Any ideas how can make this look primitive?
by
Dynel Ingram
+38
I would like to reuse these lamps in my new primitive décor!
22 answers
-
The bases are very cool. The shades might need to be revamped. I would use a crackle medium on the base. Let this dry and then coat with a cream top coat. This will crack. Then antique the base with a chocolate glaze. Finish with a clear coat to protect your finish. I saw lamp shades just like this spray painted a dark cream and a black and chocolate small damask stenciled. They then used a Graphics Fairy French lettering to finish. Was very nice. Pictures please. sk
SK on Elderberry
on Oct 11, 2014
-
You can spray paint with Rustoleum or Krylon and would not have to put a top ocat on it. Just pick what color you would like. Hammered paint is very forgiving. I tried spray painting a lamp shade and it was a disaster. You could see the different levels when you put the light on. I would get some ribbon or trim and glue on top or bottom. Very cool amp. If you want an antique look buy some rub and buff sold at Michaels or Hobby Lobby.
Dee
on Oct 11, 2014
-
Thank you Dee , another great idea !!
Dynel Ingram
on Oct 11, 2014
-
I like the spray paint idea too. I am always spray painting something! Lots of old Home Interior stuff to match what I have in colors. Can pick a lot of good stuff at the Goodwill to re-do for not much money at all.
Mary Bennett
on Oct 12, 2014
-
I would paint it black, whatever method you want. Black is always a color for prim. The shade could be replaced with something more prim in design, round. Then if you are artistic at all, paint on it, whatever matches the rest of the room. If you would like to post some more pictures of the total room I think we could give you more ideas. I have a rooster from Hobby Lobby that I cut a hole in the body, put a post and light wires through it and hey... got a rooster lamp. Paint roosters (saltbox houses) on your lampshade that you have or buy rooster (prim design you like) fabric and wrap the shade. You could also use a fabric spray adhesive and put your fabric on your shade that way. Clear as mud ?
Marsha Schwarz
on Oct 12, 2014
- See 1 previous
-
if you don't like the idea of paint , how about putting some gold leaf on it,
Bessie Ashby
on Oct 12, 2014
-
I agree with the spray painting the base in a hammered finish or even the 'stone' finish. The shade could be used by stamping on stars or whatever other 'design' that fits your decor. Seems stars are big in primitive. You could make a border; a big one in the middle with other stuff around it, etc. We have a lamp in our bedroom that has the 'design' on the inside of the shade. When you see if off it looks like a plain lampshade. When turned on, the design shows through. A neat effect.
Liz
on Oct 12, 2014
-
Lamp shades are often the most expensive part of a lamp. What about covering in burlap, or rough twine?
PainterNoni
on Oct 12, 2014
-
Burlap is in right now, but it would matter what condition the shade is in and if you want to keep it. I just bought a burlap shade and added some trim, nothing but complements on it and its the same shape only smaller. You can paint designs,colors,add twine,lace some bling whatever your into...
Jackie D
on Oct 12, 2014
-
Once I painted a lamp base with dull gray paint, rolled it in light sand while it was wet., then coated it with elmers glue, and rolled it into dry powdery cement (careful to not breathe in). Brush off excess. I finished it with a coat of matte clear spray. It looked FANTASTIC, like old carved stone. It took only minutes.
Chrissy
on Oct 12, 2014
-
If you are not comfortable with painting a design on the shade, find a stamp or two and go from there.
Phoebe, Crooked River Ranch, OR
on Oct 12, 2014
-
I would probably wrap the base in a heavy twine and cover it all. It could be painted if you have a color in mind. The shade looks good to me and would work with the base suggested.
Janette Smith
on Oct 12, 2014
-
Hi, I'm presuming the lamp base is wood? Whatever it is made of I like it. It looks a bit primitive so I would leave it alone. If you paint it and don't like it, you will have a heck of a job to get it off again. I really do think its the shade that needs changing. I can imagine a shade that is taller and narrower with strait sides. Take the lamp with you when you shop, then you can judge which shade is the most pleasing. If you cover that with thick natural string it would look quite rustic.
Joanna
on Oct 12, 2014
-
You can also use rope, or twine on the lamp shade to make it more rustic, Home goods and Hobby Lobby have reasonable lamps shades. Oh and Kirklands has some real nice ones too.
Dee
on Oct 12, 2014
-
I have these exact lamps!! Have had them for about 15 years and I am really tired of them but can't find any others at a reasonable price that I like better. I think it's the shades I don't like - they're too bulky, stick out too much and take up way too much room on the end tables. Thanks for the ideas for the bases, but any ideas for the shades?
Deborah
on Oct 12, 2014
-
Get some macrame cord from your local craft store. Put a layer of tacky glue down on a couple of inches of the shade, then start winding the macrame cord around the shade. Add more tacky glue as you go. You don't want to get too far ahead with the glue for fear it will start to dry. I just did this to 2 old wood barrels and they look fabulous!!
Mary
on Oct 12, 2014
-
If you paint, don't forget to distress for a primitive look~
Tracy
on Oct 13, 2014
-
I love the lamp, and agree that it already has a great "primitive" look. I would focus on the lamp shade. Here are a couple of options I found:
Pegasus Lighting
on Oct 13, 2014
- See 1 previous
-
I think the lamp already has a great arts and crafts look to it, so maybe I just don't know what you mean by primitive. I would finish the room and then see how it fits in.
Wendy Johnson
on Oct 13, 2014
-
You could always create the iron rust look on the lamp. Then soften the look with a white shade and the macrame idea mary hade, only just 1/3 the way up!
Susannekbullis
on Feb 06, 2016
-
I agree with Marsha on painting the base black, just make sure it is a flat, not glossy black.
Trudy
on Feb 06, 2016
-
I do not know your colors but I would paint it with Master paints in copper and add the aqua green paint in areas as patina. I would sponge the paintina on a different areas. The Masters paint line had both products. I would also update the shade or wrap jute around it completed.
Stephanie corley
on Sep 30, 2016
Sign Up to Answer
