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.
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.
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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.
Click Photo for Details
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! Your support and comments mean so much to me. I look forward to sharing my next project and adventure with you!
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I love how your lamp turned out Rachel! Such a great idea! Love the two tones!
Kristin,
Thanks so much.
Oh, I love how your lamp turned out!! I have a pile of vases I thrifted a couple of weeks ago waiting for their makeover…it’s just been too cold to spray paint up here!
Jennifer,
Thanks, I can’t wait to see what you do.
Thank you so much for this great tutorial! Love how the lamp turned out…so much better than any from the other stores 🙂
Oh wow, what a compliment. Thanks.
Wow, your diy lamp is total 100% drop dead gorgeous. You nailed this. Thanks for sharing. I got to keep an eye out for this styles do try to create the same beauty as yours
Ivory,
I’m so glad you like it. Thanks for stopping by.
Rachel
Rachel that is so great. I love the shade but would like to compare to a lighter one. Is that what you are thinking? I worry about darker shades blocking too much light. I like the natural color of the inspiration photo too. Let us know what you decide on the shade. I have a dark brown shade that I want to lighten. Think I may try white wax because it has some texture. It always takes me a while to decide!!!!
Vicky,
Thanks so much for your comments.
I didn’t mean shade, I meant lamp.
Vicky I understood. Thanks.
BTW, You look way to good while working on this project. Jewelry, hair combed, nice clothes. I know that you just wanted to impress us. I have a work outfit. It has so many colors of paint on the old shirt and pants that is almost a designer outfit!!!
Vicky,
you should see me most days. LOL Thanks so much.
Oh my gosh! Lamps are the hardest thing for me to envision so now, thanks to you I’m on a mission. I couldn’t love them more!
Judy,
Thanks so much. I’m so glad you found this helpful.
I love your makeover! I am getting close to doing over some vases like this, that I want in my bedroom. Been here 8 years now and haven’t even been able to tackle my bedroom until now. I just bought a new bed and that prompted the makeover. I’ve had my bedroom set for 20+ years and it’s time. I’m keeping the dressers and nightstands because they are very well made and painting them to coordinate. The bed is champagne color and I’m doing the pieces I have in black with champagne knobs and handles. Can’t wait for it to all come together!
Anyway, I love the lamp but also the dresser you made over!
Shirley,
I really appreciate this. You are so sweet to encourage me. I appreciate you for following along.