Edison Bulb Table Lamp

You know I can’t resist a good thrift store lamp, especially one with a little personality. This table lamp had great bones and a fun touch feature, but it needed a simple makeover to make it feel current and cozy. With a little paint and a warm vintage-style bulb, it turned into the perfect accent piece that blends character with function. 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, 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 until it broke 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 that piece broke off!

Painting a 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 for me, so I made it happen faster.

After two coats of paint, I plugged the lamp in to ensure it would still “touch” after painting. 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 added some texture to the paint. Why? Because I wanted it to look like old wood, with several layers of paint.

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 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 turn it on by touching the lamp base or the shade. Seriously, did you know you can paint a touch lamp?

This touch lamp proves that even small projects can make a big impact. A little paint, the right bulb, and a willingness to experiment can completely change the feel of a space. If you’ve been passing up dated lamps at the thrift store, this might be your sign to grab one and give it new life. Sometimes the simplest flips are the most satisfying.

gail

See more repurposed lighting ideas here