Upcycled Lamp

by Chaotically Creative Co.

Can you tell what we used to totally change the look of this 1990's lamp? We pulled it out from the yard sale pile and totally transformed it using an item from the recycling and a thrift store find.

shabby chic lamp makeover upcycle, home decor, lighting, repurposing upcycling, shabby chic

This pair of old 1990’s lamps was in the yard sale pile. As it turns out, I needed some small but tall lamps for the foyer and I began wondering if these had potential. I had a couple of ideas, but wasn't sure they would work out. Right around that time, the local newspaper called and wanted to write an article about Lesley and I. They wanted to see us in action and so we chose the upcycled lamp using a can project.

The plan was to create height with varying patterns and texture using the can and the glass bowl. The large can was once the home of green beans purchased at Wal-Mart. Yes, I went searching for the “correct” size of can and yes we ate the green beans. The bowl was a Thrift Store find. The first step is to glue the can lid back on the can. The lamp base sits on top of the can and the can sits on the upside down bowl. (The need for the can lid to be glued back on came after much trial and error and globby mess). Before the lamp was glued onto the can, it was given a couple coats of white oil based enamel.

After the lamp was glued to the can base there was a little gap which was filled with the original adhesive. Caulk would work as well. After that dried, the base of the lamp was given several coats of white paint to give the impression it was one continual piece.

We use a base coat of white, then a coat of brown followed by a coat of metallic gold to create our finish. Paint white and allow to completely dry and cure. Add coat of brown and wipe some off before dry. Do the same with the metallic gold.

Once I was satisfied with the finish, the glass bowl was added to the bottom of the can. This need to sit on something that is level so that the bowl doesn't slide around. I also used some packing tape to adhere it while it dried.