I have been wanting to make an Edison bulb table lamp for awhile. 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 a couple of weeks ago 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 just 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. Surely, 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 half way down. Sort of a divide and conquer mentality. After I got that done, I put the tiny part of the harp into the vice and rocked the lamp back and forth, until the piece broke off!
I got busy with some 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.
(Use the code MYREPURPOSEDLIFE at checkout to save 10% on your purchase. I make a small commission and you save a little money.)
After 2 coats of paint, I plugged the lamp in to make sure it was still going to “touch” with the paint on it. Voila! I may or may not have done a little happy dance.
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 it was old wood, with several layers of paint on it.
I currently am using it here in the living room on my cut the cord clutter project.
Do you have an Edison bulb light? It does take a little getting use to—the color of light is a 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 around on Amazon, and found this Small Wire Keyless Lamp Guard. The measurements looked like they would be perfect for my new lamp.
Oh, how I love, love, love it! Now, 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.
gail
See more repurposed lighting ideas here
find more great ideas and tutorials here: Elizabeth & Co Be Inspired
Another good one, Gail! The gold cage added just the bling that was needed.
Look at you going all industrial on me! Love it, especially the cage shade you added.
Very cool! And what a great industrial look!
Oh be still, my heart! I LOVE this lamp!
I have hoarde…errr…saved several touch lamps as there is nothing wrong with them other then the outdated faux brass look.
I had always assumed that if I painted one, the “touch” bit wouldn’t work.
Well thank you for being the one to take that plunge! YAY!
Now I wonder if spray paint would work, also?
I have Parkinson’s and if I were to attempt to hand paint a lamp it would be a disaster – and
I don’t have a nifty sprayer like your’s.
All that would need to be done is stuff the socket so that no paint gets inside.
I may have to get back to you on that – I can feel the gears turning….!
Great job as always, Gail!
And if I were you, I would never sell that lamp! It’s a keeper!
catching up here… and Yes!
I remember seeing this lamp in your basket on a recent shopping trip… this turned out fantastic! What a great find on the touch lamp… it must be old, I didn’t know they still made them. I guess, that’s why you got it for such a great deal at the thrift! You did a wonderful job on bringing it up to date and repurposing all these parts!
I’m a big fan of quirky lamps…so this one, I’d say. Fits the bill!
🙂 Patricia
Gail,
Thanks for posting your photo. Nice to see the person behind the genius ideas!
Keep the great ideas flowing…your originals and also the shared ideas of others : )
🙂
My picture is on the blog a lot…. and always has been on the sidebar. I guess you just missed it. 🙂
Happy to continue to inspire you to think outside the box.
gail
What a terrific idea. Just perfect where you placed it.
This is so fun! What an awesome deal and I love the industrial look too! I was thinking the same thing I hope it works after painting, yea for happy dances!
Love it! You can sure make $20 look like $200! Enjoy your new lamp!
You had me at $1.00! I like it both with and without the wire frame.
this is just great! i really like Jamie’s painting, too!
I like it. I pinned it.
Yay…I love it! My BF and I made a cute lamp a couple of months ago but I so need to stop and pick up an Edison Bulb, really makes it. Great job.
so fun! i love edison bulbs and the industrial look. i actually prefer it without the cage to really let the bulb show off! 🙂
I love Edison bulbs and this is such a wonderful way to use them (insert jealous face). I may just have to steal this project. I really like taking thrift and dollar store finds and revamp them at a minimal cost.