How to Update a Thrift Store Lamp for a Fresh Look
Updating a thrift store lamp for a fresh look is a simple yet impactful DIY project that can add a collected look to your home.
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Lamps are one of those items that I always check out when visiting thrift stores. I have picked up 4 in the last year. The one that I am sharing today for this month's Thrift Store Makeover was just purchased last week.
The Lamp
I love a great lamp. I immediately picked this oriental-styled lamp up as soon as I saw it. This particular thrift store doesn't price the small items. They price it when you take it to check out.
It came in at $15. It was in excellent shape with no damage to the lamp base.
Fun tip: I snapped a photo of the lamp and did a Google search. I found it listed on eBay for over $475!
Move the slider in the photos below to compare the before and after.
I collect oriental chinoiserie look blue and white porcelain. While this is a little out of my norm, I knew that it would work well in our home.
It will give a nice punch of color and pattern to an area of our family room.
Don't worry! I promised you that this was a simple project, and it is!
Join us each month for NEW thrifty ideas from the team. You'll find links to all of the projects below.
Check out this reel on how the lamp came to life in our home.
How to Update a Thrift Store Lamp for a Fresh Look Step-by-Step
Materials Needed
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: The first thing that you will want to do is clean the lamp. I love these reusable cleaning cloths. They are gentle and hold up well.
I simply used water and a little elbow grease. You could use a little mild detergent if it was really dirty.
Step 2: Next, remove the finial and old shade if present. At this point, check to make sure the lamp works. If not, you may want to look into a local lamp shop or a DIY re-wiring kit.
If you are local, I use Lamps Etcetera on Laurens Road in Greenville, SC. They not only repair lamps but have a gorgeous showroom of shades, lamps, and accessories.
Step 3: The base of this lamp is wooden. It is in great shape, just a bit dull, and there are a few worn areas on the stained finish.
I used this exact Restore A Finish product on this thrift store ice bucket turned into a Christmas tree stand. I knew that it would work well for this project.
The product that I had was a lighter finish than the lamp base. I was cool with that. It is what I already had on hand. It is such a small part of the lamp that I was not concerned. For best results, you want to pick a colorway that is close to the original finish.
I was just looking to even up the finish and restore a bit of the lost luster.
Follow the instructions per the container. It is so easy and dries quickly.
I did buff mine a bit after it dried.
Step 4: I was so pleased that the original finial was in place. I could tell that it had dulled over the years.
Rub n' Buff is your friend when looking to add a touch of gold to a project. It is perfection in a little tube. It comes in many colors, but I tend to pick up Antique Gold regularly.
Next, you will rub in the gold all over the finial. It dries quickly as well. I then buffed it to give it a slight sheen.
Step 5: Lastly, pick out a new lampshade. I purchased a 2-pack of these white shades at Homegoods recently for a pleated fabric shade. (That project will be coming soon!) The shades ended up being too small for another pair of thrifted lamps. Luckily, one worked for this lamp.
Here are some tips for picking out a new lamp shade.
What do you think? I am so pleased with this treasure! It gives a nice, updated look to this little corner of our family room.
I will have to keep an eye on it. My daughter saw it on the floor last week where I had placed my thrifting haul. She kind of went nuts for it and wants it. I thought I might give it to her, but……..
Think about your lamps!
Brass lamps are making a comeback so hang on to those! I just purchased 3 brass beauties from the thrift store.
A new shade and final can work miracles for updating a lamp to give it a fresh look.
I like the pop of pattern it gives the painted white chest.
Here it is in the evening with the light on.
I am particularly liking the idea of patterned fabric shades to update older brass lamps!
What do you think? I even saw the shade pictured below on a similar lamp to mine.
My Favorite Lamp Supplies
Here is some lamp decor that caught my eye!
Pleated Lamp Shades
Pleated lampshades are hot right now. I adore the classic look with a bit of French country flair.
Lamp Finials
Even updating a lamp with a new finial can give you a quick, instant update!
Acrylic Lamp Riser
Want to instantly give a lamp a wow factor? Rise it up in height with these lamp risers.
Answer to an important question about refreshing a lamp
How do you determine if you need new lamp wiring?
- Frayed or damaged cord
- Loose connections
- Flickering or dimming on its own
- Burnt or melted components
- Age of the lamp- when in doubt, you should replace
- If you don't want to tackle this on your own, Google lamp repair in your area.
If you loved this project, you'll enjoy these lamp makeovers, too:
Did you update a lamp?
We would love to see what you have created so mention us @oursouthernhome or tag us using #OSHLiving so we can see your creations!
Check out the other projects from the team!
- DIY Hobnail Milk Glass Candle from Domestically Speaking
- Bar Stools Into Nightstands from My Repurposed Life
- Metallic Gold And Clear Glass Vases from Petticoat Junktion
- Diy Floral Mosaic Side Table from My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
- Winter Scenes in Silver Plate from Sadie Seasongoods
- Valentine Puzzle Heart Decor from Shop at Blu
- Teak Wooden Bowl Makeover from House of Hawthornes
Christy has been creating content for Our Southern Home since 2012. She has been featured in numerous print and online publications. Her classic, eclectic design approach spans her home and fashion style. Christy has a way of mixing store-bought with thrift store, antique and vintage finds. As a recent empty nester, she is having fun navigating this new stage of life. Read more about Christy HERE. Be sure to subscribe below. You can also contact me HERE.
This is so pretty Christy! I really love the colors in the lamp, reminds me of a lot of pieces my parents would bring back from Japan. Thanks for all the tips!
Christy
Your lamp makeover is amazing! You always give the best tips in your tutorials. It looks so beautiful in your space.
pinned!
gail
It really is a gorgeous lamp- but your thrift store sounds so interesting. I’ve never heard of one that prices the item(s) at checkout before!
Christy, those colors in the lamp are fabulous! Isn’t it amazing what a little TLC can do to thrift store treasures? The shade really makes this piece look like a Pottery Barn item. Beautiful! Pinned!