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DIY Edison Bulb Lamp | All About That JUNK

All About That JUNK· DIY

8 Apr

Junk Banner
9_Cotten-15_final

Prepare to be amazed. Your lamp buying adventures are about to be revolutionized.

You see, one of my favorite things about the above photo (besides my itty bitty baby and my antique door bed frame), are my mismatched lamps. They’re beautiful, and industrial, and make a statement….

…and they started out as hideous brass Goodwill junk.

Here’s the deal. You know those ugly lamps you ignore in your favorite junkin’ spots because, well, they’re awful? The ones that are everywhere, that only an 80-year-old would buy?

Like these?

PicMonkey Collage

True story, I took these photos today at one of my favorite antique malls in a matter of 10 seconds. Seriously, everywhere.

I buy them.

The easiest way to transform anything is a can of spray paint, and that’s exactly what these ugly lamps need. Most of the time, antique lamps are pretty high quality (assuming the wiring is still good). They’re made of good materials, ornate, and are built to withstand a nuclear explosion.

And they’re normally under $10 at your local Goodwill.

Customizing your own lamp, using an outdated brass base, has never been so easy… or as inexpensive!

DSC_1251

photo 5 copy
Materials Needed:

– Ugly lamp
– Painter’s tape
– Spray paint
– Light bulb (I love using Edison bulbs, despite their price, for a industrial/modern look.)

Directions:

1. Clean lamp body with soap and water.

2. Apply painter’s tape around the socket, switch and where the cord meets the lamp. You don’t want any paint hitting the electrical components.

3. Pick your favorite color of spray paint (I’m a fan of Rust-Olem’s Oil Rubbed Bronze), and have at it.

4. Once painted and dried, remove painter’s tape and insert light bulb.

And… done.

I feel almost silly writing out these directions, but I have to share how simple this project is! Don’t feel limited by your options at HomeGoods ever again! You can customize everything from the style, color, bulb, shade (or no shade!), and have a one-of-a-kind lamp for under $20.

Can’t find two of the same ugly lamps? Who cares! Find two of the same height, and paint them the same color for a cohesive mismatched look.

Is your mind blown yet? 😉 Anyone else a lover of ugly lamps, like me?

—

Follow All About That JUNK every Wednesday on Cotten Tales! Click here to see previous projects.

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4 Comments

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Diana @ Life in German. says

    April 9, 2015 at 6:02 am

    that’s a great tip, seriously! I might go looking for a lamp to transform it into something “new”

    Reply
    • Samantha Cotten says

      April 9, 2015 at 3:09 pm

      It’s such an easy project! You never know what you’ll find when junkin’! 😉

      Reply
  2. Corei Helmer says

    April 13, 2015 at 5:31 pm

    I have actually done this … I bought some ugly gold lamps when I moved into my first college apartment. We sanded them down and painted them black and white to go with our black, white, and red living room decor. They came out really cute.

    Reply
    • Samantha Cotten says

      April 14, 2015 at 2:49 pm

      Your first college apartment, Corei?! Now I feel old. I was living in my first college apartment when I was coaching you all at Ritter! 😉

      Reply

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NEW POST: What I've Found in the Dark Call it cli NEW POST: What I've Found in the Dark

Call it cliche, but I have a word to live by this year. If I'm being honest, it actually means a lot to me. I even have some semblance of "resolutions," which are really just mantras I plan to manifest into reality... and so far I think it's working.

What's your word for 2021? What are your goals, mantras, or resolutions for this year? Let me know in the comments. 🌸 Link in bio.

#cottentales #lifestyleblogger #mommyblogger #travelblogger #newyear #2021 #quitlikeawoman #momofgirls #blogger #bloggersofinstagram #momsofinstagram #bloom #bloomwhereyouareplanted #peloton #pelotonbike #resolutions #mantra #healthyhabits #newpost #blogging
L: 12/26/2019, aka my 32nd birthday R: 01/08/2021, L: 12/26/2019, aka my 32nd birthday
R: 01/08/2021, or today. 

My husband took that first photo. He was being nice, and trying to celebrate my birthday. I never told him I hated it. I looked heavy, because I was. My skin was terrible - red, broken out, etc. I was anxious, and stressed (ha! The days before 2020!), and it very obviously showed.

Today I’m in the best shape since high school, which blows my mind. I am actively working every day on my skincare, my mental health, and my reactions. Do I mess up? All the time. This week even, I made major mistakes that affect more than just myself. It’s a constant work, but it’s worth doing. 

I see growth. I see a woman who is starting to feel uncomfortable, and that’s a good thing. Whatever goals you have, or path you’re attempting to journey this year, keep going. Don’t let setbacks end your fight. You can do this. 💪🏻

(Also, both daughters saw me make this image this morning. Both thought I was pregnant in the photo on the left. I definitely was not.😳)

#selflove #selfcare #weightlossjourney #weightlosstransformation #peloton #pelotonmoms #cottentales #blogger #lifestyleblogger #travelblogger #momsofinstagram #momofgirls #bloom #keepgoing #pelotonweightloss #loveyourself
Two years ago, Santa followed us to Eleuthera. Las Two years ago, Santa followed us to Eleuthera. Last year, we danced our way to 2020 on the island. Christmas just doesn’t feel the same this year without the ocean. 🌊

#whitesandchristmas #eleuthera #eleutherabahamas #bahamas #christmas #ocean #momofgirls #mommyblog #lifestyleblog #travelblogger #cottentales
Mentally, I’m here. 🌊 #eleuthera #bahamas # Mentally, I’m here. 🌊 

#eleuthera #bahamas #travelblogger #lifestyleblogger #momblogger #cottentales #travel #nye2019
This is 100 @onepeloton rides vs. 178. This is 159 This is 100 @onepeloton rides vs. 178. This is 159 lbs. vs. 129 lbs. This is broken and lost vs. strong and healing. 

I was so proud of myself in that first photo, and I’m still proud of that Samantha. Steps to a better you will slowly become strides. Thanks to her, now I’m taking flight. ❤️ #selflove #selfcare #peloton #weightlossjourney #weightlosstransformation #pelotonweightloss #pelotonmom #momofgirls #lifestyleblogger #momsofinstagram #momblogger #loveyourself #cottentales
NEW POST: Rebranding Samantha I’m focusing a lo NEW POST: Rebranding Samantha

I’m focusing a lot of effort on self love and self discovery right now. But, just how am I perceived by the people around me? Audience determines your brand - what qualities are you projecting, and do they match how you want to be seen? Link in bio. 

#cottentales #personalbranding #rebranding #blogger #lifestyleblogger #mommyblogger #momofgirls #selflove #selfdiscovery #momblogger #travelblogger
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