Thrift Store Lamp Rescue

This poor lamp was just begging for a new home! He was, however, tired… and a little mangy… just about on his last leg! I spotted him at a thrift store a couple of years ago. In spite of the awful wood tone, I was drawn to the incredible seeded glass torso of this outdated lamp. He has good bones, is in good shape… just not a show lamp! He can’t help it, of course… he just needs a little ‘grooming’!!

So I kept him around, not knowing exactly what I wanted to do for his makeover. Then I was given a sample of paint from Powder River Paint at the Haven conference this summer! The color, Blue Sage, is definitely one of the colors I love, so I decided to refinish the wood base and collar.

First, I unscrewed the top and base. I had to cut a slit in the felt on the bottom, but that wasn’t a big deal. Then, it was a matter of loosening the nut with a small pair of pliers and gently removing the base and top. Since the wiring ran up and though a brass bar inside the lamp, I didn’t try to get it completely apart. I managed to get my hand inside the lamp to give it a good cleaning.

After cleaning it thoroughly, I brushed paint on the wood base and collar in random and criss-cross patterns. When the paint dried, I applied some Annie Sloan Soft Wax and let it dry as well. Later, I came back and buffed to a bit of a shine.

The blue paint made the seeded glass have a definite blue tint! I added a drum shade and {voila!}… we have a new lamp for the table between 2 chairs in our family room! This lonely thrift store lamp is ready to shine!!

What have you rescued lately? Do you prefer yard sales or thrift stores?

Have a great day!!