Scavenger Chic

Upcycled Candlestick Lamps

• By Joan
• November 15, 2018
• 3 Comments

I have another thrift store makeover for you.  You may see a couple of huge candlesticks but I see a set of matching lamps.  By now, you should know that anything I find that is tall and skinny and I can insert a wire becomes a lamp.

The thrift store actually had one more of the same set about 6″ taller but I let that one go.

As far as lamps go, these things were way too tall standing at 21″. After a couple carefully placed chop saw cuts, my new future lamp now stands at a more reasonable 17″.

Sand off any rough cuts.

Starting at the top, find the center of the lamp and drill a hole  thru the length of the lamp with a very long Spade Bit, 3/8-Inch x 16 Inches.  If the drill bit is not quite long enough you may have to drill another hole from the bottom to meet up with the top hole.    Always start from the top to make sure that that hole is centered even if the drillbit goes slightly off center sometime in the journey.

Before painting I did have to clean up all the old wax candlestick drippings.

Time to start painting.  All the newly cut wood got a coat of dark gray.  I could have used black as well but I already had the gray out.

Dry brush a coat of sand colored chalk paint onto the bases.  Use a chip brush, dab off most of the paint onto newspaper, then paint away with your almost dry brush.  Use random strokes and leave some of your base coat shining through.

Do the same dry brush technique with a coat of white chalk paint.  If you like the texture of chalk paint, then you are finished painting.  If you like a smoother finish, apply a coat of clear wax.

Cut a groove in the base for the lamp wire to sit so the lamp doesn’t wobble.

Check out this post from 2014  for my full tutorial on how to wire a lamp with a lamp kit.  It really is easier than you think.

I took a couple pictures in my living room first before giving the pair of lamps to son #2 and his wife.

Here they are in son #2’s house.  It’s like they were meant for the space.

Stay inspired and keep an eye out for those tall candlesticks.

Shared at Metamorphosis Monday,

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