Edison Bulb Table Lamp
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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
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.