Have you ever had a lamp or other accessory that was the right shape and size, but not the right color for the space you want to put it in? I’m here to tell you that paint covers over a multitude of sins! Case in point: my recent client bought a pair of lamps because she loved the shape, lampshades, and the color of ONE of the two. She couldn’t find a matching pair, but she bought them anyway!
Original Condition of Lamps Purchased from TJ Maxx
She asked me, “Can you help me make this work?” I said, “Well, of course I can – I’m The Decorologist!” No, I didn’t really say that, but my mind started churning, trying to figure out how to solve this First-World problem. Since she liked the greeny-blue one on the right, I decided to try to re-create it. Knowing that would be impossible, I decided to shoot for getting close – and both lamps looking like a pair. I could do that. First I painted them both Benjamin Moore’s Spirit in the Sky. Who wouldn’t love a color named that???
Benjamin Moore’s Spirit in the Sky
When that dried, I took some old walnut wood stain and began applying in with a sponge brush. I pretty much let it run down through the cracks over the paint.
Applying Wood Stain
After waiting a few moments, I buffed off the stain with a soft cloth. I left the cracks with more of it, so that the details of the lamp would be highlighted.
Just a little more paint and little more wood stain, and both the lamps look as though they belong together at last:
“Aged” Lamp Bases
So here they are now, in there places – creating a balanced effect in this soothing coastal living room.
Coastal Living Room Design by The Decorologist
Before buying new, always re-think what you already have. If you like the size and shape, can it be painted to work into your design? What have you painted to make something unexpected work in your own space?
Kristie, I am ready to paint some brass lamps black. Do I need to do any prep work before I start? What are some of the paints that work best when doing this? Love your ideas! Faye
Faye,
Probably the easiest way would be to paint them with spray metal primer, then spray paint them black. Make sure you tape off anything you don’t want painted and the light bulb socket, of course. You’ll have a whole new pair of lamps!
What sheen did you use for the paint. Flat?
Cindy,
The paint was eggshell finish
The lamps look great! Such a soothing palette. I mentioned you in a post today! http://www.hypheninteriors.com/2012/09/one-of-the-biggest-design-obstacles.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A%20HyphenInteriors%20%28Hyphen%20Interiors%29
Thank you so much for the mention, Kristy!
They turned out beautifully, and what a great tip to use the stain the way you did! Just awesome 🙂
Very impressive! I wouldn’t have the patience to do that although you make it look so easy!
Really beautiful room! Have you painted pottery or glass? I did once. It worked..I think I used a oil base paint so it would stay on better. A clear coat would be helpful too don’t you think?
Love your blog.
Deirdra,
I have painted pottery, but not glass! I think Annie Sloan Chalk Paint can be painted on anything without a coat of poly – clear wax is good to use with it, though.
Magic of paint! Love the way you used the stain over to give it personality! Beautiful job!
Just curious where you got the lampshades for the two lamps…looking for something just like that but can't seem to find it anywhere….not already on a lamp 🙂 Thank you for your inspriation.
Did you use oil-based paint on these? And did you prime them first?
no priming – and i used latex
Hi! I am new to Pinterest and need some advice. I have a few antique brass lamps that I would like to paint and have no idea what I am doing? : ) am looking to get the dark bronze look….any suggestions?
Thanks!
You can buy bronze aging medium that can be used on any metal surface at Home Depot or Lowes. You might also find something called “debrasser” which ages brass and gives it a dark patina. Good luck!
hi kristie
Really impressive.
Good luck
Love this look. Found 2 lamps with a great design, but the color is wrong. How do I pick the right color? Want to end up with a greenish blue to match the shade in my pillows, but just a little darker?
I’d suggest you get a paint fandeck and try to find a color that is slightly darker than the pillows, then purchase a pint of that color in satin or semi-gloss for your lamps.
I have the exact lamp that you repainted in red. I bought it at homegoods. I have been trying to find that red lamp for 6 years. Please let me know if another pops up! Thanks, JoAnne ?
Will do, JoAnne! 🙂
Loved your blog and the ideas that you have shared with us.
So neat. Thanks for sharing.
May I send you a photo of my lamps for your suggestions? I can’t afford the same quality of the lamps I already have. They are Italian and an antiqued gold & gray/black color. I think they are some kind of resin & quite heavy. I just want to turn them an updated lighter color, perhaps a cream with antiquing of some sort.
Can you paint ceramic lamps?
Absolutely – you can paint practically anything if you prime them first! I’d suggest spray painting your ceramic lamps to get the smoothest finish. Good luck!