Technically this lamp is part of our living room mini makeover…but I thought if I titled this post Living Room Mini Makeover – Part Four, you all might just disown me! (In case you’ve missed it you can read about the rest of the makeover here, here and here).
In doing our living room revamp, we noticed that at night our lighting was really off-balance. During the day the whole room was well lit because one entire 28 foot long wall (the living and dining areas) is floor to ceiling windows. But at night, when the curtains get closed there needs to be something over on the window side of the room.
So off to the thrift stores I went (with my three little munchkins in tow, I might add). There were a couple of lamps at the Salvation Army that looked okay…but they were still $9.99 each. Not cheap enough for me. What? I was looking for C-H-E-A-P.
Off to the Goodwill Superstore. Hmm, what’s this? 50% off everything. EVERYTHING!
Oh look. A nice tall curvy lamp. Regular price $4.99 x 50% off = $2.50! BINGO!
Oh, did I mention it was brass and forest green? It’s okay. Hubby had the same reaction. Hang with me a minute.
First I covered up the electrical components with paper towel and Frog Tape.
Then – and here’s where I messed up – I spray painted the lamp with some leftover white spray paint as a base coat. I should have used a primer first. When I added my gorgeous Valspar Mediterranean on top, it didn’t quite take right.
So I sanded it a bit, sprayed on a grey primer and re-sprayed on the Mediterranean.
The first lamp shade I bought at Bouclair was too small, so I exchanged it for a larger almost-drum shade. Ahh, that’s much better!
In case anyone’s interested in the cost break down, here it is:
Goodwill Lamp (50% off) $2.50
Lamp Shade $20 (I couldn’t find a sale shade this weekend)
Primer $5
Mediterranean Blue Paint $5
Grand total: $32.50
Not too shabby for a large boutique-look lamp!
So again, here’s the before (doesn’t it look like a cheap-o trophy?):
And the after:
What do you think? Anyone else redone a thrift store lamp? Do tell!
Linking to these parties:
I love the lamp transformation – I’m dropping by from Metamorphosis Monday.
Hope you have a great week.
Marie
http://www.SallyLeeByTheSea.com
First of all, I love goodwill and look at lamps every time I go there. Your lamp looks fantastic. I would not even recognize it. The shade is nice too.
-Rene
Hi! Visiting from Metamorphosis Monday and I had to click on and visit with you because my link up is a lamp from Goodwill, too! Except mine is for my daughter’s apartment and I had to get the shade at Target. Funny, that we have a similar make-over, but it’s such a great project to take on for such little money. Yours turned out great!
I’m seeing these brass lamp makeovers and am always amazed at the transformation. I seem to be unable to see past the brass. Great job
Christa
looks perfect! I’ve been thinking of getting a thrift lamp and doing a makeover! I’m not feeling our living room lamp anymore – great price!
There were a few remakes in blogland that inspired us to paint our own brass lamp. You just have to look at the shape of the lamp and ignore the brassy colour! S.
Great job on your lamp! What a transformation!! I especially love the beautiful blue color. It looks great in your living room! I’m visiting from HoH.
This looks great! The lamps I passed by the other day at Goodwill are looking better and better! Thanks for the idea! I’m visiting from H.O.H, hope you visit me too!
http://www.amaskellantics.com/
A Great transformation!
Great job! Had to post about it @ http://www.UglythenPretty.com