Edison Bulb Table Lamp

Painting a touch lamp gives my new Edison Bulb Table Lamp a unique look and purpose.

I have wanted to make an Edison bulb table lamp for a while. I saw some ideas on Pinterest and thought I’d use some wood pieces and some lamp parts to make one from scratch.

However, when I spotted this little beauty at Vendor’s Village for ONE dollar a couple of weeks ago, I thought it might be the perfect specimen for my new lamp.

I figured it was worth $1—even if it didn’t work, maybe I could use it for something. After I brought it home, I plugged it in and looked for an on/off switch. I couldn’t find one, but suddenly it came on! It’s a touch lamp! Not only that, but it’s a 3-way touch lamp. It was a little too brassy for my tastes.

First up, I had to deal with that harp. I had no idea how it was attached. Indeed, I took pictures, but I can’t find them. I used my giant vice to bend it back and forth to break it off about halfway down. It is a divide-and-conquer mentality. After that, I put the tiny part of the harp into the vice and rocked the lamp back and forth until the piece broke off!

Painting Touch Lamp

I got busy with Heirloom Traditions Chalk Type paint and a hair dryer! It was cool in the house, and the paint wasn’t drying fast enough to suit me, so I made it happen quicker.

After two coats of paint, I plugged the lamp in to ensure it would still “touch” with the paint on it. Voila! I may or may not have done a little happy dance. Whoever thought of painting a touch lamp?

Another test after the Heirloom Traditions clear wax. Guess what! It is still a three-way lamp, even WITH the Edison bulb. I didn’t expect that!

Here it is on the repurposed dresser TV stand I shared recently.

Edison Bulb Table Lamp

And… she’s ready for her close-up!

I purposely gave it some texture with the paint. Why? Because I wanted it to look like old wood with several layers of paint on it.

I currently use it in the living room on my cut-the-cord clutter project.

Do you have an Edison bulb light? It does take a little getting used to—the color of light is odd, but I’m so happy with it. Did I mention that the bulb was $10? So, I have a new lamp for a meager $11.

HOLD the phone! I wasn’t pleased with the overall look. Yep, I decided this little lady needed a little bling.

I browsed on Amazon and found this Small Wire Keyless Lamp Guard. The measurements looked like they would be perfect for my new lamp.

  I must admit that when I opened the box, I thought there was NO WAY that cage would fit over that bulb. But it fits perfectly! I was so thrilled. I did think about painting it for about a millisecond but decided to leave it natural.

Oh, how I love, love, love it! It’s a $20 lamp, but I’m okay with that. It is a 3-way touch lamp, and I can touch the lamp base or the shade to turn it on. Seriously, did you know you can paint a touch lamp?

gail

See more repurposed lighting ideas here

find more great ideas and tutorials here: Elizabeth & Co Be Inspired