I love how this Desk Lamp Makeover turned out. I’ve been crushing on the combo of silver and copper and decided to incorporate that in this desk lamp makeover. I found a great, classic desk lamp at our thrift store for only $2. It was in great shape and my daughter has been using it in her room.
Desk Lamp Makeover
Here’s the thrift store find that I started with.
You can see that it needed some cleaning up. I used a little bit of vinegar and white to get the sticky grime off the lamp base and wiped down the whole lamp so it was ready to be prettied up with paint.
Here’s the supplies I used for this Desk Lamp Makeover (affiliate links provided for your convenience):
- Worn Penny acrylic paint
- 1″ foam paint brush
- thick rubberband
Worn Penny is my new favorite acrylic paint color. It’s a beautiful copper shade! I decided to paint the outer base and stripe on the edge of the top of the lamp.
I was able to just free hand the outer edge of the base. If you’re worried you can easily add some painter’s tape to the top surface of the lamp base.
Now here’s my favorite tip for painting a stripe on a curved surface – A THICK RUBBERBAND!!!! Yep – it’s so much easier than trying to wrestle painter’s tape around a curved surface! The rubberband will hold the surface snugly making your striped painting so much easier.
It took 2 coats to get this beautiful surface. I let it dry about 30 minutes between coats and then let it dry about 1 hour before I removed the rubberband.
The results… a gorgeous, updated desk lamp that cost me nothing but time, since I had the paint supplies on hand.
Now make sure you check out these other amazing thrift store makeovers from the team this month!
Antique Key Magnets
Desk Lamp Makeover
Peony and Grapevine Wreath
Key Hook Cabinet Makeover
Luggage Rack Side Table
Repurposed Thrift Store Tray
World Map Makeover
Message Board
Very nice lamp. I wanted to throw my old lamp away, but no I have a better idea=) Thanks Maryann
this is such a great idea! especially for my room..cause it eats just a little space!..thank you so much for this!
LOVE the rubber band idea, thanks! The lamp turned out great ?
Just found your site! Luv it…..
I love the rubber band trick as I couldn’t paint a good line if my life depended on it. Would like to try it on some jars/straight-sided vases, etc. Might make some great diagonals, too! I love copper accents and never would have thought to use it on an already metal lamp!
Great idea – love the idea of diagonal lines!
The copper really updated the lamp, didn’t it! Love the rubber band idea!
Thanks Pam! Yes and such an easy update!
What a great idea, so simple yet gave it such a update. THanks for the rubber band tip, love it!
Thanks Kristin!
Awesome easy makeover on that lamp my friend. I didn’t know about the rubber band trick. I sure hope I remember that one next time I need it.
The lamp is beautiful!
gail
Thanks Gail!
What a great idea! Don’t you just love when such a simple touch gives a big result. Loving hints of copper these days.
Me too! Crushing on copper!
I love the rubberband trick! What a great idea! laura
Happy Valentine’s Day Maryann