
Project DIY: Ugly Lamp Revamp
We love a good DIY project! Not only is it fun to give new life to old things, it is a great way to keep items out of the landfill. Part of a sustainability mindset is finding ways to use what we already have and therefore purchase less.
The DIY Project: Ugly Lamp Revamp
Why I Love It
Like so many projects I do, I wasn’t planning to find and make over a lamp when this beauty came across my path. But that’s the fun of hunting through thrift stores; you never know what you’re going to find or what object will become an inspiration! I had found a few Jonathan Adler lamps that I really liked but definitely couldn’t afford, so decided to make this lamp into a (much cheaper) version.
The Plan
I love a simple look so the idea was to paint the lamp white, update the electrical components and add a white shade – simple and fun!
Supplies List
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- White spray primer
- Gloss white spray paint
- Painter’s tape
- Lamp parts kit
- Lamp shade
The Process
To prepare the surface for painting I taped off the parts of the lamp that weren’t supposed to be painted, lightly sanded the porcelain surface and then primed the whole lamp. I chose a glossy pearl coloured paint that was suitable for porcelain surfaces for the main paint colour. Be sure to use a mask and paint in a well-ventilated area!
I allowed a couple of days for the paint to cure, then the lamp was wired and reassembled. After adding a white barrel shade I think looks like a million bucks…maybe not quite, but certainly more than the $30 or so that it cost!
The Finished Product
Before After primer Painted but not yet re-wired Done and in it’s new home!


2 Comments
Sue Berk Koch
WOW that looks amazing. I’ve got an old lamp that is fugly too. I think I’m going to give this a go. Grab some white spray paint and try! Thanks for the inspiration!
A Sustainably Simple Life
Thanks so much! We’d love to see pictures of you do transform your lamp! Before and afters are always fun 😃