This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see our disclosure policy.
Transform an old thrift store desk lamp into beautiful home decor. Learn how to paint a lamp and redo the lampshade in this step by step tutorial.
Do you love to look through other people's discards to find your new treasures? Me too! The thrift store is one of my favorite places to shop!
This cute little lamp was only $1 and what I wanted to do with it quickly began swirling around my brain.
Supplies Used: Some links may be too similar items when exact items couldn't be found online.
Lampshade Redo
The shade is the perfect place to start.
Remove all of the fabric and get it down to the skeleton. This is actually harder than you might think. For this particular shade, there is a lot of glue holding the fabric to the frame.
In our garage, I found a bucket of random twines and ropes. I really like the texture of this twine but it is so brown and blah.
Can twine be dyed? Let's find out! In a large bowl, combine food coloring and vinegar according to the egg dye instructions, and let it sit for several hours.
YES!!! It worked! I was hoping for a coral/peach color, but it was more pinkish orange, but it will work just fine.
Before we move to the next step, remove the twine from dye mixture and leave it out to dry overnight.
I wasn't sure how I was going to weave the twine around the shade skeleton so I played around with it a bit until I found a technique that I liked.
To weave as I did, wrap the twine around the outside of the shade skeleton and loop the twine around the metal support pieces when you come to them.
The weaving did take a bit to do but doesn't it look awesome?
Fabric Rolled Flower Accents
The twine wrapped lampshade looks great but I think it needs something more. The fabric rolled flowers that I made for my Handmade Journal would be perfect!
Use a little bit of scrap fabric and follow the tutorial linked above to make your own. Attach the flowers to the shade with a bit of hot glue.
How to Paint a Lamp Base
For the base of the lamp, paint with some white acrylic paint and a paintbrush. Easy Peasy!
The new lamp looks amazing on top of my entertainment center, and now that it is all put together, I LOVE the color of the twine!
What have you DIY'ed from a thrift store find? Share and leave a comment below.
SAVE HOW TO PAINT A LAMP AND LAMPSHADE REDO TO YOUR FAVORITE DIY PINTEREST BOARD!
And let’s be friends on Pinterest so you can see all the DIY projects I’m pinning!
You Might Also Like:
- How to Make a Hologram with a Smartphone
- Vinyl Record Butterflies
- What Can You Make with Cardboard
- Scavenger Hunt Find It Game
- What Can You Make out of an Altoids Tin
Recommended Posts
Katie Adams
Creator at The Crafty Blog Stalker
- Make a Beaded Turtle Craft for Adults
- Laser Cut Sign - Home Is Where The Heart Is
- 32 Spring Home Decor Crafts for Adults
- St. Patrick's Day Layered Paper Art with Cricut
- 28 DIY Lampshade Ideas to Lighten Up a Room
- 12 Unique Spring Chalk Art Designs
- How to Save Sharpie Art on a Ceramic Plate
- 16 Rusty Vintage Spring Crafts for Your Home
- 20 DIY Ideas to Personalize a Shadowbox
- 20 Beautiful Etched Glass Project Ideas Made at Home
- Make a Napping Blanket with Iron-on Vinyl and Cricut
- How to Make a Vinyl Mirror Decal Quote with Cricut Explore
ARod
great job looks awesome now
Kara at Petals to Picots
Very cute!
Kate Moore
That turned out REALLY cute! I am going to refer to this when I think about redoing my daughter's room 🙂
Navy Wifey Peters
Great job! I love it! I saw this on the Show Me What Ya Got link party, and it caught my eye. I haven't seen a lampshade redo like this one. Great idea!
Stacey
Very cute - I love it!
Rachel
I love the new look! What you did with the twine is genius! Thanks so much for sharing at Terrific Tuesdays.
Rachel
adventuresofadiymom.blogspot.com
Debra Kapellakis
After, all the way, bravo!
DebbieDoesCreations
Love it! I want to do a scrap fabric one in my craft room 🙂 Thanks for sharing at Toot Your Horn Tuesday 🙂
Kadie
I would go junking with you!! Love your lamp. Thanks for sharing with us at Link It UP Thursday.
Michelles Tasty Creations
This is awesome! I love how you tinted the twine. Thanks for sharing at Creative Thursday
Sara - My Merry Messy Life
Wow, great job! I love how you dyed the twine and painted the base. The flowers add the perfect touch. Very creative! Thanks for sharing at Hookin On Hump Day!
Hug a tree with me
Awesome, it turned out great. Very creative and shabby chic indeed:) Roechelle
Abby Lawson
Cute lamp! I love it white! I popped over from Project Inspire{d}--thanks for sharing!
~Abby =)
Bethany
Huge transformation, SO cute!
Sarah Vanderkooy
What a great idea, I would have never thought of doing that with the shade. It looks great!
Fiona - Coombe Mill
It's a lovely makeover and such a clever effect. I'd never thought to wind twine round the lamp but it is so effective and your flower spirals make the finished look. A great upcycle.
Thank you for sharing with me on #Trash2Treasure
Katie
Thank you, Fiona. I am so glad that you liked my re-do.
Mary
Yes I love trash and garage sales
The transformation is great!
Katie
Thank you Mary, I am so glad that you like it too! Thanks for stopping by.