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 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 If I can check all those boxes it’s usually worth considering because outdated colors and finishes can easily be updated with a little paint!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You would never guess these lamps were pink outdated $10 garage sale finds {well at least I wouldn’t be able to LOL!}.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

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