Take one old lamp {before & after}
Thursday, August 19, 2010 at 03:17PM Oh my, what wonders a can of white spray paint can do. Not rocket science I know, but I spotted this shiny brass lamp at Goodwill for $10 and saw its potential. The shade was completely un-salvagable (buckled and oddy stained) so that was tossed. I taped up and bagged the cord as well as the socket, and screwed the little loop finial into a spare piece of cardboard, then set up an impromptu spray booth in the back yard (a cardboard box, actually). A few careful coats of matte white spray paint later and the lamp and finial were looking fantastic. The final touch was a chocolate brown silk lampshade that I've had sitting around for ages from Restoration Hardware (tho' you can find great ready-to-go shades at both HomeSense and Pottery Barn too). Oh, and if these pics look a little familiar, that's because this project showed up in Canadian Family! [Image 2: Colleen Nicholson]
Reader Comments (12)
I never could have seen past the ugly brass...but I will now!
Well, that certainly did turn out well! Considering these types of lamps are in abundance at the thrift stores, it's good to see them being refashioned for actual use!
Great transformation and love the shade.
And shortly after the story ran in Canadian Family, I carted the lamp home with me. It resides happily in my livingroom now. Love it. Thanks Arren!
You can't beat a good can of spray paint and the wonders it can do with other people's "junk"!! Absolutely love the after pic...it's looks fabulous!!!
I gotta try this!!
Any prep work on the lamp (priming)?
It is amazing how a mundane item can become more interesting and attractive. I have been involved in doing just that myself, for many years. My shop is a treasure-trove of antique textiles, old footstools, and old needlework that I use to "upcycle" into collage pillows, table runners, chair seats, table covers, and window treatments. It gives me much satisfaction to know that many things that might otherwise be garbage can now have another life. It is a credit to the creativity of designers to be able to see beyond the obvious.
www.charlottecrystalinteriordesign.com
FANTASTIC as always Arren. You are a spray paint king.
Wow. I had no idea that lamp that I'd seen in your old living room came from such humble beginnings--I should have known!
Hey Vince, Nope, no priming, since it won't be bashed around that much (other than an occasional light dusting). I gave it a good clean, and then used a Rust-Oleum spray paint!
love the shape of the lamp! now that it is white, you can really see it! btw, i put up my manderley wallpaper in my entryway this weekend! can't wait to show pics. your space really is influencing my own (trying not to be a copycat, but hey, you have great taste)!