Thrifted Lamp Before and After

Have you read my post on how to update thrifted lamps in 3 easy steps? If so, then you already know I have a slight hoarding problem when it comes to lamps!

However, buying lamps at retail price is not something I can afford to do regularly {or even semi-regularly}. Therefore, I’m always keeping an eye out for lamps I can easily makeover when thrifting.

This lamp started out as one of those thrifted purchases.

The scene when I came across this lamp was so funny. I had Jaden and Kayla with me and they where just besides themselves that I actually plan to buy this lamp. They were all like, “Mom, no! Come on! This thing’s gross! What are you going to do with that? Even the cashier gave me the side eye ?.

Despite all that, I bought it anyway. I could see it had potential with its blue tint {that I could faintly make out beneath the grimy surface}, substantial size {remember no puny lamps for this girl LOL}  and of course its great shape. Plus it had no cracks and it’s fully functional.

This is what it looked like when I bought it.

 

This is a good example of what I said in my other thrift store lamp makeover post. You have to sometime look past dated exteriors {or in this case interior} if the piece has good bones {size, shape, and general condition} like this lamp did.

Now having said all that, there is definitely an ick factor you have to get pass sometimes with thrifted items, and this lamp had plenty of that. The idea of sticking my hand inside this lamp to get everything out gave me the willies {as my kids would say}. 

As a result it sat in my garage for the last six months collecting dust.

 

When I started doing my little summer refresh in the living room. I couldn’t deny this lamp would fit right in with the blue tinted demijohn style bottles I have scattered around the house for summer.

 

So with the kids cheering me on {while somehow simultaneously looking skeptical}, I finally tackled this $8 thrifted lamp.

 

If I’m being honest cleaning it out was just as gross as I thought it would be.

 

Once I got all the icky stuff out however, I could clearly see the potential. I was happy I did not pass this one up.

 

After I peeled back the felt pad that was underneath the lamp, I found it had some writing on the bottom. After doing a little bit of online research, I found out it’s vintage from the 70’s.

 

I can’t really get a handle on how much it’s “worth” but they were selling a pair on 1stdibs. Given their prices, I think we can safely assume it cost more than the $8 I paid for it.

 

This thrifted lamp was certainly a diamond in the rough. The cleaning wasn’t fun, but the outcome made it well worth the effort!

For a total cost of $18 {including the lamp shade} I have a gorgeous and unique lamp.

 

It works perfectly in my living room and definitely says summer with its blue tint and the addition of a jute rope detailed lamp shade {a $10 find at Ross Dress For Less}.

summer home tour

 

I understand this specific lamp isn’t necessarily one you will just go into your local thrift store and find. However, the lesson that’s reinforced for me {and hopefully for you too!} can be applied to any thrifted/secondhand item.

Sometimes you have look pass the current state or even your own slight discomfort {I had to really work up the nerve to stick my hand in this lamp} to uncover the potential beauty in a piece that has good bones.

I hope you enjoyed this thrifted lamp makeover story and found some inspiration to go out there and uncover your own diamond in the rough!

 

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