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.



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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Saturday Meanderings | Life at Bella Terra
Saturday 5th of March 2022
[…] I only wish I had an ounce of Rachel’s talent. Her post will make me look at thrift store lamps in a different way. You can see it here. […]
Rachel
Sunday 6th of March 2022
Mary, Thanks so much for sharing.
Diane
Friday 4th of March 2022
It looks great Rachel! The tone two effect really sets it apart!
Rachel
Sunday 6th of March 2022
Diane, I'm so glad you like it. Thanks so much.
Renae
Thursday 3rd of March 2022
This lamp is absolutely gorgeous! Well done, my friend! I would love it if you could share it on The Fabulous Friday Link Party this Friday. You can find it on my website. Everyone loves your projects.
Rachel
Friday 4th of March 2022
Renae, I'm so glad you like this project.
stacy
Wednesday 2nd of March 2022
Wow Rachel! That lamp looks amazing!!!
Rachel
Friday 4th of March 2022
Stacy, Thanks for your sweet compliments.
Mary from Life at Bella Terra
Wednesday 2nd of March 2022
Rachel, this DIY is just amazing. It’s hard to believe it’s the same lamp! I will want to share this on Saturday Meanderings….
Rachel
Friday 4th of March 2022
Oh thanks so much Mary.