Easy Thrifted Lamp Makeover

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 seached for a similar shaped lamp while thrifting and here’s what happened.

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.

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.

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

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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.

I hope you enjoyed this makeover. Here is another DIY & Re-purposed Lighting Project you might enjoy.

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

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