+Before & After - Tall Lamp Redo

I find brand new lamps from big retail stores to be so expensive and lacking styles and originality. So, whenever we visit our fave reuse centres, I keep a look-out for lamps. I pay attention to the silhouette of the post. It doesn't matter what state the shade and the wiring are in because those can be changed. Of course, there are lots of junk to swift through but somedays, I get lucky. Here's one we bought for $5. It was missing a few components. In fact, it was just the post, but that's ok since I always replace the shade and wiring with brand new stuff anyway. I can work with it.

I suppose I could have kept the original silver leaf paint but it wouldn't go anywhere in the house so I decided to spray paint it matte white. This way it can go anywhere. My hubby rewired it...as usual. He's the electrician. A few coats of matte white paint. A new shade. Et voilà !!! The final look has this French frou-frou à la Marie Antoinette feel to it.

Breakdown of cost:
lamp - $5 (Reuse centre)
spray paint - $6 each (Home Depot)
lamp shade - $15 (Wal-mart)
lamp kit - $17 (Home Depot)
sweat equity - FREE
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TOTAL COST: $43


And there you have it. So go out there and keep an open mind. You never know what you'll end up with.

Happy dumpster-diving!!!