How to easily update a Glass Base Lamp
This was originally shared as a contributor post at Place of My Taste.
Today am sharing another of my quick and inexpensive projects on a long time coming room update, the master bedroom! Today, I am sharing How to easily update a Glass Base Lamp.
About seven years ago, the hubs and I bought these lovely glass based lamps from Potterybarn. I loved their simple and classic look… and seven years later, now I’m wondering why I’ve kept them around for so long! They are SO vanilla. A tan shade and a clear glass base, it really doesn’t get more ordinary than that.
I do not like tossing out perfectly functional lamps and buying new ones, so I decided to give my blah lamps an easy and non permanent update! Here is what I started with (below).
I’m embarrassed to say, it’s been about seven years since I took the lamp shade off and really gave these lamps a good deep cleaning. The back of the shade was pretty dusty, but nothing a little windex and elbow grease couldn’t resolve.
I pulled out my gold washi tape stash and ended up selecting a gold and white striped tape.
I knew if my husband was going to get on board with this idea, I needed to stay a little more conservative but the stripe added the interest I was looking for, too.
I spaced the stripes about 4-5″ on center around the widest part of the glass base.
I also added a thin metallic gold ribbon along the lamp shade bottom. I’m on the lookout for a new shade due to some damage on the back, but for now even this little update makes a big difference.
What do you think, are you an update or a buy new kind of person?
I shared this little sneak peek of Master Bedroom inspiration on Instagram a few weeks ago.
Want to check out ALL the mess I made while doing this simple project? Head over to the REAL Delineate to see the behind the scene craziness.
I really like the update. I have the glass base lamp in my LR right now and after reading your post, I’m not feeling too thrilled with my lamp. Time for a change! Thank you for the idea!
I love inspiring for quick and easy home decor updates! Thanks for commenting, Judy.
Oh! I have so many ideas for washi tape in our new house. Washi tape is at every store here! Lovely transformation.
Oh my goodness, I bet you have some really stunning options of washi tape there!!
Oh, washi tape! LOVE! I did the same thing to dress up some old glass bathroom canisters that I was getting tired of. A few silver washi tape stripes and they looked like new! Great idea to fancy up a glass lamp! Thanks for sharing at The Creative Circle!
Agreed, Angela… oh washi tape! What did we do without it? It solves so many problems.
Too cute. It really is amazing what a little washi tape can do for a project 🙂 Thanks for linking this project up to the Pretty Preppy Party! xoxo
Such a great idea! Gotta love washi tape 🙂
Thanks, Sarah. Washi tape answers all problems!
One of great things about glass lamp bases is the huge amount of changes can make with them. Really like your shade, can change it up many ways also, maybe even cover up damage you mentioned.
I’m a fix it up kind of person, have hard time finding lamps I like when I have to pay retail price for them. Most of lamps we have in our living room are old, and one from thrift store. Have purchased a few lamp shades at Goodwill I use and alternate when I get tired of them.
I’ve been lucky to find the bucket style shade which is my favorite. $4 I don’t mind paying for shades in good shape. Found a brand new one with tag still on it couple weeks ago at Goodwill, is silver coated and looks great on my Good will lamp we spray painted glossy white, love the shape for $3.50. Even if I don’t need a lamp or shade if I see one I grab it for future use, who knows.
Love how you used the washi tape on lamp as well as shade, good call, makes them look like new.
Enjoy rest of your week
Great idea to check Goodwill, Jane! I also hate buying new when what I have is perfectly functional. Sometimes it’s fun to buy something new but half the fun is making old stuff work!
Washi tape makes everything better…don’t you think?
Couldn’t agree more, Marilyn!!
Oh how washi tape can make everything better 🙂
Such truth… #washitapeforlife. Ha.
Looks great! I’m sitting here wondering, how did we ever live without washi tape? Love that stuff 🙂
No kidding, Jesica! I use it ALL the time, ha.