Easy Lamp Makeover

7 Materials
$20
2 Days
Medium

Y’all I’ve been obsessing over these earthenware lamps I’ve been seeing at Pottery Barn and Anthropologie. I shared some of them with you earlier this week on 17 Farmhouse Decor Trends. So do you know what I did? I searched for a similar shaped lamp while thrifting and here’s what happened. Here is an Easy Lamp Makeover using a Goodwill $7.00 lamp to create a knock off earthenware look. This update was achieved for a fraction of the cost of a new lamp.

I was thrilled with the size and shape of this $7.00 lamp

First, the lamp

You need to have an idea of what you want before going thrifting. So I studied and make screen shots of the lamps I liked.

Some times, I think “this was meant to be”! I walked right into my local Goodwill and immediately spotted this lamp.

Thrifted Lamp Makeover

The first step, is to add some texture. One of the easiest ways to do this is to use Rust-oleum Textured Spray Paint to cover the entire surface.

See Full Supply list here.

Using a chip brush add a thin layer of Plaster of Paris over the entire surface and let dry.

Then, once the plaster is set, you can use a light grit sand paper to smooth any rough edges. See some tips and tricks to make this easier here.



The next step will depend on what exact finish you like.

I painted the base with Graphite Chalk Paint. From there up to just over 1/2 way, I used a gray ( French Linen) Chalk Paint.

Finally, you will want to seal the surface of your lamp. See details here.


Thrifted Lamp Makeover Final Reveal

How do you like it? I love the texture and the colors. Still not sure about the lampshade but I have my receipt. LOL



Resources for this project:
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Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
3 of 4 questions
  • Bee Bee on Feb 20, 2021

    Is there A reason for using the Rust-Oleum on it before you put the plaster of Paris on? The plaster of Paris is very textured and it completely covers up the Rust-Oleum, so just wondered if you have to do that step before you do the plaster of Paris?

  • Steff Blue Eyes Steff Blue Eyes on Feb 25, 2021

    Not a question, just a compliment, you are amazing. Well yes, also a question: How did you know to use all those products to achieve the look you wanted? You have so much patience. Thanks for the inspiration.

    Stephanie

  • Sandra Sandra on Oct 07, 2022

    Did you keep the shade. For the lamp, I liked the look of that shade. You did a great job.

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  • 17335038 17335038 on Jul 26, 2022

    Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

  • Mit71833653 Mit71833653 on Oct 29, 2022

    I love the look but my plaster of paris is wanting to peel away from my lamp. I started with painting with a hammered spray paint. then thin coat of plaster and finally a thicker coat of plaster before painting with a chalk paint. any suggestions?

    • I’m not sure why that happened. Was the original lamp ceramic? If so it may have had a high gloss finish that isn’t adhering to but it should have. Mine was ceramic and I’ve not had a problem . I’m sorry you’re having a problem!

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