When you want to add to your own home story or maybe do a budget refresh, don’t look past what you already own. Sometimes, all it takes is a different vision and a few minor changes. Take, for instance, this dynamic duo. I’m sharing how to paint table lamps fast and easy.
Originally, I purchased this set a few years ago from a local thrift store. I knew our plans remodeling our living room were underway, so I grabbed these in the event I could use them there. Not only are they pretty, but they are made of metal, so they’re nice and heavy. That translates perfect for a mom with 6 very active kids. Undoubtedly, I know many of you moms know what I’m talking about.
However, they have damage to the faux finish. And, I decide that don’t need them after all because they are bigger than the space allows. Time to paint table lamps. woot!
But, that doesn’t mean I can’t still have fun giving them a makeover making them new.
DIY TIME
First, I give them a good cleaning. An old toothbrush works perfect to dust those crevices. Then, I use a vinegar/water mixture to clean any grime and residue. Just mix 1 part vinegar to 2 parts water, spritz on, and wipe clean. Next, once they are ready, I apply a coat of paint.
Of course, I’m using the favorite color I have throughout my home – Slate Green. You can see it in my kitchen HERE.
GLAZING
Then, as soon as the second coat is dry, I apply a self-made glazing using the same brush. In case you’re wondering, my glazing is simply paint thinned with a bit of water. In the past, I’ve used it dozens of time on decor, furniture, and my home (see my faux wood garage door HERE).
First, use your brush to pick up a bit of paint, brush it on, and then use a lightly damp cloth to remove excess. Work in small patches for best effect and be careful not to wipe too hard to remove your base coat. That is, unless you want to. Wet distressing is awesome too.
THE REVEAL
Here are my painted table lamps ready for many more years of adding ambiance and texture to home decor.
Whatcha think? Here’s a closer look at the glazing. Don’t you love how it draws out the details?
Since, I have no room for two of them, I thought you might like to see them side-by-side. Likewise, those shades really add texture and a soothing touch too.
If you would like to add one or two to your home, you can find them available in my online shop.
Magic Linen Waffle Blanket ~ $130
In addition, pin and share how to paint table lamps. Let’s revive our home DIY style.
Up next, more DIY fun with this huge “fineapple”. It needs taken down a notch or two.
Also, more DIY projects simple like my paint table lamps tutorial:
This is a great project. I never thought about painting lamp bases. Love those brushes for all different type of projects. Thanks for always hosting great giveaways.
Thanks, Susie. They are fun to redo and so easy too. My pleasure.
I’d paint my new grandson a picture for his room!
Fun! Hope you like my work shared today.
Fantastic lamp makeover! The first thing I would paint with the Zibra brushes is a couple of small antique wooden chairs.
Thanks! Easy to do with with these fun brushes.
The lamps look amazing! Thanks for the giveaway!
I have so many projects I’d like to do. I’d probably start with a thrift store bench .
Sounds good. I hope you enjoyed my project today.
I would paint a small chest I just picked up for $5 at a yard sale! Larissa, I love your idea with the watered down paint for glaze!
Thank you. I’ve used it for decades and it works wonderfully.
You did a wonderful job repurposing these beautiful lamps…Love your blog and look forward to your emails.
Thank you for the kind words, Cathy. 🙂
These are AMAZING as is everything thing you do! Enjoy your blog SO much!
You’ve made my day, Carolyn. Thank you.
Beautiful! I always look forward to your weekly emails.
Susan, that’s music to my ears. Thanks so much!
I love redoing lamps! They give you so much satisfaction with a minimal amount of work! They’re something you can really bring new life easily.
Very pretty! Did you seal before doing the glaze? I always have trouble getting it off.
These lamps are beautiful! I love the color combination too! I just moved a bench into my living room that needs painting. It looks out of place but with a little paint using any one of these brushes would do the trick! Thank you this opportunity to win this generous giveaway!
Thank ya, Ginny! 😀 Sounds like a plan.
Love your recipe for glaze and how good it looks. I would paint something fancy and glaze it like you demonstrated. Love the look.
Thank you. It’s easy and waaaaay more affordable.
Wow! I absolutely would have walked by those lamps in their before fashion. Not appealing to me at all. But your redo completely transforms them! Great job Larissa.
I have a number of projects I’d use the brushes on. I’m trying to decide what color(s) to redo a beautiful round topped antique trunk which some misguided person painted in funky 70s bright yellow and orange. Yikes!
tee hee! Thank you so much, Shelley. It sounds like you have some fun coming on! haha!
Love the detail in them lamps as well as the make-over.
I have to ask. Where did you get them lamp shades? They go so well with the lamps.
The ornate style is fun for me – thanks! It really makes the details pop. I got the shades at a local home improvement store.
The lamps look so much better! I’m not sure what I would paint first – we are refreshing the kid’s bathrooms, so maybe something to go in there.
woot! Thanks, Audra. So many things to paint, so little time. 😀
I would re-paint some picture frames/
I’m glad you enjoyed my project today. 🙂
I’d paint a dresser!
Sounds good. Did you enjoy the lamp project?
Great ideas. I just picked up something from the thrift store and will use your technique.
That’s the spirit, Robin! 😀
Another great make over Larissa, I and look forward to all your newsletters. You do awesome work. I too love Zibra brushes..
Thank you for the hug, Kelly. My pleasure to share!
Love the color and the glazed look!
Thank you. It’s a fun thing for me to do.
Those are stunning. Wish I had a place for them in my home.
You are so sweet, Jean. Thank you!
The first thing we will paint are our window sashes. inside and out. This is something we plan to do in the spring when the weather is more cooperative.
This is a fun makeover. If I won, I would paint a dresser that has been needing a makeover for a long time, but I will have to wait for it to warm up a bit more first!
Thank you, Alison. That sounds like here. 🙂
I really want to paint this cute little side table! I love the lamps!
woot! Sounds like fun, Lisa!
I love the glazing technique on the lamps.
I would paint a little footstool I’m gettin ready to work on. I always love your creations!
Thank you. It is a really effective method to add interest and depth. Sounds good!
Great refresh on the lamps! I have a thrifted lingerie dresser that I would give those Zibra brushes a whirl on! Have a good week! Are you still actively trying to sell your house?
Sweet! Those are always nice to have. No, we took it off the market. 🙂
Love the lamps! The paint color is one of my favs. I have an old carpenters chest I need to make over(just paint), and I think I could really use a couple of good brushes. Thanks for the chance to win!
Thank you. Mine too. These will certainly do the trick. 😀
I’d like to first paint my kitchen chairs.
I have an old basket that I’d like to paint.
Now I wished that I hadn’t gotten rid of my old brass lamps several years ago.. Love your projects!
I know the feeling! I’ve done the same. NO MORE. 😀
Turning mine into solar lights!
Sweet! I’ve done that too. You can see it HERE.
Those lamps are super nice. I really could use those paint brushes I have lots of projects coming up to do and they would help get the job done faster and much better also.
Thank you, Joann. Fun for me to do.
I have some lamps very similar to these that I would love each to paint. Thanks for the inspiration!
That’s the spirit, Amanda. woot!
Those are beautiful Larissa! I love, love, love that colour too. 🙂
You know I love my greens. 😀 Thanks, Kim
I’d repaint my outdoor flamingo. He needs a good coat of new pain
Hi Larissa, you really freshened up these lamps and made them so pretty. The glazing really worked well on them.
Thank you for the love, Kaycee.
I have an old dresser in storage. I want to do something with it. My sister keeps telling me I need to yeah it. I don’t have room for it and it’s in her storage. If I can start on it, no way would she yeah it. Lol
I have a pantry cabinet and my kitchen cabinets that need some color!
I would paint them first if I won the brush set. Happy Valentine’s Day to you! xo