How to easily update a Glass Base Lamp
INSIDE : Learn how to update a glass base lamp. Take a simple clear glass base and add washi tape to give it a new fresh more modern look! A very simple and budget friendly DIY project.
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This was originally shared as a contributor post at Place of My Taste.
This post has been updated since it’s original March 2015 publish date.
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.
Glass Base Lamp before
Many years ago, my husband and I bought two 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).
Supplies need to update a Glass Lamp base
How to clean a glass lamp
It had been a while since I really had given this lamp a deep cleaning.
I started by removing the lamp shade. It was quite dusty, so I used a cloth and was able to wipe away excess dust and the rest was removed with a handheld vacuum.
The back of the lamp base was dusty, so a little windex and elbow grease fixed that easily.
How to update a glass base lamp
To update a clear glass lamp base, I pulled out my stash of gold washi tapes. I ended up selecting a gold and white striped tape.
My husband wasn’t thrilled with my doing anything permanent to these slightly expensive lamps, so I wanted to stay a little more conservative with what I did. Adding a subtle stripe to the bases added the interest I was looking for!
I started at the very top (this part is covered by the lamp shade) and followed the curve of my lamp base all the way down to the bottom with my striped tape.
This I spaced the stripes about 4-5″ on center around the widest part of the glass base, following that same pattern.
When I was done, I had about 8 stripes but depending on how big your lamp is and how far apart you place your tape – this number may vary.
Updating a boring lamp shade
If you are wanting to give your dull lampshade a bit more glam, there are a few simple ways to do this.
- You can spray paint lampshades to give them a new color.
- You can cover them with new fabric (be aware if your current shade has a pattern, it may show through when illuminated).
- You can use tape or even ribbon to add something fresh.
I added a thin metallic gold ribbon along the bottom of my lamp shade. I used just a small dab of hot glue to secure the ribbon in place and am 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?
And if you are looking for more simple updates like this, check some of these out below!!
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.