Don't send that old floor lamp to the dump: make it over. DIY Decorating & Design host Nancy Golden gives an old floor lamp a new look with a little spray paint, some pipe insulation and a new shade and finial. Old floor lamps are practically a dime a dozen. If you don't already have one languishing in your basement, you can probably snag one at a yard sale for less than $5. Materials:
Hammered-metal spray paint
Steel wool
Face mask
Tape measure
Pipe insulation with interior dimension that will fit the lamp pole
Scissors
New lampshade
New finial for the harp
Optional: fancy tassel
- Rough up the areas to be painted with steel wool. Paint the base with hammered-metal spray paint (figure A), and let dry. Wear a mask and work in a well-ventilated area when using spray paint.
- The lamp pole is covered with a piece of pipe insulation. Measure the center pole, and cut the pipe insulation to the correct length. Slip the insulation on the lamp pole (pipe insulation comes split lengthwise), pull away the cellophane protecting the adhesive-covered edges (figure B), and seal the seam by pinching the sides together.
- Fit a new shade on the harp, and add a fancy new finial to the top (figure C).
- If you like, add a pretty tassel to the neck of the lamp (figure D).
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