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)