Take any lamp from basic to wow with a little paint and yarn. This thrift store lamp makeover is amazing, yet simple to do with everyday craft supplies.
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I purchased two lamps at a thrift shop many years ago with the intention of fixing them up to match my living room. Then I decided they should go in the bedroom, but I just popped in the lightbulbs and added them to my project list.
Fast-forward a few years later and I decided it was high time I got this one checked off. I used supplies from my craft stash – spray paint and yarn – and this was done with less than a day’s work.
Lamp makeover tutorial
Supplies
- any old lamp*
- spray paint – I used Rustoleum flat white
- cardboard
- painter’s tape
- 2+ skeins of yarn – I used Starbella faded blue jeans, which is no longer made. Get a similar ombre effect with Loops & Threads® Impeccable ombre yarn.
*My lamps were plastic and had already been painted by their previous owner. Depending on what your lamp is made from, you may want to make sure the paint you use will stick to it.
Instructions
1. Prep the lamp base.
Start by taping off the metal parts on the base that you don’t want to be painted, plus the cord. Put the lamps on cardboard to protect your workspace.
Painting outside is always ideal because even a tiny mist of overspray happens.
2. Paint the lamp bases.
Spray paint your lamp bases, using multiple coats if necessary. Let them dry for several hours.
Mine actually sat for 4 months before I finished this project because I am the worst procrastinator. Don’t do that.
3. Cover the lampshades
For the lampshades, I used a full skein of the Starbella yarn (33 yds.), plus about 2/3 of a used one leftover from my raffia and yarn wreath.
My lampshades are 7 inches tall and 10 inches across at the widest, so if you have a larger shade, you’ll need more yarn.
Start by wrapping one end of the yarn around the shade twice, overlapping so the yarn holds itself in place.
Continue wrapping the yarn around the shade until you have covered the whole thing.
When you get to the end, cut the yarn with a lengthy tail and wrap it back under the previous row, just like at the beginning.
Bedside lamp
This lamp makeover is one of those projects that turned out so easy that I can’t believe how long I put it off! The yarn coordinates with the comforter on my bed and the rest of the bedroom color scheme.
In case you’re wondering, the yarn does make the shade thicker, so it blocks some light. It is still plenty bright enough for the room, though.
What’s next? Try these other fun and creative ideas on One Mama’s Daily Drama:
This is perfect! Thank you! What is crazy is I have that EXACT same lamp on my desk! I don’t even remember where I got it, but I think it might have been the thrift store, too. 🙂 Mine is white already (and I want to keep it white), but I was dismayed to notice not long ago that it’s looking really dingy. Now I know just what to do about it, and the spray paint is in my cart. Thank you again!
That’s fantastic, Melissa!
So pretty and thx for sharing. I found an old lamp someone had tossed few years back. I cleaned it, spray painted it and replaced the shade. Had I’d seen your post, I would have done same thing. (Saved this for future references.)
Thanks, Sherry! I always have fun with thrifted item makeovers.