A Lamp Makeover Story

Okay, hold up your right hand, cross your feet at the ankles, and repeat the mantra:

I (insert your name) love a good makeover story. I love when the hero redeems himself in the end. I love when the underdog becomes the top dog. I love the shopping scene in a romantic comedy, and I love a good lamp makeover story.

I seem to have the curse of having a rich girl’s taste on a regular girl’s budget. Such was the case when I posted about Nine French Country Lamps for every price point. The problem was, the one I loved wasn’t really at my price point. It seems to be a curse I live with. I knew my semi-responsible self couldn’t justify spending a month’s worth of groceries on 2 lamps…no matter how fabulous they are.

So, at night, I would lay in my bed twisting my hair, staring at the ceiling trying to figure out what I could sell on Craigslist to buy two of these lamps. For real. It’s not really a question of the money, we are blessed, but the only way I could justify it to myself was to shift money from one home decor item to another. Then…the clouds parted and I was presented with a new option.

While walking through Hobby Lobby, I spotted two baskets I knew were the answer. Now, I know it is not exactly the same. In fact, staring at the original, the most perfect lamp in the world, has me yearning again, but I’m satisfied (for now) with this lamp makeover. It came from humble beginnings…just an ordinary brushed nickel lamp with a tan shade. When I bought them, I thought they were just fine. But really, should we settle for “just fine”?

The thought of hauling them away to the thrift store or selling them on a garage sale for just a few bucks was awful. I mean, who wants to pay hard earned money for something only to sell it for pennies on the dollar? Believe me, we all make decor mistakes and settle for what we feel we need right now, rather than wait. So, as usual, I thought I would try to make lemonade out of lemons.

This was about a five minute lamp makeover (not including drying time). It really was so, so, so easy. I sprayed the lamps with my favorite Rustoleum Oil Rubbed Bronze spray paint. Be sure to stuff the area where the bulb will go with a paper towel so you don’t get paint in it. Then all I had to do was drill a whole through the bottom of the wood basket. I flipped it over and put it on the lamp like a lampshade. Ta Dah!

What do you think? Did I save them? They’ve already found a home on a piece of furniture I hope to share with you next week. Are they as good as the real thing? No. But I think I can live with them and carry around a fatter wallet.

Have you made any decor mistakes you have been able to save? Are you living with a decor mistake right now that you don’t know what to do with? Leave me a comment and this great community of decor enthusiasts, along with me, will try to help you solve it. For real. We got your back.

Have a fantastic day my fellow decor obsessed peeps.