Quick DIY Thrift Store Lamp Makeover Ideas
Turn thrift store lamps into gorgeous and functional home decor!
Ingredients
- TSP Alternative Cleaner
- Earth Brite Polish or other metal polish
- chalk paint in desired colors
- synthetic paint brush
- gold gilding wax
Instructions
- Clean the base of the lamp with a TSP alternative cleaner or another degreasing cleaner using a damp microfiber cloth. Clean the cord by holding it between your finger and thumb, running the cord through the microfiber cloth until clean. Wipe all the surfaces with a rinsed and clean microfiber cloth to remove any residue.
- Refinish the brass using Earth Brite or another metal polishing cleaner of your choice. Use gold gilding wax for a soft metallic glow afterward, if desired.
- For resin or ceramic lamp bases: tape off the cord close to the base. Apply 1-2 coats of chalk paint in the color of your choice. Once dry, lighlty brush gilding wax over raised details and hardware to highlight textures.
- Update the shade in several ways: 1. Apply decoupage paper using Mod Podge. Cut small slits in the paper to guide it around the circular lampshade. 2. Paint a fabric shade in a light color with chalk paint directly on the fabric, allowing it to dry between coats. 3. Use scrap fabric to create a new shade directly over the old one using hot glue, and trim the edges.
Notes
Instead of decoupage paper, use vintage book pages or sheet music for a whimsical lampshade! Add dangling trim to the bottom edge of the shade for additional detail. Get creative and have fun!