Read the BLOG Elevated Simplicity JOURNAL Curated Home SHOP

Rustic Farmhouse Lamp Makeover

April 18, 2016

See how a lamp can be stylishly updated using joint compound and paint.  


CREATE   |   Published April 18, 2016



Transform a dated lamp with joint compound and paint to turn it into a stylish rustic farmhouse light.  |  www.andersonandgrant.com



There was a moving sale in my town a couple weekends ago, and I quickly scooped up this lamp.  I'm participating in a handcrafted market in July, so I've been scouting out specific items that I'd like to see incorporated in my booth.  While I was looking for something a little bigger (and still am), I just couldn't pass up something with this uniquely shaped base and burlap shade.   Plus, it was new and I wouldn't have to rewire it to ensure that the lamp would be safe to sell.







This light is like one of those pieces that you may have in your home that is still in perfect condition but needs a makeover to make it work with your current style.  Aside from being a dark green shade (which isn't my style), the lamp had a faux paint treatment look to the smooth body.  The finial at the top of the shade didn't match at all, so I'm guessing that it didn't originally come with the lamp.  And as much as I liked the rustic shade, it didn't really go with the current style of the base.



Transform a dated lamp with joint compound and paint to turn it into a stylish rustic farmhouse light.  |  www.andersonandgrant.com



Create a lamp with lots of texture and farmhouse style using joint compound and paint.  Find the easy DIY tutorial at www.andersonandgrant.com.



A yard sale lamp was given a farmhouse style makeover.  Learn how to do it yourself at www.andersonandgrant.com



To create texture and add a little dimension to the lamp, I used joint compound from the hardware store.  (The same stuff used to create a realistic looking dough bowl last year.)  I applied two relatively smooth coats, letting each one dry completely in between.


Then I used a fine grit sandpaper to smooth everything out leaving just enough texture.  Sanding the joint compound is a pretty dusty job, so it is a process best done outside if at all possible.






Then I painted over the joint compound with Fusion Mineral Paint in Casement.  This actually created a beautiful white lamp and I was tempted to stop here and just add some clear wax.  But I'm going for more of a rustic farmhouse look in my booth and decided to age the white painted finish.






When the paint was dry, I used clear Miss Mustard Seed's clear furniture wax followed immediately by her antiquing wax to age the painted finish.  By using the clear first, it keeps the antiquing from getting too dark and hard to remove.  It wipes on and off easily with a clean, lint free cloth.  The antiquing wax got down into the texture created with the joint compound to almost give the look of an old stone lamp.



A yard sale lamp was given a farmhouse style makeover.  Learn how to do it yourself at www.andersonandgrant.com



Now I think the marriage of the aged base with the rustic shade is a little closer to perfection.  I can picture it sitting on a small side table next to a comfy chair creating the perfect place to do a little reading while enjoying your morning cup of coffee.



Transform a dated lamp with joint compound and paint to turn it into a stylish rustic farmhouse light.  Find the DIY tutorial at www.andersonandgrant.com






Transform a dated lamp with joint compound and paint to turn it into a stylish rustic farmhouse light.  Find the DIY tutorial at www.andersonandgrant.com



Over the next few months, I'll be sharing the furniture and home accessories that I'm creating to take to the market.  (This rustic toolbox is one item that will be for sale.)  My goal is to have a cohesive booth with a little bit of whatever someone might need to completely decorate their home.  While I'm a little nervous because this is the first time that I'll be somewhere selling the type of projects created here on anderson + grant, I'm also really excited to see it all come together.


Any good tips you have to share on setting up a booth or successfully selling your handmade products?



Add a boxwood topiary to an ironstone bowl for instant style in your home.  |  www.andersonandgrant.com




Do you have an unstylish lamp that you haven't been able to get rid of?  Learn how to use joint compound from the hardware store to give it texture and a rustic farmhouse look.  |  www.andersonandgrant.com
This post may contain affiliate links.  That means that if you purchase a product I've recommended, it won't cost you any more, but I may receive a small commission.  I only will share products I believe in and all opinions are my own.  You can view my disclosure policy here.  Thank you so much for helping to support this blog!



Get the Anderson + Grant Newsletter

Sign up to receive updates from the blog and subscriber-only extras to guide you on the journey of making your house a home.
Pinterest| Facebook| Instagram
anderson+grant
Learning to Make a Home
anderson+grant is a lifestyle blog dedicated to helping you to create a slower, simpler home with contemporary style.

Info

Contact

Our Story

About Jamie

FAQ

Quick Links

Blog

Journal

Shop

Subscribe