Here is an Easy Thrifted Lamp Makeover using a Goodwill $7.00 lamp to create a Pottery Barn knock-off earthenware look. This update was achieved for a fraction of the cost of a new lamp.
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 similarly shaped lamp while thrifting, and here’s what happened.
First, The Lamp
It would be best if you had an idea of what you want before thrifting. So I studied and took screen shots of the lamps I liked.
Sometimes, I think, “this was meant to be”! I walked right into my local Goodwill and immediately spotted this lamp.

I was thrilled with the size and shape of this $7.00 lamp.
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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.
Gather Supplies
Next, gather all your supplies.
I was planning as I went but here are the things I used.
- Rust-oleum Textured Spray Paint
- Plaster of Paris
- Chalk Paint – 3 colors of your choice
- Finishing Wax Dark & Clear or Satin Clear Sealant
- Plastic Spatula or trowel
- Chip Brushes
- Small Metal Trowel
- Fine Grit Sandpaper
Add More Texture
Using a chip brush add a thin layer of Plaster of Paris over the entire surface and let dry.
Next, using the plastic spatula apply a coat of thicker plaster over the entire surface.
You can see another method to achieve an earthenware look when I shared this DIY Faux Earthenware Vessel.
Then, once the plaster is set, you can use a light grit sand paper to smooth any rough edges.
It’s best to do this while the plaster is still drying because it’s easier to work with and you avoid all the dust. I sanded after the plaster had set for approx. 20 minutes.
Add Color to your Thrifted Lamp
The next step will depend on what exact finish you like. I had two different inspiration lamps in mind as I worked on this project. One from Pottery Barn with all the texture and the other from Anthropologie with the colors. So I did a mix of both.
I choose 3 colors for my lamp. First, the base is Graphite Chalk Paint and the bottom is French Linen.
Then using the Old White Chalk paint, I painted the top and allowed it to bleed down over the French Linen paint.
Seal with Wax
Finally, you will want to seal the surface of your lamp. I used a mixture of Clear and Dark Wax because I wanted to allow some of the dark wax to settle into the trowel marks and add depth to the texture of the Plaster of Paris finish.
If you don’t want to darken your lamp, you should use the clear wax alone or use a spray sealant such as Rust-0lenum Clear Sealer in a satin finish.
Thrifted Lamp Makeover Final reveal
How do you like it? I love the texture and the colors. Still not sure about the lamp shade but I have my receipt. LOL
Did you see the before, during and after transformation of this Chest? You need to click here and check it out.
More thrift stores finds and transformations can be found Here – Apothecary Cabinet & Here – Industrial Transformation.
Just as a reminder, here is the before – the inspiration – and the after.
If you enjoyed this post, you will love the other repurposed lighting posts.
More Favorite DIY Projects
- DIY Apothecary Cabinet IKEA HACK
- Over The Table Rod Stand Tutorial
- How to Make A DIY Potting Table from Old Windows
- Copper Hanging Pot Rack
- DIY Copper Spice Rack
- Nautical Rope Mirror Tutorial
- Easy Rustic Ladder Tutorial
- Distressed Decoupage Lamp Makeover
- Easy Thrifted Lamp DIY – Pottery Barn Hack
- Pottery Barn Leaf Napkin Ring Hack
Cheryl Atkinson
Friday 17th of February 2023
Rachel!!! That lamp came out spot on to your inspiration!! It looks amazing. That was the perfect lamp to redo. Pinned
Rachel
Friday 17th of February 2023
Cheryl, I really appreciate your comments. Thanks for stopping by.
Leisa Haynes
Wednesday 15th of February 2023
That lamp looks great! Thanks for showing how to make it...I'm going to look for it.
Rachel
Thursday 16th of February 2023
Leisa, I'm so glad you like it.
Margie Clements
Tuesday 14th of February 2023
Happy Valentine's Day to you! And I totally understand and it's was fine! Hope your day is filled with lots of love ❤️
Rachel
Thursday 16th of February 2023
Margie, I appreciate this so much.
Gail Fickle
Monday 13th of February 2023
Love your lamp and I like the shade. I’ve never used chalk paint but got a project I’m working on and want to use it, any suggestions on using it
Rachel
Thursday 16th of February 2023
Gail, It's so easy to use. Hard to make a mistake.
MARY-ANN (FROM CANADA!)
Monday 13th of February 2023
Wow! Rachel! I love what your thrifted lamp turned out to be. It's beautiful. Thanks for sharing your tutorial with us. You are such a wealth of knowledge! I just can't believe all you do and you always make us feel that even we can do this!
I sure wish I lived closer to you so that I could join you on some of your thrifting trips! How fun that would be!
Have a great week!
Rachel
Thursday 16th of February 2023
Mary-Ann Thank you so much for your kind words. It would be so fun to thrift together. Have a great day.