Revamping Your Lamps, and Lampshade Ideas

Lamp Revamp

contributed by Retropolitan

I'm on a bit of a rampage right now, a lamp rampage...or"lamp"age as I like to call it.
I'm not sure why. I suppose it's because whenever I go to the thrift store there are usually bajillions of neglected, little lamps waiting their turn to be picked and glamified.
I suppose it's also the appeal of how cheaply and simply you can turn an old, outdated lamp from totally "sty" into totally "fly".
Whatever the reason...I'm totally into lamps right now.

I just repurposed some for the kitchen, living room and master bedroom...for$5, $6 and $22 (because I had to buy new shades) respectively.

You'll notice that I am not really afraid of color or pattern. Lamps are an excellent way to add splashes of interest to any room without it looking too overdone.

I tend to think of lamps in a room, like earrings to an outfit. You are not going to dress from head to toe in zebra print (or maybe some of you do...more power to ya) but some freakin', bling-a-licous zebra earrings with a simple understated outfit would be totally fab, no?
So, when decorating a room think of your accessories (lamps and pillows and frames etc.) like they are jewelry for the space.

I LUH-HUV this little yellow lamp. It is so bright and cheery. Again...more numbers. I know. Really, I'm trying to break myself of the habit, but oh, it is so hard. I found the lamp base for $5 at the thrift store and updated it by giving it a fresh coat of paint in Krylon's Sun Yellow. I always use a gloss finish when I spray paint simply because it cleans up easier. I found the drum shade for $12.99 at Target

I wanted to add extra interest to the shade so I stensiled on a cute little number (I just used a font I liked off the computer to make my own stensil). I think it totally sets it apart now.


I love this wild, little lamp too. I found the shades at Ross for $5...HOLLA! And the lamp base was an old one I had just lying around the house, so it was FAH-REE. I just updated it's look by painting it my favorite color...turquoise (I concocted this hue from some paint I had on hand, but if you're in the market for a great turquoise, Krylon's Ocean Breeze is my fave).



This orange lamp was a bit of an experiment. Don't get me wrong...I love it, but I think it may be a bit of an acquired taste for some. It resides in the dining nook, and because the space is super small, I opted for a "naked" or "skeleton" shade so as to not make the area too heavy and cluttered looking. And in case you are concerned, the shade was $1 from the thrift store. I'm way to cheap to buy a perfectly good shade from the store only to rip it to shreads. The base was a $5 purchase from the thift store. I painted it using Rustoleum brand spray paint in Paprika, but I also like Krylon's Georgia Clay, I just didn't have any on hand.



Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone when it comes to accessorizing your space. Chances are you'll be glad you did. And remember, lamps are the gift that keeps on giving. If you tire of it, all you need to do is buy a new shade or give it a new coat of paint and VOILA...you've got a new lamp for mere dollars. Have fun and goCRAZY.