DIY Table Lamp Upgrade

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For those of you who have been following along my master bedroom upgrade, you know that I've been looking for creative ways to refresh the space (see the DIY night stands here). Just like with the night stands, I had been looking for a while to find some lamps that combined the industrial and airy modern look to go with the rest of the room. Sadly, once again I was coming up either empty or looking to spend $350 per lamp. 

The pair that I fell in love with was on sale over Easter weekend and I was ready to go on a big purchase when my dad talked some sense into me and said, "you DIY tons of things anyways, why not just DIY to upgrade the lamps you already have". I started brainstorming immediately that if I found the perfect shade, I could repaint the stand and add a contraption so that the switch was much easier to use. 

That's what led to this project and I have to say it was super quick and easy to do and cost less than $50. See the step by step below and check out the video tutorial here.  

Supplies

• Black Spray Paint (if you haven't downloaded the Michael's app on your phone, I highly recommend it, I saved 50% on the spray paint with a coupon scanned right from my phone.)
• Lamp Shade x 2
• Extension Cable
• Command Strips

Stand

1. Prep your area to avoid spray paint going everywhere. I used large black trash bags and painters tape.
2. Take a wet rag and dust off/clean the surface of the stand
3. Tape off areas such as the light socket and cord to avoid painting unwanted areas. 
4. Spray even coat onto stand, rotating gradually. 
5. Use a small paint brush to touch up any drips or smudges and follow up those areas with another even spray. 
6. Let dry for about 30 minutes and give a second coat following steps 4 and 5 from above. 

Shade and Electrical

1. Follow installation of shades as per Ikea directions.
2. The original switch was a socket turn knob that was hard to reach and clunky to turn. When I had originally looked for new lamps, I was wanting a base or in line switch, so during the refresh, I came up with a way to make the switch convenient with a single switch extension cable. I installed it to the side of the nightstand closest to the bed so it was hidden, used command strips to secure it and now it is an easy switch within arms reach when I'm sleepy and ready for bed. 

If you have any lamps needing a refresh, send a picture to beyondtheclockdesign@gmail.com and I'll help source the perfect upgrades. Have a great Tuesday!

xoxo,

Jessica