Today is: August 7, 2026

Cheryl Phan

Categories: DIY, Home DecorPublished On: May 25, 2017Tags: , , , ,

Why buy a new lamp when you can make your one-of-a-kind design? Lamps can cost an arm and a leg (you know what I mean). Lampshades alone are $20 plus and finials can cost even more than the lamp. So why not make your own? It’s super-fast and only takes a few supplies and a little creativity. Check out these thrift-store finds I transformed for under $20 …

Thrift Store Lamp Makeover | Cheryl Phan

I needed a nautical lamp for a little boy’s room that I was painting for my nonprofit organization Paint For Children. It wasn’t in the budget to purchase a new lamp so I had to get creative. I went to the local thrift store and purchased this lamp for $7 and the lamp shade for $3. Then I bought rope and glued it to the base. Here are the step-by step instructions.

(This post contains affiliate links)
Thrift Store Lamp Makeover Cheryl Phan

Here’s what you will need to make this Nautical lamp makeover:

  1. A lamp (go to the thrift store or Goodwill if you don’t already have one)
  2. Hot Glue Gun & Sticks
  3. Spray Primer 
  4. Lamp shade (Thrift Store)        
  5. Finial                                 
  6. 3/8“ Rope, 50 yards       

The first thing you need to do is make sure the lamp works. I say this because I bought a lamp at a thrift store once and it didn’t work. The last thing you want to do is go through the trouble and expense of making it only to find out it’s broken.

Step #1: Clean the lamp with water and then spray paint it with primer. This will help make the glue stick.

Step #2: Apply the hot glue starting at the bottom in 6” sections so that the glue doesn’t harden before you have time to attach the rope.Thrift Store Lamp Makeover Cheryl Phan

Work your way around the lamp until you get to the top.

Thrift Store Lamp Makeover Cheryl PhanThis lamp cost only $20.00 to make. You can see it in in the nautical-inspired room makeover for my nonprofit: Paint for Children below.

Thrift Store Lamp Makeover

Thrift Store Lamp Makeover

This feather lamp is so easy to make. All I did was hot glue a feather boa on to a lamp shade.

If you want to make this Coastal Lamp Makeover check out my blog post for the step-by-step tutorial

I hope you are inspired to do your own lamp makeover. I can’t wait to see what you come up with!

If you want to learn how to start making money with your hobby get the details HERE

If you want to learn DIY Tricks and Tips get my weekly blog HERE

HAPPY PAINTING

Thrift Store Lamp Makeover Ideas by Cheryl Phan | DIY Home Decor | Nautical Rope Lamp | Easy Lamp Updates

Artzy Fartzy Creations. Oh Yes you can DIY!

2707, 2026

25 DIY Drawer Pulls That Will Instantly Transform Ordinary Furniture Into Designer Pieces

By |July 27, 2026|Categories: DIY, Furniture, Home Decor, Tips & Advice|Comments Off on 25 DIY Drawer Pulls That Will Instantly Transform Ordinary Furniture Into Designer Pieces

If you love repurposing furniture, thrift store flipping, or giving [...]

2007, 2026

6 Different Types of Mod Podge: How to Choose the Right Formula for Every Project

By |July 20, 2026|Categories: DIY, Faux Finishing, Furniture, Home Decor|Comments Off on 6 Different Types of Mod Podge: How to Choose the Right Formula for Every Project

Different Types of Mod Podge: Which One Should You Use [...]

1307, 2026

How to Update an Old Metal Bed: The Elegant Makeover You Have to See to Believe

By |July 13, 2026|Categories: Faux Finishing, Furniture, Home Decor, Tips & Advice|Comments Off on How to Update an Old Metal Bed: The Elegant Makeover You Have to See to Believe

   How to Paint a Metal Bed Frame in 5 [...]

607, 2026

How to Glaze Furniture: The Simple Trick That Makes Painted Furniture Look Expensive

By |July 6, 2026|Categories: Faux Finishing, Furniture, Home Decor|Comments Off on How to Glaze Furniture: The Simple Trick That Makes Painted Furniture Look Expensive

Have you ever looked at a piece of furniture and [...]

2206, 2026

The Ultimate Craft Glue Guide: 7 Best Adhesives for DIY Projects

By |June 22, 2026|Categories: DIY, Home Decor, Painted Furniture, Tips & Advice|Comments Off on The Ultimate Craft Glue Guide: 7 Best Adhesives for DIY Projects

                    [...]

Contents

Recent Reads

25 DIY Drawer Pulls That Will Instantly Transform Ordinary Furniture Into Designer Pieces

If you love repurposing furniture, thrift store flipping, or giving [...]

By |July 27, 2026|Categories: DIY, Furniture, Home Decor, Tips & Advice|Comments Off on 25 DIY Drawer Pulls That Will Instantly Transform Ordinary Furniture Into Designer Pieces

6 Different Types of Mod Podge: How to Choose the Right Formula for Every Project

Different Types of Mod Podge: Which One Should You Use [...]

By |July 20, 2026|Categories: DIY, Faux Finishing, Furniture, Home Decor|Comments Off on 6 Different Types of Mod Podge: How to Choose the Right Formula for Every Project

How to Update an Old Metal Bed: The Elegant Makeover You Have to See to Believe

   How to Paint a Metal Bed Frame in 5 [...]

By |July 13, 2026|Categories: Faux Finishing, Furniture, Home Decor, Tips & Advice|Comments Off on How to Update an Old Metal Bed: The Elegant Makeover You Have to See to Believe
Go to Top