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 times 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!
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 If I can check all those boxes it’s usually worth considering because outdated colors and finishes can easily be updated with a little paint!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 ?}!
How to update thrifted lamps in 3 easy steps!
Now this project is truly as easy as 1, 2, 3!
Step 1- Clean you lamp{s}: I wiped down the lamps with a clean damp cloth and let it dry. Once dry, I wiped them down again with a tack cloth to get rid off any lingering dust.
Step 2 – Tape and protect: Using painters tape, I covered the parts I wanted to stay gold. I also taped off the cord where it comes out 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 Rustoleam primer and two *thin coats of Rustoleam spray paint in flat white {both I already had on hand}. Making 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!
That’s it! Talk about easy, right?!
Once the lamps dried, I added white lamp shades 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You would never guess these lamps were pink outdated $10 garage sale finds {well at least I wouldn’t be able to LOL!}.
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?!}!
Don’t forget to pin it for later friends!
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!
Linking up with: Homestories A to Z || My Girlish Whims || From Gardners 2 Bergers | The Cottage Market | Friday’s Furniture Fix
*This post contains affiliate links. Please read my full disclosure policy here*
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!
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!
Fabulous transformation! Love the white and gold; looks so fresh!
Thank you Deborah! It’s amazing what a little bit of paint can do! Thank you for stopping by! ?
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!
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!
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.
Thanks Alaya! I’m the one that’s jealous of your gorgeous tripod lamp you thrifted! Thanks for stoping by!
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.
Thank you so much! Glad you stopped by today!
Lovely update Linda!
You always score awesome thrift finds! I think I have to move 🙂
Thank you Vin! Haha you have some lovely pieces yourself! Thanks for stopping by!
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.
Linda …. these lamps are stunning!! And soooo easy!!!
Maxine from StudioPaintDesign
Thank you Maxine for visiting and taking the time to comment!
Doesn’t the paint scratch off?
So far not one scratch 🙂
Would love to know what color paint is on the wall behind the lamps?
It’s Repose gray by Sherwin Williams.
Where did the table and the circle mirrors come From?
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.
A Total update on the cheap! Fabulous, thanks for the inspiration!
So glad you like them Gwen! On the cheap is my favorite way to get anything 🙂
I just found your article and want to confirm the type of spray paint used—is it specific to ceramic? Thanks
Hi Susan, no I just used a regular flat white paint {the one I liked to in the post}. Hope that helps.
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?
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!
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!!