds {well at least I wouldn't be able to LOL!}.

    Thrift store Lamp Makeover160308-2
    Thrift store Lamp Makeover160308-11

    Looking to buy new lamps? Try your nearest thrift store first!

    Remember if the shape, size, and general condition of the lamp is satisfactory to you, consider giving it a new lease on life.

    Dated colors and finishes can be easily updated with a little paint, just like my garage sale lamps!

    You can then admire your handy work, while you pat yourself on the back for all the money you saved {have you seen what some lamps are going for lately?!}!

    So what do you think?  Have you ever spray painted any lamps? Let me know below in the comments!

    Thanks for stopping by friends, see you next time!

     

    More Thrifting/Craigslist

    • How To Clean Le Creuset Enameled Dutch Oven: Stained Or Burnt
    • 7 Best Diy Thrift Store Home Decor Makeovers You'll Want To Try
    • The Easy Way To Make A DIY Rustic Vase With Paint
    • DIY Thrifted Lamp Makeover

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Emma Baldwin-864-275-7622-pin-046529 says

      July 28, 2020 at 2:27 pm

      Now primer and paint together in Rust-O-leum😍

      Reply
    2. Michelle says

      May 20, 2020 at 2:30 am

      Oh, you're good.

      Reply
    3. Taalibah says

      May 05, 2020 at 8:48 pm

      Thank you so much for sharing such an inspiring idea. You have a real talent and insight. We all appreciate your sharing.

      Reply
    4. Sarah says

      August 29, 2019 at 9:16 pm

      This makes me think I can bring to life a small brass desk lamp with a few coats! And maybe a new lamp shade (the current one is glass with pink flowers and brass...oh, late 80s and early 90s, how very BRASS and FLOWERY you were! 🥴).

      It also has me thinking that a hand-carved wooden desk lamp (made by my grandfather, so it WILL be remaining in the family and not painted) could obtain a face lift just by swapping out the shade! Thanks for this little inspiration!!

      Reply
    5. Hannah says

      June 26, 2019 at 3:06 am

      I love these. I purchased two lamps today simply because I liked the height and style, and the vintage condition was good. I knew I'd re-spray and replace shades, so was googling for inspiration when I found your post! Thanks for the tips - I can't wait to get started!

      Reply
    6. Val says

      June 16, 2019 at 4:45 pm

      I painted a lamp with rust oleum.. indoor outdoor.. My lamps have been outside and now the paint is coming off...Should have I used a primer first? If so what kind?

      Reply
    7. Susan Nichols says

      February 19, 2019 at 10:34 am

      I just found your article and want to confirm the type of spray paint used—is it specific to ceramic? Thanks

      Reply
      • Linda P. says

        February 25, 2019 at 11:52 am

        Hi Susan, no I just used a regular flat white paint {the one I liked to in the post}. Hope that helps.

        Reply
    8. Gwen says

      August 23, 2018 at 10:31 am

      A Total update on the cheap! Fabulous, thanks for the inspiration!

      Reply
      • Linda P. says

        August 24, 2018 at 9:46 am

        So glad you like them Gwen! On the cheap is my favorite way to get anything 🙂

        Reply
    9. Linda P. says

      January 07, 2018 at 12:42 pm

      Hi Deidre, the table is my all time favorite from World Market here is a direct link http://bit.ly/2duGTdh {affiliate} the mirrors are fom At Home {old}. Hope that helps.

      Reply
    10. Deidre says

      January 05, 2018 at 10:52 pm

      Where did the table and the circle mirrors come From?

      Reply
    11. C Hoff says

      June 22, 2017 at 11:10 pm

      Would love to know what color paint is on the wall behind the lamps?

      Reply
      • Linda P. says

        June 25, 2017 at 10:26 am

        It's Repose gray by Sherwin Williams.

        Reply
    12. Michelle says

      January 07, 2017 at 4:10 pm

      Doesn't the paint scratch off?

      Reply
      • Linda P. says

        January 12, 2017 at 3:03 pm

        So far not one scratch 🙂

        Reply
    13. Maxine says

      May 27, 2016 at 3:06 pm

      Linda .... these lamps are stunning!! And soooo easy!!!

      Maxine from StudioPaintDesign

      Reply
      • Linda P. says

        May 27, 2016 at 4:48 pm

        Thank you Maxine for visiting and taking the time to comment!

        Reply
    14. Sheila says

      May 12, 2016 at 3:40 pm

      I have a lamp obsession too! I've even made a few from fround parts.The problem is that so many of mine are still naked because I can never find a shade that looks good. Any tips on where/how to buy and size shades? Ross is hit and miss here. Most of the time a shade is more than the lamp.

      Reply
    15. Vin says

      March 16, 2016 at 4:17 am

      Lovely update Linda!
      You always score awesome thrift finds! I think I have to move 🙂

      Reply
      • Linda P. says

        March 16, 2016 at 6:15 pm

        Thank you Vin! Haha you have some lovely pieces yourself! Thanks for stopping by!

        Reply
    16. JoAZ says

      March 12, 2016 at 11:30 pm

      The lamps look very expensive and beautiful. They're perfect on your table. Thanks for the detailed instruction I'm saving this post. Have a wonderful weekend.

      Reply
      • Linda P. says

        March 15, 2016 at 5:16 pm

        Thank you so much! Glad you stopped by today!

        Reply
    17. Alaya says

      March 12, 2016 at 10:10 pm

      Great Job Linda! and what great finds... I'm jealous! I love your steps and will def keep them in mind while I hunt for some lamps.

      Reply
      • Linda P. says

        March 15, 2016 at 4:19 pm

        Thanks Alaya! I'm the one that's jealous of your gorgeous tripod lamp you thrifted! Thanks for stoping by!

        Reply
    18. Erin Marshall says

      March 10, 2016 at 8:33 pm

      You have inspired me! I have some lamps I bought but can't decide where I want to use them. I love your makeover. Its gorgeous!

      Reply
      • Linda P. says

        March 11, 2016 at 2:41 pm

        Hey Erin, thank you so much! I'm glad you were inspired! Can you use your lamps in your office makeover? Either way I'm excited to see what you do with them!

        Reply
    19. Deborah says

      March 10, 2016 at 3:08 pm

      Fabulous transformation! Love the white and gold; looks so fresh!

      Reply
      • Linda P. says

        March 11, 2016 at 2:21 pm

        Thank you Deborah! It's amazing what a little bit of paint can do! Thank you for stopping by! ?

        Reply
    20. Carli says

      March 09, 2016 at 6:21 pm

      Oh my goodness, I love how these came out!!!! I have a similar lamp that I definitely need to do this to! I love how you kept just some of the gold! Perfection!

      Reply
      • Linda P. says

        March 10, 2016 at 12:51 am

        Thank you so much Carli! I saw a white and gold lamp on Pinterest and inspiration struck! I can't wait to see what you do with yours! Thanks for stopping by sweetie!

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

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

    Primary Sidebar

    I'm Linda and welcome to THIC. I'm a home decor {& coffee} enthusiast who believes with a little thriftiness you can create a beautiful home you love, even on a small budget. Stay awhile, and let's be friends!

    ♥ Read more here →

    Popular Posts

    • IKEA Ektorp Sofa and Slipcovers An Honest 7 Year Review
    • Jute Rug Guide + Living Room Update
    • 5 Easy ways to upgrade your rental bathroom
    • Create Affordable Wall Art Using Books!

    Latest Posts

    • Fall Living Room Decor Ideas: 10 Tips For Tasteful Fall Decorating
    • 10 Beautiful Free Vintage Landscape Art Printables
    • How To Choose The Right Size Rug: A Living Room Rug Guide
    • 60 Stylish Swivel Chairs For The Living Room In 2022

    Seasonal Inspiration

    • 6 Natural Elements To Use For Cheap Fall Decor
    • DIY Coffee Bar Updated For Fall {video}
    • How To Decorate With Pumpkins For Fall
    • 7 Free Fall Watercolor Printables

    Popular Categories

    THRIFTING IDEAS

    ROOMS MAKEOVERS

    SEASONAL PROJECTS

    DIY & CRAFTS

     

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Meet Linda
    • Policies & Disclosure

    Newsletter

    For emails and updates

    Sign Up!

    Contact

    • Contact

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2022 The Home I Create