Hammer Time! Another super cheap lamp redo.

Our former neighbors just moved to Chicago, which is a huge bummer.  We loved them and will miss them. Before they left, they had a big yard sale, and knowing how much I love (um, and need) home stuff, they asked if I might be interested in some of their stuff.  Was I?  Yippie! I ended up buying a desk for Little, a little bench, three lamps and a big mirror for $50 total.  

Up today: one of the lamps.  As you can see, it has a sort of Southwest vibe going on.  I liked the shape and the texture a lot, but I knew it would not work in my home as is.  


It is the perfect size for our little apothecary table in the den.  First thing I did was lose the shade.  I wanted something a little more tailored and modern.  Next up: spray paint!  I decided not to fight the texture and to use a hammered finish.  I want lots of silver in my den, so I bought Rustoleum's silver hammered spray paint.  


I sprayed a few coats on the lamp and let it cure for a bit.  Here it is ready for its new shade:


I found a great shade at Target for $14.  I ended up buying a new harp for about $5 at Lowe's, since the harp that came with the lamp was huge and I could not find a shade to fit it (even the largest shades at Target, Lowe's, etc. were too short).  And here is the new-to-me lamp!  I love how it looks in the den (apologies for the poor quality of the lit-lamp picture - it's so hard to get the lighting right - and note the snow in the background. I snapped these pix the day of the freak October snowstorm)!




I'm so happy with how this turned out.  I wanted a really substantial lamp in this spot, because I don't want anything else on that table.  This fit the bill perfectly.  

I've got this lamp's twin and a larger textured lamp from this same haul left to transform.  I'm thinking I will put the twin in the guest room and the larger lamp in the upstairs hallway.  Stay tuned!

See you swoon,

9 comments:

  1. That was perfect!!! The silver totally modernized the lamp!! Love it!!! Snow?!?!? :))

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  2. So perfect for that table! You have the best eye for lamps to transform.

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  3. That fits perfectly in that room! I'm actually working on a couple of lamps this week. Your post came at the perfect time for inspiration!

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  4. Thanks everyone! I'm happy with the end result!

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  5. It is ADORABLE!!!! I'm obsessed with that Rustoleum spray paint, I've used it on so many projects! I also love your curtains - where are those from?

    And I'm jealous you got a little snow.. I'm getting excited for winter :)

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  6. looks great! have you seen the mercury glass spray paint? i'm excited to give that a try! i think there are tutorials on pinterest!

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  7. Thanks Sara! I actually made the curtains out of some fabric from Calico Corners and no-sew permanent seam tape! Here's the tutorial: http://www.swoonstylehome.com/2011/08/den-curtains-are-done.html

    Nicole - tell me more! I've seen mercury glass spray paint and am so eager to try it but is it limited to use on glass?

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  8. You ruined this lamp! These are worth so much nowadays 😞

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