I like upcycling table lamps as they are an inexpensive way to update home decor at a fraction of the cost of buying a trendy new table lamp from a furniture store or home decorating catalog. When decorating a room, the right type of lighting – from table lamps, floor lamps to a single pendant light can make or break your decorating efforts. The right lighting fixture adds drama, creates a focal point and establishes a cohesive look. For my foyer table, I wanted the look of black plaster or rustic stone based table lamps I see in decorating catalogs, but not the $300 and up price tag. Hence my need to use my creativity to DIY these styles of decorator lamps on my own.
The Benefits of DIY Table Lamp Makeovers
Upcycling table lamps is a creative way to add unique lighting fixtures to your home, and it’s an inexpensive way to update your decor. The right type of lighting can make or break decorating efforts, and a DIY lamp project can be completed in a short amount of time, such as 30 minutes to 2 hours and 30 minutes. Adding a layer of dark wax can create more depth to the finish of a DIY lamp makeover.
Transforming a Thrift Store Table Lamp
For this DIY table lamp makeover, I used a thrift store lamp base and transformed it into a designer-worthy piece. The process was easy and required minimal materials. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Materials Needed:
- Thrift store lamp
- 3 cups Ready-Mix Concrete Patch – home improvement store
- Black spray paint + primer in one
- 1 cup black chalk paint
- 1 cup white chalk paint
- 3 cups water
- Dark wax and rag
- 2 mixing containers
- 3″ wide chip style paint brush
- Stirring stick
- Sponge
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Clean Table Lamp Base: Sand lamp base with 100 grit sandpaper to rough up the surface, then clean off all sanding grit and any dirt on the surface. Let dry.
- Spray Paint Table Lamp Base: Using a paint + primer in one formula, spray paint the lamp base using a flat or satin paint in black. One light coat will be enough. Let dry.
- Mix Concrete Patch and Paint: In a separate container, mix 1 cup of black chalk paint into 3 cups of concrete patch and mix until the mixture is completely black. Add more black chalk paint as needed.
- Apply Mixture to Lamp Base: Using a paint stirring stick, apply the concrete patch and black chalk paint mixture over the base of the lamp as if you were icing a cake.
- Create Horizontal Lines: Starting at the top of the lamp base, run a 3″-wide chip brush, horizontally around the lamp base through the concrete patch/paint mixture. Try to get around the lamp base in one long swipe. Once you get around the top section, move down on the base and repeat the process until you reach the bottom. Let dry.
- Add White Chalk Paint Layer: Water down white chalk paint: 1 part chalk paint to 6 parts water. Mix well. Brush this mixture over the dried black concrete patch layer.
- Dab Off White Chalk Paint: As soon as you apply the white chalk paint, use a sponge to remove most of it to create a chalky look over the black color.
- Optional: Add a Layer of Dark Wax: To create more depth to the finish, dab a rag into a can of dark wax and then rub it over the lamp base in a few areas. Use a clean lint-free rag to remove any excess. Let dry.
DIY Table Lamp Ideas: Adding Height
When decorating a room, the placement of your table lamp can make a big impact. Here are a few easy ways to add height to a table lamp:
- Stack a few hardcover books under the lamp.
- Purchase a “decorative riser.”
- Or make one using pre-cut wood rounds and wood balls found at the craft store.
- Place the lamp on a few slices of a tree trunk.
DIY Table Lamp Ideas: Using Unconventional Materials
Many stores only sell lamp shades that are too expensive for a DIY lamp makeover. To complete my table lamp makeover, I used a lamp shade from another lamp I already had in my decor stash that I was not using.
Conclusion
Upcycling table lamps is a creative way to add unique lighting fixtures to your home, and it’s an inexpensive way to update your decor. With a little creativity and some basic materials, you can transform a thrift store table lamp into a designer-worthy piece. Whether you’re looking to add height to your table lamp or use unconventional materials, there are many DIY table lamp ideas that won’t cost you a fortune.
