In the world of home decor, few things are as satisfying as transforming a hidden gem into a statement piece. This is precisely the journey we’re embarking on today, diving deep into a beloved project that has brought an undeniable charm to Olivia’s room. Much like a classic movie quote, “I love lamp” perfectly encapsulates the essence of this delightful makeover, coupled with the sheer joy of seeing her room blossom into a truly enchanting space. It’s been a trek, but oh, is it ever cute!
Before we unveil all the exciting progress in Olivia’s room, it’s officially time for another edition of Trash to Treasure Tuesday! For those new to our blog, this monthly series is where I, along with a group of talented blogger friends, transform neglected thrift store finds into beautiful home decor. You can explore a treasure trove of my previous thrift makeovers here, but for today, a pair of unassuming lamps became my latest canvas.
The Quest for Designer Style, Without the Designer Price Tag
Olivia’s room desperately needed proper table lamps. Bedtime stories are a cherished ritual in our home, and good lighting is essential for those cozy moments. During a recent thrift store visit, I stumbled upon a pair of lamps, each priced at a mere $5. They possessed the sweetest feminine details, whispering hints of classic elegance that immediately caught my eye.
Admittedly, they were a bit grimy and had certainly seen better days. Their tarnished appearance might have deterred some, but I saw beyond the surface. These lamps possessed a distinct silhouette and intricate carvings that strongly reminded me of the exquisite Baroque lamps I’d long admired at RH Baby and Child. The only significant difference? The RH versions carried a hefty price tag, often upwards of $200 per pair. A DIY designer knock-off seemed not just possible, but imperative!
Embarking on a Thrift Store Treasure Transformation
The beauty of thrift store makeovers lies in the art of seeing potential where others see discard. These lamps, with their delicate feminine details, were prime candidates for a stunning French Baroque transformation. Our goal was to replicate that high-end, vintage-inspired look using readily available and budget-friendly materials. This project not only adds much-needed functionality to Olivia’s room but also infuses it with a timeless, elegant aesthetic that complements the overall design.
For this specific transformation, Annie Sloan Chalk Paint was our chosen medium. Known for its versatility and ease of use, chalk paint requires minimal prep, making it ideal for intricate pieces like these lamps. Its matte finish provides an excellent base for layering and distressing, allowing us to achieve that coveted aged, designer look without breaking the bank.
Essential Supplies for Your French Baroque Lamp Makeover
To recreate this sophisticated, budget-friendly French Baroque look for your own home, gathering the right tools is key. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Supplies Used:
- Sample size of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Paris Grey (for the elegant base color)
- Sample size of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Pure White (to highlight intricate details)
- Annie Sloan Clear Wax (for sealing and protection)
- Annie Sloan Dark Wax (to achieve an authentic antique patina)
- 2 paint brushes (I highly recommend using these brushes, especially for pieces with delicate and intricate designs, as they allow for precise application.)
- Wax brush (essential for smooth and even wax application)
- Paper towels (for removing excess paint during dry brushing and general clean-up)
- Clean, dry cotton rags (for buffing wax and achieving a polished finish)
- Replacement lamp shades from Walmart (choose simple, classic shades to complement the newly designed lamps)
Step-by-Step Guide to Your DIY Lamp Transformation
Transforming these thrift store finds into elegant, designer-inspired pieces was a straightforward yet incredibly rewarding process. Follow these steps to give your own lamps a French Baroque makeover:
Step 1: The Foundation – A Touch of Paris Grey
Our first step was to apply a base coat of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Paris Grey to both lamps. This soft, versatile grey provided the perfect foundation, evoking the understated elegance often found in French-inspired decor. One of the many advantages of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint is that it rarely requires priming, making the prep work minimal. I applied a single, even coat, ensuring full coverage of the original grimy surface. Once applied, I allowed the paint to dry completely, which chalk paint typically does quite quickly.
Step 2: Highlighting Elegance with Dry Brushing Pure White
Once the Paris Grey base coat was thoroughly dry, it was time to bring out the intricate details using the dry brushing technique with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Pure White. Dry brushing is a fantastic method for adding depth and dimension, making carved details truly pop, and imparting a subtle, aged look. To execute this, I dipped only the very tip of my paintbrush into the Pure White paint. The key is to brush off almost all the excess paint onto a paper towel until the brush feels nearly dry. Then, with light, feathery strokes, I gently brushed over the raised designs on the lamps. The goal is to barely deposit a hint of white, allowing it to catch on the textured surfaces and highlight the beautiful Baroque patterns.
The difference this step makes is quite remarkable. Observe the lamp on the right in the image below, which has been dry brushed, compared to the lamp on the left, which has not. The dry brushing technique instantly elevates the piece, making those beautiful, delicate details stand out with elegant prominence. It’s a game-changer for achieving that authentic vintage or antique look.
Step 3: Sealing and Protecting with Clear Wax
Once I was thoroughly satisfied with the amount of white highlighting the details, the next crucial step was to apply Annie Sloan Clear Wax. This wax serves multiple purposes: it seals the chalk paint, provides a durable protective layer, and prepares the surface for the subsequent dark wax application. Using a dedicated wax brush, I gently rubbed a small amount of clear wax all over the lamps, working it into all the nooks and crannies. Immediately after applying the wax to a section, I buffed off the excess with a clean, dry cotton rag. This ensures a smooth, non-tacky finish and prevents any buildup.
Step 4: Achieving an Antique Patina with Dark Wax
To truly achieve that coveted aged, French Baroque look, I repeated the waxing process with Annie Sloan Dark Wax. This step adds incredible depth and an authentic antique patina to the lamps. The trick here is to use clear wax *before* applying dark wax if you desire a subtle aging effect. The clear wax acts as a barrier, allowing you more control over the dark wax and making it easier to wipe away any excess. If you were aiming for a much darker, more intensely aged piece, you could apply dark wax directly without the clear wax first. For Olivia’s room, we wanted a soft, gently aged elegance, so the clear wax base was perfect. I applied the dark wax sparingly, concentrating it in the recesses of the carvings to emphasize shadows and dimension, then immediately wiped back any excess with a clean rag until the desired aged effect was achieved. This process beautifully settled the dark wax into the details, enhancing the lamp’s character without overpowering its delicate charm.
Step 5: The Finishing Touch – New Shades and Assembly
With the painting and waxing complete, the final step was simple: reattaching the harps and fitting them with new lampshades. We opted for inexpensive white shades from Walmart, which perfectly complemented the newly refined bases without distracting from their intricate beauty. And just like that, our thrifted finds were transformed! The lamps, once grimy and overlooked, now exude a sophisticated, designer-inspired elegance that would grace any high-end boutique.
The Stunning Reveal: Designer Style Achieved on a Budget
The transformation is truly remarkable. These lamps, rescued from a thrift store for just $5 each, now stand as elegant testaments to the power of paint and vision. They embody the delicate, ornate beauty of French Baroque design, offering an aesthetic that is both timeless and luxurious. The best part? They are still significantly, incomparably cheaper than the RH Baby and Child Baroque lamps that first captured my imagination. This DIY project proves that you don’t need a lavish budget to achieve a high-end, custom look in your home.
Olivia’s Dream Bedroom: A Symphony of Feminine Details
These beautiful lamps are just one piece of the puzzle in Olivia’s evolving bedroom. The entire space is being curated to be a whimsical, feminine, and cozy sanctuary. Beside one of the newly made-over lamps, I’ve placed a charming little butterfly terrarium, a DIY project from last month’s Trash to Treasure Tuesday, crafted from a thrifted dome clock. It adds another layer of personalized, handmade charm to the space.
In another delightful twist, Robert and I decided to pass down our own nightstands that I had painted last year to Olivia. Their inherently feminine details and soft finish seemed absolutely perfect for her room, too exquisite for us to keep them to ourselves! This thoughtful repurposing means we’re now on the lookout for replacements for our own bedroom, but seeing them in Olivia’s space fills us with joy. It’s another example of how thoughtful, budget-friendly choices can lead to a cohesive and beautiful design.
Adding to the magic, Robert recently assembled this enchanting canopy bed for Olivia. It instantly transformed her room into a fairytale haven. To celebrate, we spent a fun-filled weekend hanging sheets and blankets over it, turning it into the most epic blanket fort imaginable. Blanket forts are, without a doubt, one of Olivia’s favorite things, and seeing her imagination spark in her newly decorated room is the ultimate reward.
It’s incredible to look back at how this room appeared just three weeks ago. We’ve been incredibly busy, pouring our love and creativity into every detail, and the progress is truly heartening. The transformation speaks volumes about what can be achieved with a little vision and elbow grease.
To enhance the cozy factor and soften the hardwood floors, we carefully selected and laid down a beautiful braided wool rug. It adds warmth, texture, and a touch of classic comfort to the room. Above, we installed this stunning beaded semi-flush light fixture. With our 8-foot ceilings, finding the perfect light fixture can be a challenge, but this one offered an ideal compromise, providing elegant illumination without overwhelming the space. Its delicate beads reflect light beautifully, adding a subtle sparkle that aligns perfectly with the room’s feminine aesthetic.
Curating Olivia’s Space: Source List
For those inspired to create their own dreamy bedroom sanctuary or incorporate similar elements, here’s a comprehensive list of sources for everything we’ve used in Olivia’s room so far:
- You can see all of the sources we’ve used so far here:
- Wall color: Behr My Sweetheart (a soft, inviting hue)
- Trim color: Benjamin Moore Simply White (crisp and clean)
- Door color: Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron (a striking contrast)
- Wallpaper (adds delicate pattern and texture)
- White metal canopy bed (the focal point of her magical space)
- Roman shades (for privacy and light control)
- Braided wool rug (bought at a major markdown Easter weekend – always look for sales!)
- Beaded semi-flush mount light (a perfect lighting solution, also bought on sale with an extra 20% off)
- Quilt (similar style for cozy comfort)
- DIY nightstands (a personal touch, repurposed from our room)
- DIY butterfly terrarium (a charming handmade accent)
What’s Next for Olivia’s Room?
This room makeover is well underway, but there are still exciting plans ahead! We’re diligently working on the other side of the room, hoping to pull it all together very soon. Each project brings us closer to completing Olivia’s dream bedroom, a space where she can read, play, dream, and grow.
Join the Thrift Store Transformation Community!
Feeling inspired to tackle your own Trash to Treasure projects? Don’t forget to check out the incredible transformations from my fellow bloggers this month. Their creativity is boundless, and you’re sure to find even more ideas to spark your next DIY adventure!
Clockwise from top left:
Prodigal Pieces | Confessions of a Serial DIYer | Girl in the Garage | Artsy Chicks Rule
