This Post contains a DIY – Designer Lamp Makeover. Lacquer spray used correctly can create a beautiful smooth sleek finish.

There are so many home decor designers whose work I adore. It is a dream of mine to attend High Point Market one day. The burning question is: How many of us can afford to fill our house with designer products?

A few can and that is wonderful. But, the rest can get the designer look and stay within our budgetary constraints. Today I will show you a DIY – Designer Lamp Makeover using Spray Lacquer Paint.

You will find a step by step guide on How to Lacquer Wood Furniture or Home Decor on this earlier post: DIY Guide to Lacquering Anything

The Inspiration Designer Lamp

Here is a look at the designer inspiration. If your budget allows you to purchase this beauty, I’ll bet it is worth every penny. The designer is Dana Gibson, a favorite of mine. Her entire line is spectacularly beautiful, elegant, and sometimes playful.

Feel free to shop away if these are in your budget! I can’t blame you at all!

Designer Lamps I’m Loving

If you’re loving a great DIY these home bound days, check out these posts as well: DIY – Adding Trim to Drapes || Simple and Affordable DIY Centerpieces || Three Flowers to Create a Beautiful DIY Arrangement

DIY – Designer Lamp Makeover

Cheetah Print Lamp — Before

I found my lamp at an Estate Sale here in the KC area a couple of years ago. BTW: Did you know that Saturday’s are 1/2 price days at most Estate Sells? Lots of great items are purchased before Saturday, but it’s still a great day to get a bargain. I paid $30 for this larger than life, designer in it’s day, ginger jar shaped lamp.

Fellow DIYers – Budget Friendly Designer Lamp

The ginger jar lamp is classic. This one was likely from the 1970 or 1980s. As my home is adorned in all the bright colors of Chinoiserie, the moss green did not work. Cheetah print is a classic motif of Chinoiserie, with the most recent iteration being bright playful colors for the print.

Supply List for Cheetah Print Designer Lamp Makeover

• Ginger Jar Shaped Lamp
• Painter’s Tape – Plastic Wrap
• Primer
• Lacquer Paint or High Gloss Enamel
• Acrylic Paints
• Rub-n-Buff and Antique Gold Acrylic Paint
• Optional – Sealer Spray – Non- Yellowing

Shop: DIY – Designer Lamp Supplies

Find the Lamp – Protect the Hardware – Apply the Primer

Once you have found your lamp, collect the items above and you’re ready to start. The hardware was protected from the paint with a trash bag and painter’s tape, then came a coat of primer, any white primer made for ceramics will work. It can be found at a craft store or big box store.

High Gloss Enamel or Lacquer Paint

Next comes the white high gloss lacquer spray paint. Be sure to follow the safety precautions on the can. I set up a make shift card board box spray tent in the garage, careful to cover the floor as well. It took one full coat and a touch up coat (I learned the hard way that high gloss enamels and lacquer have different dry times).

Steps for Painting the Cheetah Spots

• Paint Spots
• Add Second Color
• Paint Base and Trim Antique Gold

Before applying the paint to the lamp, I did a practice run. After playing with two teals and several shades of magenta, I chose one of each for the lamp. You can see that varying the size and shape of the “base” spot gives a more realistic look. I then played with the second color using varying sides and dots to create the look.

The initial spots were done with teal. There was a moment of consideration given to stopping after that one color. The lamp works either way, and will be something for you to decide for yourself.

Gold Trim for the Designer Lamp DIY

The base and a trim piece around the top of the lamp were painted with an acrylic antique gold. I followed up the paint with a little Rub-n-Buff paste. Here’s the work in progress.

The finished product landed here in the family room for several months. In the past week it was moved to the picture window in the living room, because I needed the height there, after the trees were trimmed. Don’t even try to follow my logic; it generally works only for me. I realize I need a lamp shade that is about 2-3 inches longer, but haven’t been able to find one yet. So, I dangle the pretty magnets to help.

I hope you enjoyed the makeover. Lighting is so crucial to making a home feel warm and welcoming. Here are some of the exact or very similar lamps I use in my home. There are a couple of vintage lamps, and they are “one” available type shopping.

Lamps in My Home

Or Very Similar

Similar Lamps – Under $100 per Lamp

Thank you for checking out the blog!

Enjoy Today.

Love y’all,

Lori Nell

Never Miss a Post – Sign Up Below

First Name

Last Name

Email address:

Leave this field empty if you’re human:

Sharing is Caring ~ Feel Free to Pin the image below to your Pinterest Boards! It’s a blogger’s currency. Thank you!!

Follow me on these platforms as well for daily inspiration