With a minor tweak, a $10 lamp from the hardware store is personalized—by way of color choice—and elevated. It's our kind of DIY: affordable materials, a low time investment (it took me just a couple of hours), and an attractive result.
Photography by Alexa Hotz for Remodelista.
Materials
- One Incandescent Clamp Light with an aluminum shade—sourced from your local hardware store or online at Home Depot for $8.47.
- Rust-Oleum Gloss Protective Enamel Spray Paint in smoke gray; $3.76 at Lowe's.
Instructions
Step 1: Remove all labels and clip off unwanted tags to prepare the light for painting.
Step 2: Remove the lampshade, paying close attention so that you can reassemble it later.
Step 3: In a well-ventilated area, spray the exterior of the lampshade with a coat of gray paint. Allow it to dry before adding a second coat.
Step 4: When the exterior is completely dry, flip the shade over and apply two coats to the inside.
Step 5: Reassemble the clamp light with the painted lampshade.
The Finished Look
Above: Here is a detail of the light in my own apartment.
Above: For a look at Justine's off-white version, see The Soulful Side of Old Cape Cod: Justine's Family Cottage.
Looking to make some quick lighting tweaks at home? Visit Design Sleuth: The Tolomeo Light Takes a Turn, DIY: Razor Clam Pendant Light, and A New $60 Lindsey Adelman Pendant Light.
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