How to Redo an Old Lamp

Whether it's a dusty old relic from your attic that you forgot long ago or a thrift store find with an interesting shape or size, an old lamp does not have to live out its days with the same old style it has always had. Redo an old lamp with modern colors and accessories and it will fit right in with your home decor, whatever your style. Replace and repair the various parts of the lamp to give it the face-lift of a lifetime.

Lamp wiring kit
Painter's tape
Spray paint
Craft paint
Paint brushes
Ric rac or beaded trim
Hot glue and glue gun OR craft paint

Instructions

- 1
  Replace the wiring in the lamp. You can purchase a lamp wiring set or system at a hardware or home improvement store for under $10, according to Flea Market Trixie's website. This is an important safety precaution because an old lamp could have old, unsafe wiring to go with it.
- 2
  Remove the lamp shade and set it aside. Cover the metal parts of the lamp that hold the light bulb with painter's tape. Cover the cord as well. Apply one to two coats of spray paint to the lamp base; try a bright, fresh color or a metallic one to give that old lamp new spunk.
- 3
  Dust off and clean the lamp shade to remove dust and debris. Use a paint brush to apply decorative details like pinstripes or polka dots with craft paint.
- 4
  Add decorative trim. Purchase ribbon trim with beading or ric rac trim at a craft store. Use hot glue or heavy duty craft glue to apply this trim around the top and bottom of the lamp shade to embellish it.

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Lighting