Transform Your Outdated Lamp: Easy Nautical DIY Makeover
Give your old lamp a new lease on life with this easy nautical DIY makeover. I recently helped a friend who had a beautiful coastal-inspired lamp, but the colors were all wrong for her renovated space. It was also looking a little dated. Sound familiar? This simple solution is perfect for beginners and requires minimal supplies. Let’s transform your lamp into a stylish coastal accent – keep reading to find out how!
What Are Some Lamp Makeover Ideas?
There are several ways to repurpose your old lamps. Here are some simple, cost-effective lamp makeover ideas and tips.
- New Paint
- New Lamp Shade and/or replace Harp Size
- New Finial
- Add accents to the lamp base
- Replace Harp Size
- Recover the lampshade
I have several lamp transformation ideas that I’ve used on thrift store lamps.
How to Make a Distressed Napkin Decoupage Lamp Base and the Easy Earthenware Lamp Makeover included new paint, accents, a new shade, and a new finial to create fun, one-of-a-kind lamps for our master bedroom.
A thrifted lamp transformation usually requires a new lamp shade and updating the base.
Recent lamp transformations include a Ballard Design Inspired Hobnail Lamp Makeover and this Pleated Fabric Lampshade Update.
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How To Repurpose An Old Lamp?
Today’s lamp makeover is a relatively new lamp with a great lamp shade and finial, therefore it just needs a refresh to make it work in it’s new location.
The light color of the lamp base did not match the darker shades of black, grey, and red in the renovated downstairs.
The first step was to darken the lamp base with a coat of black craft paint. The desired effect was a distressed paint technique, which required a dark base.
Add Color To The Repurposed Lamp
Next, add the paint color of your choice for the lamp base.
For this project, we used red chalk paint.
As you can see, two coats of red paint were needed to get the desired coverage.
In addition, the lamp base was one solid piece, and to give it more character, I left the bottom painted black to give it the appearance of a separate lamp base.
To achieve a distressed finish, wipe off excess red paint from the lamp base’s high points with a paper towel. Brush back over the paint with an almost dry brush to even out the paint distribution.
Add Protective Wax
To protect the finish and add additional distressing, apply a half-and-half mixture of dark wax and clear wax over the surface of the lamp base and buff to a soft shine.
Nautical Lamp Transformation
To enhance the lamp base’s details, we added a nautical feel with jute rope.
Begin by cutting sections of the rope to fit the areas you wish to apply. I cut all the pieces and held them in place with tape to ensure correct placement before proceeding to the next step.
Attach Rope To Lamp Base
Now we are ready to attach the rope to the lamp base. I began by applying E600 glue in the areas where I planned to add the jute rope.
Apply in small sections and then adhere to the jute rope, making sure the ends meet at the backside of the lamp base. If necessary, secure it with extra glue where the rope meets.
Click Here to Watch Video of the Repurposed Lamp Transformation
Repurposed Lamp Transformation
The lamp looks perfect in its new spot.
The distressed red color works perfectly with the chair color.
Resources
Click the links below to shop for supplies used for this project.
Related Articles
You will love the other ideas if you enjoyed today’s repurposed lamp makeover.
I hope this inspires you to rethink your home decor before purchasing new items. It’s a cost-effective and eco-friendly approach to decorating.
Love it!
Kate,
I’m so glad
I’d never have thought to add rope…the rope makes the lamp perfect!
You have a wonderful mind, Rachel!
Gail,
I’m so glad you liked the finished lamp.
The lamp looks great!!! i love the red over black.
Stacy,
I’m so glad you like it.
The new updated lamp looks really nice in the room. I wasn’t sure where you were going with the red until I saw the completed lamp. Great job!
Lori,
I’m glad you like it.
What a great compliment to that red chair! The rope accent really makes it unique. Great idea!
Debra,
I’m so glad you like this project.
Well done and very beautiful,I would never have thought of the rope but it makes it stand out.Thanks for sharing
Mavis,
I’m so glad you liked this project. Thanks for stopping by.
Love it , totally !!!
Joyce,
I’m so glad you liked this post. Thanks so much.
What a great make over….looks great with red chair.
I would like to paint a ceramic lamp — what is the best type of paint to get.
I’m not a craft person but your posts have inspired me to give it a try.
I personally love Chalk Paint for most projects. Thanks so much.
Great job! I used red over black on a wood picture frame and then added the jute inside.
It can be coastal or cabin.
Robin,
I really appreciate your comment.
You have such great ideas Rachel! I’m excited to share this post with my followers in my weekend round up!
Kristin,
I really appreciate this.
Rachel, I love how your lamp turned out. The red really pops. Such a great project.
Tammy,
I really appreciate your compliment. Thanks so much.
This pop of red is so cheery Rachel and I love the way you trimmed it out as well. It looks so good. I can’t get over the transformation! Hugs, CoCo
CoCo,
I’m so glad you liked the transformation.
It’s amazing the difference a lamp can look when you add rope! Love this Rachel.
Thanks so much Kim.
Looks Great! I give you an A++ for not getting any black or red paint on your chest or the white window blinds behind it! You are really a neat worker!
Neva,
I really appreciate your kind words. I really am a messy painter though. LOL
Wow! This turned out amazing! Hugs to you.
Renae,
I really appreciate this.
Hi Rachel! I love that pop of red. It reminds me of a lighthouse.
Cheryl,
I’m so glad you like it and we wanted it to have a coastal look. So glad you are reminded of light houses.
the rope hanging light in the corner is unusual. is it a DIY or is it available on amazon?
Joanna,
I purchased that light several years ago a HomeGoods. I’ve not seen one like it.