Vintage Lamp Makeover

31 Comments

 

I inherited this lamp from my grandparents.  My parents gave my grandparents this lamp as a Christmas present the first Christmas they were married in 1968, and I was born just a week later on January 1st, 1969 (yes, I just told you my age).

 

So, this is indeed a true mid-century lamp but NOT a mid-century modern lamp, as in my favorite style. I am okay with that. I used to use this funny pot belly lamp as a prop for my Barbie house. I have always thought this lamp was partially adorable and partially ugly.

I recently did a web search for the name of the lamp company. Crown Company and found images of what it would have looked like in 1968 and how much it is worth these days.  I was surprised to see what people were willing to pay and how ugly some of the “updates” people have done to them.  I just knew I could make this lamp look so much better.

 

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Vintage Lamp Makeover

For this project, you will need:

 

The first thing I did was to take the lamp apart and thoroughly clean it. I considered painting it a different color, but I couldn’t see a pot-bellied stove in any color except black. This lamp is made of cast aluminum and is very authentic to real pot-bellied stoves.

 

 

Next, I purchased a new lamp-making kit. No way was I going to deal with 50-year-old wiring. The lamp kit also gave me the opportunity to change out some of the lamp’s elements that I didn’t like practically.

 

 

I have never rewired a lamp before, so I was a little nervous about this part. The back of the kit had step-by-step instructions, and they were actually very easy to follow. I won’t give you the instructions for how to rewire a lamp because I don’t want to lead anyone in the wrong direction, but I will suggest that you read up on Pinterest and follow any directions on the kit you buy. It really is very easy.

 

 

The next step was to make the lamp look different. I didn’t care for the fake flower thingy or the extra height added to the base of the lamp with the wood spools, so I shortened the inner tube and only used one of the wood spools. I spray-painted any brass-colored parts silver to match the new style of the lamp.

 

Mid-century modern style has lots of wood tones and since this  lamp is a mini pot bellied stove, I wanted to add some sort of wood tone to the shade.  Anything is better than what the original shade looked like in 1968.

I purchased wood veneer edging at our local Lowe’s cabinet finishing area and stained it in an Early American stain color by MinWax.  Since these wood veneer strips are backed with self-adhesive, I then very carefully attached them to my linen lamp shade using a hot iron.

 

I added strips to the top and bottom of the shade. Then, I measured 2” above the bottom edge all around the shade and made pencil marks to follow to add the third strip. The wood strips add just the right amount of a modern touch to this vintage-style lamp.

 

 

It is still a funky, weird little lamp, but it does look better. Knowing that my grandparents, my parents, and now my family have shared memories of this lamp makes me smile. I wonder which kid of mine will want it next?

 

 

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”  James 4:10

Disclaimer:  This post contains affiliate links.  If you click on a link and purchase something, I may receive a small commission at no extra charge.  Affiliate links help pay the fees to keep this site up and running.

More creative upcycle projects for you to enjoy:

Thrifted Lamp Makeover

12 Fabulous Makeovers You Can Complete In One Day

Side Table Makeover

 

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31 Comments

  2. Wow, this lamp brings back memories. My parents had a large potbelly stove floor lamp that always sat near our front door. What a fun project. It turned out great. Thanks for sharing at the #HomeMattersParty 🙂

    ~Lorelai
    Life With Lorelai

    Reply

  3. I have always wanted to redo a thrift store lamp like this. Your antique lamp is super cool and unique. #HomeMattersParty

    Reply

    1. Thanks Melissa. Hopefully in the next week it will finally have a permanent place to stay in our front room remodel.

      Reply

    1. Thanks Carol. I’m still waiting to finish the room it will go in but hopefully by the end of the month this lamp will finally have a permanent home.

      Reply

  6. We had a floor lamp with the pot bellied stove base that sat by our front door at my parents’ house. Your lamp makeover turned out great. Thanks for sharing and co-hosting at the #HomeMattersParty 🙂

    ~Lorelai
    Life With Lorelai

    Reply

  7. It’s really nice that you enjoy items from your grandparents. So nice to have heirlooms like this. You did a very good job of refurbishing it. I remember when these miniature cast iron stoves were so in style. This lamp is very farmhouse style now.

    Reply

    1. Thanks Leanna. The room I plan to use this lamp in has dark real wood paneling that we plan to paint to lighten up the room. I think this lamp will look great in the room with it’s large rustic fireplace too.

      Reply

  9. I did this ages ago with a few lamps, and actually need to rewire some again! Thanks for sharing, #HomeMattersParty

    Reply

  10. What a cool lamp to inherit and give a modern makeover. I love what you did, looks great! Stopping by from the #HomeMattersParty

    Reply

  13. I think It’s a great lamp! The changes you made were spot on! I especially think the Lamp shade really brings the lamp to life! Great Job! Thanks for sharing that! #HomeMattersParty
    Jeannee

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  16. It turned out great! I love old things. They last longer than new things. It’s sometimes hard to find lamp shades I like though.

    Reply

    1. Thanks Alissa. I agree, lampshades can be hard to find the right one. I always have good light at Lowe’s and Target.

      Reply

    1. Thanks Sarah. Hopefully by this summer our family room will be finished and it will finally have a home.

      Reply

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