See the lamp on the left? I bought it a few days ago at the German equivalent of American chain store, TJMaxx – it’s called TKMaxx and is owned by the same parent company. You can occasionally find good, affordable things in their if your timing is good. I found this huge table lamp for under $30 but there was a little problem – I really disliked everything from the base color to the shade pattern. I loved the shape of the base and the size of the lamp overall though so I decided to buy it and change a few things up.

I wanted the base to be a chalky matte paint, and I happened to have a small container of Flamant paint in Mentalo (JU407). I painted 4 coats (yes, 4!) to cover the original base because I didn’t have primer and felt too lazy to go out and buy some. Doesn’t matter, the results are the same – a nice looking lamp! I topped it with a slightly smaller lamp shade to change the look a bit – I used the Mibo pendant light that I bought several years ago from Design Public but never used — it’s been sitting in a box since 2007! I removed the lighting kit from the shade, flipped it upside down, and popped it on top of the light base. I like it, it’s quirky, and works until I get tired of it and decide to change once again. :)

Bottom line when shopping is this: Don’t look at what something IS look at what it could BE. A new paint color and shade can make all the difference in the world and it took only a few hours to do it!

(images: holly becker for decor8)

29 Responses to “Spotlight On: Pimp My Lamp”

1 Brooke H commented:
July 29th, 2011 at 8:00 pm

Nice work Holly, looks great. I need to get some paint out and do the same.
2 Laura commented:
July 29th, 2011 at 8:05 pm

I like how you modernized it instead of making it look old, which seems to be the trend right now. It’s very cute!
3 Fishtail Cottage commented:
July 29th, 2011 at 8:07 pm

I need that swirly lamp shade (blue & white) love it! can you share w/me where you found it? or is this the one you mentioned you’ve had for years? look forward to hearing from you!
4 Kahli commented:
July 29th, 2011 at 8:22 pm

I absolutely love the pattern on the lamp shade! Which I could find a similar fabric to recover my lampshades and give it a new look.
5 stephanie commented:
July 29th, 2011 at 8:29 pm

What a great tip Holly! I haven’t heard about that store in Germany yet. And I am amazed at what you did with that lamp – it looks so much better! Have a lovely weekend :)
6 Traveling Mama commented:
July 29th, 2011 at 8:49 pm

This is adorable! Isn’t it amazing what a little paint can do? I loved your post on Line and will definitely be checking out her blog. And if you ever want a copy of BoligLiv (it’s my absolute fave too!) just let me know. I would be happy to send you a copy! This month’s is especially good, so enjoy!
7 Monica Lee commented:
July 29th, 2011 at 8:56 pm

Nice! I like that shade of bluey-green mint-almost a pistachio ice cream color. I loved the title of this post too…had to click over!
8 Nina Lamb commented:
July 29th, 2011 at 8:56 pm

Wow, I love it. You really changed the whole look of the lamp – and the best thing is that no-one will have the same anywhere in the world.
9 Rebecca commented:
July 29th, 2011 at 8:57 pm

That is so true, you really do have to look at what things Could be, its a philosophy i was brought up with and having a good old rummage at bootsales or even tkmaxx (love tkmaxx! i’ve got some lovely bits there!) is just as satisfying, if not more, than buying new! And it’s totally unique to you! Congrats the lamp looks fab, have a good weekend x
10 Ege Denne commented:
July 29th, 2011 at 9:15 pm

Mmmm :) inspiring and beautiful :)
11 FancyFunction commented:
July 29th, 2011 at 9:23 pm

Great tip and great find! Sometimes you have to look past the initial facade to see the potential in something. :)
12 Vicky commented:
July 29th, 2011 at 9:25 pm

Looks good Miss Holly :) I also like the table that the lamp is on “rustic modern.”
13 Robin commented:
July 29th, 2011 at 10:35 pm

Nice transformation! I’ve often come across old lamps in estate sales/flea markets where I’ve loved the shape but it was too beat up or had ugly coloring/patterns so I moved on. Next time I’ll think twice – thanks!
14 Lauren commented:
July 29th, 2011 at 10:58 pm

Oh, i LOVE this makeover! Its so bright and fresh…I’m totally inspired to go find my own diamond in the rough this weekend!
15 Emma commented:
July 29th, 2011 at 11:10 pm

So funny Holly – I just did a pimp my lamp post myself! haha
http://www.ellaatbella.com/2011/07/lamp-make-over-via-spray-paint.html
16 Jenny Ryan commented:
July 29th, 2011 at 11:16 pm

Love it, Holly! Lamps are one of my favorite quick & easy makeover projects. So fun!
17 Katie commented:
July 29th, 2011 at 11:33 pm

Absolutely gorgeous! I love that shade of minty blue!
18 Heather commented:
July 30th, 2011 at 12:52 am

this is so lovely! the colors and patterns are so nice and fresh. I have been a long time follower of your blog, and love every visit! You share such refreshing finds and perspective! thank you so much!

-Heather
19 Debbie commented:
July 30th, 2011 at 3:47 am

Totally cute! Off to find a lamp to revamp!
20 mimi commented:
July 30th, 2011 at 12:40 pm

Adorable! I love TKMaxx, I recently did a similar thing although my lamp came from a thrift store… You can find a pic here…

http://mimi-creates.blogspot.com/2011/06/slice-of-my-malta-life.html

I wish I had a before…. It looked really similar to your lamp brown and boring!!!
Hurray for lamp makeovers!
21 Tanja commented:
July 30th, 2011 at 2:18 pm

WOW …I love flammant ….today ..we bought a new lamp from there…in Düsseldort …they have 50% ;)
I love also these colors …our whole house is paint in flammant …in stone, flachs and vision ;) greetings tani
22 Renee commented:
July 30th, 2011 at 3:04 pm

It turned out so fab!
love it!
23 girlgonenorth commented:
July 31st, 2011 at 12:01 am

Wow! That lamp looks great! I’m definitely going to have to start being more open-minded when shopping. I bet I’ve passed up on millions of great stuff that needed just minor changes that give it a whole new look. Thanks for sharing!
24 Sanie Pell commented:
July 31st, 2011 at 12:36 pm

Love that it looks graphic and simple but still fresh and pretty, Holly. And by coincidence I went to art college with lovely Madeline from Mibo! X
25 Joanna Copestick commented:
July 31st, 2011 at 6:33 pm

Good job Holly. Loving that Flamant paint too.
26 Martina Simonic commented:
July 31st, 2011 at 8:28 pm

wow! love it!
27 Tangletree Interiors commented:
August 1st, 2011 at 1:09 pm

Love the new look lamp (and the table it’s resting on). Really nice colour. Would look fantastic in a few Farrow & Ball shades as well.
28 hena tayeb commented:
August 2nd, 2011 at 1:57 am

Super cute
29 Christina commented:
September 23rd, 2011 at 10:57 pm

Awesome revamp–and hey, you can always send me the old lampshade–that might actually work for a lamp I’ve been looking to redo in my house!

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