Brown and Blah to Farmhouse Style Thrift Store Lamp Makeover

Farmhouse Style Thrift Store Lamp Makeover

I made a quick run into the thrift store last week hoping to find some old metal fryer baskets like the ones I have hanging in my kitchen.  But I walked out with … a lamp.  Does that happen to you?

It happens with me All. The. Time!

I didn’t think I really needed a lamp, but but the price good, so in the cart it went.

What clinched the deal for me though was the linen lamp shade.

Have you seen the prices for these things new in the store?  It’s crazy.  You can buy an entire new lamp for the price of a shade, so I wasn’t walking away from it for 4.99.

I digress though… 🙂

All in all, the lamp was in good condition.  It had some scuffs that looked like it had been pushed against a painted wall.  I wasn’t into the brown glossy look though, and I wanted to give the shade a farmhouse style look.  So here’s what I did:

Farmhouse Style Thrift Store Lamp Makeover – The Lamp Base

Supplies used (includes affiliate links for your convenience):

Spray paint for ceramics ( I used this brand.)

Clear satin top coat

Adhesive remover (to remove sticky price tag)

Sandwich bag

Painter’s tape

Directions:

Peel off the thrift store price tag and use the adhesive remover to get the sticky residue off.

*Side note – I think thrift stores pick the stickiest, worst stickers they can possibly find!

Clean it really well.  (I used a rag dipped in hot, soapy water.)

Wrap a sandwich bag around the bulb socket and secure with painter’s tape.

Shake the spray paint can for 1-2 minutes, then holding it 6-8 inches away from the base, use sweeping motions to paint it.  Do light coats and repeat as necessary.  I did two coats, air drying between coats.

How to give a thrift store lamp a makeover with spray paint | www.knickoftime.net

Tips to transform the look of a thrift store lamp with spray paint | www.knickoftime.net

Farmhouse Style Thrift Store Lamp Makeover – The Shade

Supplies used:

Stencil (I used Farmer’s Market.)

Painter’s tape (This is the best brand!)

Paint

Stencil brush

Directions:

Tape the stencil in position with painter’s tape.

TIP #1 – Don’t scrimp when it comes to painter’s tape.  Buy quality tape that sticks well, but doesn’t damage what you stick it to.  The tape might slip when you’re painting. #beentheredonethat

TIP #2 – When stenciling on a curved surface, it’s easiest to hold the stencil flat against the surface and paint one letter at a time.

How to paint a lamp shade with a stencil | www.knickoftime.net

I pressed against the shade from the inside while stenciling to make it a firm surface to press against.

Painting a thrift store linen lamp shade using a Vintage Sign Stencil | www.knickoftime.net

And it turned out perfect!

Farmhouse style farmer's market stenciled linen lamp shade | www.knickoftime.net

I didn’t have a bedside lamp in the guest room, so I moved it out there.

Sunflowers and wildflowers in vintage enamelware pitchers | www.knickoftime.net

It’s a bit large for the space, so I may keep my eye out for another lamp to make over now that I know how well it works.

Farmhouse guest room with vintage decor, repurposed wooden ladder and fresh flowers | www.knickoftime.net

My guest room is my favorite room to decorate, even though it’s in a detached house.

To see all the different looks and projects I’ve done for the guest house, click HERE.

 

How to spray paint a farmhouse style thrift store lamp and make a DIY farmer's market lampshade using Vintage Sign Stencils | www.knickoftime.net

 

Vaya con Dios,

 

 

Please know that Knick of Time uses affiliate links, including but not limited to Amazon to help keep this blog up and running.

Comments

  1. That looks great, Angie! I love how you transformed the lamp!

  2. Really like this one, good job.

  3. Marlene Stephenson says

    Love your lamp and it really stands out in this room with the other decor.

  4. sandi magle says

    Just your style and it fits in the guest house perfect. Thanks for the tutorial. Although I pretty much clean anything plastic or ceramic with alcohol too besides the soap and water. Sandi

  5. Laura S in Texas says

    I’d never have thought some white paint on that lamp would’ve made such a huge difference but it did. Great idea & thanks for sharing it.

  6. What a beautiful makeover!! I really love what you chose to do, the phrase there looks super stylish. Love it!!

  7. Love the linen shade and your giveaway! If I win I would like #2, 24 & 28. Thank you!

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