Hello beautiful friends! Today I’m back with two lamps I found at the thrift store that are part of my new End of Summer Thrift Store Haul that I shared last week.
But first, Jack finally made it to college, and I have a little bonus before and after for you!
I thought it might be fun to share his dorm room!
You know I stopped him before he touched anything in the room so I could take a before picture ha ha!
And two hours later, we were all set up!
I even managed to throw in a thrift store find. I found his microwave for only $12 and it was in perfect condition!
Although I left part of my heart behind with him, it didn’t kill me.
It took until about midday yesterday for the ugly crying to set in, but I got it out, and I think we’re all going to survive this just fine. Jack is doing well without me so far and is excited about his new adventure!
Ok, who’s up for some lamp makeovers??
First up is this standing lamp that I found for $8, but because all green tags were 50% off that day, it was only $4!!:
SOLD!
I’ve included a few affiliate links so you can find the products I love.
It also had some weight to it too, which I liked. I decided I would paint it, not to sell, but to put in my booth as a permanent not-for-sale piece for extra lighting. That meant I could play with it!
I decided to do a light haphazard coat of Cotton first:
Then I followed up with a light coat of Haint Blue:
I sealed with Clear Coat in Satin using my blue sponge applicator…
I love this soft blue, and it was fun to use it in this way for a more worn look:
I didn’t add any dark wax or glaze. The dark areas you see are simply where I did not paint it all the way.
My favorite though is the finial…
This lamp was missing the finial, and so I went digging through my knob stash for a wooden knob that I could screw onto the top and found this:
I painted it in the same way and added a sweet Parisienne knob transfer that I found on Amazon to it:
I’ve had this set of knob transfers for ages and had yet to find something to use them on. The sheet was only around $8, and I’m so glad I finally got to use one of them!
This was perfect to top off this thrifty makeover, and the wooden knob worked perfectly as a finial!
I found a new simple white shade at HomeGoods for around $16…
I got a similar look on this next lamp, but used a different method.
I actually passed on this lamp the first time I saw it at the thrift store. It was marked $15 and although I liked the details on the base, it was too pricey:
On the next stop in, it was 50% off which was more worth it!
I decided to give this one a base coat of Sea Glass. This got two coats.
Then I sealed with Dixie Belle’s Best Dang Wax in clear:
I applied with a round brush to get in all the nooks. Then I buffed it off with a clean soft cloth.
To highlight all those pretty details, I followed up with a layer of Best Dang Wax in Black:
Again, buffing away the excess with a clean soft cloth, but leaving some behind in the nooks this time:
*It is important to apply clear wax first when using darker waxes because chalk paint is very porous and will really soak up the darker wax. Applying that first layer of clear helps prevent that. If you get too much black wax on your piece, you can always add a little more clear to act as an eraser.
I really like the Dixie Belle waxes because they are water based and do not have the terrible odor that some waxes do. They also come in a smaller 40z size if you want to give one of them a try without committing to a large can.
And although I prefer the Satin Clear Coat to seal most larger projects, it is nice to have wax on hand as an alternative for some pieces.
I love how this lamp turned out!
I am so tempted to keep this lamp here in my office!
I love how the wax plays up those details…
And I have a confession about the finial on this one…
I swapped finials with another lamp because I liked this one better. That’s okay at the thrift store, right?
I painted and waxed the finial on this one the same way as the lamp:
And again, I found a new updated shade at HomeGoods for around $16.
It isn’t always easy to find a pair of lamps at the thrift store, but if you only need one, I highly recommend checking there first!
This was a big improvement!
That’s two pieces checked off the list on my brand new End of Summer Thrift Store Haul!
If you liked this second lamp, you’ll love this table I redid not too long ago also:
You can visit that one HERE!
Thanks for stopping by my happy place!!
I’ll see y’all back here on Thursday with this bed that was part of my Mother’s Day Haul:
That haul is nearing completion too woot woot!
UPDATE: See how this sweet bed turned out HERE now!
XOXO,
Don’t Miss a Thing!
If you like what you see, there are several ways to follow along!
Julie says
They both look pretty but I especially like the second lamp. As the mother of four grown up children can I share with you what I found helpful when it was time for them to leave the nest; one of them even went from here in Western Australia to the US on a college soccer scholarship? When our children were all still in school my nephew developed an illness that is often fatal (miraculously he survived)and from then on I decided that it was actually a privilege for our children to be able to grow up and leave home.
Christy says
Thank you, Julie! Thank you for your wisdom…yes, I much prefer this to the alternative! And at least mine is still in state! XOXO
Mary Kaiser says
I love how both lamps turned out. They are so beautiful now and it was cheap to redo considering how expensive lamps have become new now! I have a couple old brass lamps that I have to get re-done for my daughter, I will have to get to home goods to get new lamp shades for them when I get them finished! Thanks for that tip!
Christy says
Thank you, Mary! Lamps really have become expensive…it’s crazy! And yep, I can usually find a shade that works at HomeGoods! XOXO
Petra says
Oh gosh didn’t those lamps come up well? :O Especially the little one with all that detail 😀 Well done! And you’re braver than me letting your baby go away 🙂 I’m lucky mine likes to stay at home! He’s a homebody!!! xo
Christy says
Thanks, Petra! Girl, I am trying to be brave lol, but it isn’t easy! He was excited to go though and I know I have to let go at some point. Enjoy yours while you still have him with you! XOXO
Robin Stephens says
Your son has a ginormous dorm room! How nice for him! You all fixed it up beautifully, utilizing every square inch to its fullest potential. And the lamps….stellar! (P.S. He’s going to have the time of his life though it’s so bittersweet for mom. Everybody survives. ❤️ )
Christy says
Oh ha ha…it really isn’t very big…maybe the photo makes it look larger than it is? Thank you! I think we managed to fill every square inch! I know he will enjoy being on his own and for me, today was better than yesterday and it will only get easier! XOXO
Pam Walsh says
Love the blue floor lamp!!! It’s gorgeous ! Dorm room looks great… where did the time go ??? Stay safe !
Christy says
Thank you, Pam! And I know…wasn’t he just in middle school?? XOXO
Cheryl Atkinson says
Hi Christy. Ooh I live these lamps. I have been looking at lamps more often at Goodwill and there have been a couple I have bought and painted. Live the sea glass with dark wax. Great choice.
Christy says
Thank you, Cheryl! I always have a peek at the lamps…there are so many donated! XOXO
Janice Holt says
Two beautiful lamps and you do a great job finding just the right shade for them. Jack’s dorm room looks great and he’s such a good-looking boy. I’m sure you miss him but he will be fine.
Christy says
Thank you, Janice! And I do miss him dearly, but today was better than yesterday, and he seems to be doing well and liking it so far so that helps. I appreciate the encouragement! XOXO
Laura says
Oh my gosh!!!! You have to keep that table lamp! Gorgeous!!!!!
Christy says
Thank you, Laura! I think I have to too ha ha! XOXO
Maryellen Webber says
The lamps are beautiful! I really like how you used the black wax on the table lamp, it needed something to highlight the pretty details.
Hope you are doing OK now that your son is at college.
Christy says
Thank you, Maryellen! The wax worked well to highlight those pretty details for sure! As far as Jack goes, today was better than yesterday! 🙂 XOXO
Christina says
Wow! What a great makeover for Jack’s dorm room. I’m glad you got the crying out of your system. That kind of release has to be done. May his college adventure be amazing. 🙂
The lamps turned out beautifully. The floor lamp looks so charming and the table lamp also looks fantastic. Great job as always.
Have your favorite treat and know you have raised wonderful children!!!
xoxo
Christy says
Thanks, Christina! Yes I agree…I knew I just had to get it all out, and today was a better day, so I’m thinking I’m going to survive after all ha ha! You give great advice…I downed half a bag of Famous Amos cookies yesterday and it did wonders!! XOXO
Jane says
You know, of course, EVERYONE is going to want to buy that lamp in your booth. It’s awesome!
Christy says
Thank you, Jane! It may not make it there…I love it here in my office ha ha! XOXO
Tina Matteson says
Love them both, Christy! People are going to be so disappointed they can’t buy that first lamp!
Christy says
Thank you, Tina! I thought about people wanting to buy that lamp…if anyone asks, I will probably sell it! XOXO
Linda Johnston says
Love both lamps After but the table one is so extra pretty!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Linda! XOXO
Catherine says
Hi Christy, love the lamps! What a difference when painted. I have a question. How do you decide when to use clear coat satin vs best dang wax. What’s the difference in the look and feel and strength of each of these finishes.
Thanks for sharing photos of your son’s move to college. So exciting for him – fresh start, new adventure!
Christy says
Thank you, Catherine! Great question about what sealers to use! I almost always reach for the satin as it is super easy to apply. However, it will pool in the crevices of a very detailed piece, so I may use wax for something like that instead. And sometimes I don’t want to dirty a sponge for something small, so I’ll reach for the wax instead. There are also times when I paint something that has metal details on it that will turn pink through the paint when using a wet sealer, and so I will reach for the wax instead. It’s just nice to have alternative to the clear coat on hand. I’m glad you enjoyed the college photos. Sharing it with my blog family is helping me to process it! XOXO
Sue Verbaan says
I have to say you have a very handsome son.
I hope his experience as a freshman in Covid Time is great as his expectations.
Sue Verbaan
Christy says
Thank you so much, Sue and I appreciate the well-wishes!! XOXO
Anita says
Sorry you were feeling blue when you dropped off Jack at college. If he’s anything like his mother, I know he will do fine. Stay focused on your wonderful re do’s And the time he’s away will go quickly.
Christy says
Thank you, Anita! I appreciate that! Today was a good day and got some painting done, so I think it will be just fine! XOXO
Patty says
Love the lamps, Christy! I hope you do keep the smaller one – it looks so pretty in your office.
I’m glad you got Jack safely to college. I think it so funny how you can become attached to someone you’ve never met in person – but I feel like I’ve watched your boys grow up – I want to cry about Jack leaving the nest!! 🙂 I’m sure he’ll be fine without his mama, but he may get a little homesick – even if he doesn’t tell you! 🙂 Hopefully his little brother won’t miss him too much!
Christy says
Thank you, Patty! And I love that…sharing these milestones with my blog family has really helped me process it all, and I’m so grateful for you guys! He seems okay so far and I’m doing better today than yesterday. Brennan is good so far too, so I think we’re going to make it just fine! XOXO
Dianne says
Just what I needed. Lamp inspiration. Both lamps had sweet details that I didn’t notice until you painted them.
Where did Jack go to college? I’ll bet your younger son will really miss having him around.
Christy says
Thanks, Dianne! I love how paint brings those details! Jack’s first choice was UVA and he was put on the waitlist there. However they have the option, if you are waitlisted, to attend their UVA at Wise campus in Wise, VA for the first year and then provided he maintains his GPA and earns the required amt of credits, he can transfer to the main campus next Fall. Although he was accepted elsewhere, he chose this option to get to UVA. It’s about seven hours away which is hard, but it’s only for a year! His brother is okay so far! XOXO
Karen A Cronk says
Jack looks like he’s off to a good start! The two lamps look great, as they too, start a new chapter in their lives!
Christy says
Thank you, Karen! XOXO
Carolyn Price says
Wishing Jack a great year!!
You have certainly figured out how to bring all the delicate details out of pieces. Love the new life in those lamps!
Christy says
Thank you, Carolyn! And yes, doesn’t the wax do wonders?! XOXO
Catherine Cave says
I love your lamp makeovers….need to try it myself!! One of these days I hope to get to your shop! It’s on my bucket list!
Christy says
Thank you, Catherine! And I love that!! XOXO
Donna says
I have never commented but I was so impressed with the 2nd lamp!! Who knew what a beautiful swan could come from a ugly ducking that it was!!the detailing was lost in the dark finishes!!!
Christy says
Hi Donna! Thank you! It is amazing how the paint and wax showcases those gorgeous details! XOXO
Lisa says
WOW..they both turned out gorgeous. Think I need to start trying a few lamps for redo’s. Love them.
Christy says
Thank you, Lisa! Absolutely! XOXO
Julie Ritter says
Wow the lamps look fantastic. Especially love the second one and the details…
Christy says
Thank you so much, Julie! XOXO
sharon austin says
Very nice; and I LOVE the sea glass lamp!! I still haven’t had the courage to try dark wax, myself. Funny thing, I thought you were going to say: I stopped him before he touched anything in the room so I could lysol everything. LOL I guess that’s just the times we’re living in now.
Christy says
Thank you, Sharon! That so funny!! I did wipe everything down too ha ha!! XOXO
Amber says
I flipping love the seaglass lamp! Seaglass is quickly becoming my favorite color to paint furniture.
Christy says
Thank you, Amber!! I love it too!! XOXO
Linda says
Beautiful, boy I would keep that table lamp, such great details
Thx for sharing 😊
Christy says
Thank you, Linda! I think I have to keep in it!! XOXO
Sue Mellette says
Thanks for sharing. I love both lamps, but I particularly liked the second one better. The black wax really makes the contrast between the two colors stand out! You always inspire! My mom has several brass lamps (over 50 years old) that are showing their age! I am thinking of transforming them with paint – The problem is – I can’t decide what color!! lol. Glad you go Jack off to college. His dorm room has many of you touches!
Christy says
Thank you, Sue! Paint does wonders for old lamps! Good luck choosing a color for yours! And I had fun buying all the things Jack would need for his dorm! XOXO
Tracy King says
They are both gorgeous makeovers and so inspiring! I got a reprieve for a couple of months myself because my daughter will be doing her first semester of University online due to Covid-19. She is a little bummed about it but she made the decision herself so we are kind of happy to keep her a bit longer. They grow up so fast!!!
Christy says
Thank you, Tracy! I think starting online was a very smart idea. Enjoy having your daughter home a little longer! XOXO
Lizzy says
Beautiful! That Haint Blue paint color is gorgeous. I love the knob transfers, too. Excellent work.
Christy says
Thanks, Lizzy! I love that blue too and I was so tickled the knob worked out so well! XOXO
Phyllis says
Keep the lamp. It is gorgeous!
Christy says
I think I must ha ha! Thank you, Phyllis! XOXO
LeAnn Hileman says
I especially love the green one! I so relate to your ugly crying spell with Jack leaving to go to college. I went through that when my beloved boy Tucker went off to college when he was 17. But oh my, what wonderful times are coming for you! Tucker is 31 now and a physicist working Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory in Oakland, California, and although I don’t see him very often we have great talks at least once a week and my relationship with adult-Tucker has dimensions I never even dreamed of when I left that guy at a dorm those years ago. You’ve got lots to look forward to even as you remember all those wonderful times of your relationship with child-Jack!
Christy says
Thank you, LeAnn! And thank you so much for your encouragement and insight! I appreciate that so much! I love hearing how great your relationship is with your son as an adult! XOXO
Kimmylouwho says
Both lamps are gorgeous! The table lamp’s new paint color and the black wax really highlight the pretty details and it looks SO MUCH better!
Christy says
Thanks so much!! I had fun playing with these two! XOXO
chris says
WOW! A complete turn around of an ok lamp to OMG that is a beautiful lamp! The way the color/wax brought out the details is incredible! i have learned so much from you and your blog. Thank you and keep your posts coming!!!!
Christy says
Thank you, Chris! Didn’t that lamp have the prettiest details?? You couldn’t even see them before! I am SO thrilled you enjoy what I share here!! XOXO
Debbie in TX says
Hey girl! Loved seeing the photos of Jack’s dorm room. How did you manage to bring the perfect size rug to put in that space?
The lamps are so beautiful. The details and color on the second one really stole my heart. And I would have totally done a finial swap at the thrift store, too : )
Christy says
We hadn’t seen the room before moving in, so I guessed at the rug size. I was thrilled that it worked so well! And thank you! I really think I need to keep that second one ha ha! XOXO
Vicki says
Lamps turned out beautiful!
Christy says
Thank you, Vicki! XOXO
Jeanette says
I love the floor lamp! I rescued a very similar one from someone’s trash on trash day, not because I wanted it, but because I hate to see usable items end up in a landfill. I’ve saved many items from that fate and taken them to the local thrift store that uses the proceeds to fund a food bank. Seeing the way you refinished yours makes me want to keep it and try doing something similar! The one I have came with it’s glass shade, but I like the idea of replacing it with a lampshade. Hint for you: if you have a Kirkland’s nearby, try shopping for lampshades there. I once got a nice one for only $5 because the lamp it belonged to had broken. They’ll sell the shades alone in those cases and have a good selection at bargain prices.
Christy says
Thank you, Jeanette! The great thing about redoing the one you rescued is you can play with it without fear of messing it up! If you decide you don’t care for it after painting, you can still donate. I love that you rescued that lamp to donate though. I would do the same thing…at least give it a second chance! And thank you for that tip about Kirklands. I will definitely check them out! XOXO
Joey Dee says
Hi Christy, Happy that your son got off to college and you are are doing as well as expected. It’s rough at first but each day gets better, especially if they are doing well with the separation too. I am a lover of what you do and the lamps turned out beautiful. I am doing my standing floor lamp over and have not only painted it, I also painted the shade that was on it. Both turned out just gorgeous. No one has even said anything about a painted shade. They want to know where I bought the shade.lol…I just smile and say, it came with the lamp…lol The finial switch was ok to do…no one has ever said that the finial must stay on that particular lamp is what I was told when I asked if I could switch one at a used furniture store and also at the GW and other 2nd hand stores. ♥ have a wonderful rest of the week. : )
Christy says
Thank you, Joey! I am doing better today than yesterday and that was better than the day before lol. Jack seems to be enjoying it so far also, so yes, that absolutely does help! I bet your lamp is gorgeous! And thanks for confirming that the thrift stores really don’t mind if you swap the finials, and now I’m glad I did! Enjoy the rest of your week too! XOXO
Becky says
Those lamps are BEAUTIFUL!!! I absolutely love that shade of blue! And the pretty details on the second one… well done!
Christy says
Thank you, my friend! I love those details too!! XOXO
Christie says
Just have to say, you HAVE to keep that smaller lamp for your office. It is awesome! The way the wax picked up the details and aged it…perfection. Both are beautiful but that small one is something special. If you sell it, you will regret not having kept it.
Christy says
Thank you, Christie! I think I have to keep it too!! XOXO
Imelda says
Congratulations on your first babe entering college! The lamps both turned out gorgeous….the second is my favorite. I have a couple of floor candle holders that are heavily textured like the smaller lamp. When I get up the nerve I’m going to try my hand at this finish!
Love all your projects!!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Imelda! I hope you do give it a go…paint can do wonders! XOXO
Liz Shivel says
Beautiful lamps! When you’re going to paint them as you did, and the floor lamp is metal, does the metal need to be sanded a little or rough up texture before painting it? So paint will adhere and not peel off if hit by your finger?
Christy says
Thank you, Liz! Chalk paint adheres extremely well to most surfaces. If this had been a metal table, I might use Slick Stick or sand just the top of it a bit first, but not for a lamp. It will hold up very well! XOXO
Alice Reinhardt says
I was wondering if you do all the prep work like sanding and painting yourself or do you have help. You are very inspiring, I do alot of projects,
but you seem to be able to get alot done. What is your secret?
Christy says
Hi Alice! Thank you! Yep, I do it all! Blogging about it keeps me moving, but I also love a to-do list. I treat working on my projects like a full-time job, so I am always working on something, it seems! XOXO
Annie says
Both lamps turned out beautifully 💖 Nicely done Christy!
Christy says
Thanks so much, Annie!! XOXO
Nancy @ Artsy Chicks Rule says
Aww how exciting for Jack! Hugs!! You’re Janis look great too ❤️
Christy says
Exciting for Jack, but this Mama bawled like a baby lol! I am good now, but as you very well know, it’s hard to say good-bye! Thanks, my friend! XOXO
Karen Kent says
I was lucky to find a very similar lamp as the small table lamp at my local thrift store. I painted it exactly as you said, and put it in my booth. It sold in less than a week! Now I am on my third lamp and they all turn out beautifully. I just retired from teaching and needed a new gig. Because I love to thrift, I knew that I could transform old things into new one of a kind treasures. I love your work. You are inspirational to me! Thank you!
Christy says
Thank you, Karen! And yay!! Everyone uses lamps, so they are a fantastic item to rehab, and they add nice lighting to your booth! It sounds like you are enjoying your new gig…have fun! XOXO