It’s always fun to find other’s upcycled creations. This repurposed cupboard door definitely is fun, but also definitely not my style. I’m eager to transform this into a farmhouse oil lamp with wall art for a rustic chic look.
We’re looking at a cupboard door that has a variety of different hangers added to it, plus the rusty oil lamp. While, I’m not leery of the rusty patina, I’m not loving the dirty, grimy door with the coat of arms. haha. Nothing I can’t handle, right?
DIY TIME
To make this easy for you to follow, I created a quick video shared down below. However, I also have it for you in step-by-step format as well. Here we go… First, I remove the lamp and inspect it for any flaws or issues that may deem it unsafe. It is perfect and ready to go, just really dirty.
Then, I remove the metal stars and eagle, as well as the hanging hardware. There were 2 sets of ways to hang this…so weird. haha. Contrary to most, I save the stars and hardware for future #trashure fun.
Next, I use a 2:1 water/vinegar ratio mix to clean the door. Lemme just say it was so DIRTY!! But, that’s okay, right? That means we are truly doing this farmhouse oil lamp justice.
NEXT STEPS
Now that the cupboard door is clean, I’m ready to begin the fun part of this makeover. Using a basic antique white latex paint and my favorite Stubby Brush to give it two coats, letting cure in between.
While the two coats are curing, I take that time to clean up the lamp. Just a basic soap and water wash to freshen things up. I love the patina the lamp has, so I don’t want to alter it at all. Then, when the paint is ready, I use my grain sack stencil and a stencil brush with an acrylic paint to add my own touch. You can see how I’ve used this stencil on antique chairs, tables, and even vintage folding chairs.
Last, but not least, I apply a gray wax to create texture and dimension, highlighting all those detail in the cupboard door. Also, I do a bit of distressing with sandpaper for added texture.
Before I can call this farmhouse oil lamp complete, I put in a new lamp wick. You can see how I demonstrate that in my video. Though, do note I don’t add oil just yet.
THE REVEAL
After a quick makeover, my farmhouse oil lamp is now more suited to my home decor.
Isn’t that rusty patina fabulous? It adds even more to this whole piece and gives it character. Yes, I love it. tee hee!
Here in Ohio, I purchase oil lamps whenever I can at thrift stores and the like. Why? We do have power outages quite often due to winter. But, also in my neighborhood, we lose power even in the summer and that gets old. Here is one of two I have hung up in our home. Plus, I have oil lamps from my grandparents I use as daily decor.
Do you have any oil lamps? Even if you don’t have power outages, it’s still fun to turn off the lights and light up candles and lamps for an unplugged evening. Try it!
If you’d like to make this farmhouse oil lamp your own, you can find it available in my online shop.
In addition, do pin and share my farmhouse oil lamp makeover. I’m sure there are more awfully dirty and dingy pieces out there just needing a fresh start.
UP NEXT
Up next, it’s Trash to Treasure Tuesday and I’m excited to share these cutie stacking tables made new. Check out their new look HERE.
To get these DIY tips & tricks in your inbox, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. Until next time!
Also, more fun projects like this farmhouse oil lamp:
All I can say is… WOW!!! I would have kept walking past that one! It now looks amazing and has a great function!! You put so much work into your pieces and your site and videos!!! I’m going to figure out how to subscribe to you tube TODAY just so I can watch them!! Thanks so much for a great project and tutorial!! ?
I couldn’t wait to work on it, Rebecca. I’m so delighted you enjoyed it! Yes, much work to do videos, but I truly feel folks learn well from them. Thanks you for the smile. 😀
Much better after you added your magic touch, Larissa!
Whew! I keep waiting to get nailed on painting that eagle. haha! Thanks, Marie.
SOOOOOO much better Larissa! I never pass up oil lamps either, and like you, i have several that belonged to my family. thanks for the update on this one!
Happy dance! Thank you so much, Gwen. They are just too handy to now have a bunch around.
I Love oil lamps and had no clue you could hang em on a wall!! Lol So cool!! Love this! I take it it’s already sold because I don’t see it now?
haha! Yes, around here they’re a must for our funky weather. Yes, it sold quickly. Yay!
I have used oil lamps during power outages and the hallway and bathroom are the first places I put them. I love the gentle light they give.
We love to go unplugged and light them up and enjoy a quiet evening.
What a super cool looking lantern and y our painted board, even tho I did like the Eagle but a person gotta do what a person gotta do to make improvements. Great job Larissa.
Those lanterns; something that we don’t find in thrift stores down here in Texas But in the Antique stores is another story, of which they want an arm and a leg for them. (just not in my price range)
Take care, enjoy your day, stay safe & stay healthy.
Thanks! I like the eagle too, but couldn’t keep it along with updating. I’m all for e pluribus unum! 😀
Hi Larissa! I like how it looks now! Great makeover! Plus, it gives me idea to use my own pile of old doors – thank you for the inspiration!
That’s the spirit, Olga! 😀 Have fun with it.
Awesome!
Thanks, Denise!
I like the way you suited it to your decor. I love all things French and this certainly qualifies.
Thank you. It was certainly not my style in the before. haha.