I am sharing how I made a DIY Faux Concrete Lamp with paint for only a few dollars. All you need is an old lamp and paint.
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I have been seeing concrete lamps in the homes of my favorite home decor Instagram accounts. These lamps are so pretty but they are very pricey to purchase. There is so much home decor that you can make that looks just like what you can purchase. This DIY faux concrete lamp is a perfect DIY project that anyone can do.
Lamp Before Paint
Supplies
An old lamp (see examples below)
Small amount of Baking Powder to add too the craft paint to give the lamp a concrete texture. Some people use baking soda but I have not tried baking soda.
Sponge, cheesecloth, or paper towel to blot paint
The thrift store is a great place to find lamps that will work well for this project.
DIY Faux Concrete Lamp with Paint Technique
Examples of lamp bases that will work
Look for a lamp with a chunky shape that looks like it could be a concrete lamp.
These are all great examples of chunky shape lamps that will look great with a faux concrete paint technique.
Lamps that will not work
The skinny lamps above will not work. They are too skinny and not realistic for a concrete lamp base.
Spray paint the lamp base first. Sometimes paint doesn’t adhere well if your surface is shiny. I have found that giving the lamp base coat of spray paint will help your craft paint adhere to the lamp better. You can use spray paint with primer but I have found that any spray paint works for a base coat. I chose the lightest gray paint for my lamp.
Mix a small amount of baking powder into your gray paint and stir. I used one teaspoon of baking powder to about a half of a cup of paint.
Stir paint.
Dab a light cream or white color paint onto the lamp base with a brush. I was very messy with the paint so that it would give the lamp texture like concrete.
You can’t really mess this project up because you can keep adding gray paint or white paint to get the look you desire. Just have fun with it!
If you get too much white paint on the lamp, add more gray paint on top to cover it.
Take a sponge or napkin and blot the paint so that it looks like concrete. I smeared the paint with the napkin in some areas.
I am so pleased with how this DIY Faux Concrete Lamp turned out. The lamp looks expensive and it looks just like concrete lamps that you see in the stores. Updating my home without spending a lot of money makes me so happy.
You may also like this lamp makeover
Roxanne says
I didn’t know you could use baking soda to get this texture, so smart! Love how this turned out!
Michelle Leslie says
What a lovely idea Sherry. I’ve been eyeing those gorgeous concrete lamps too, but our budget just won’t allow it right now, but there’s always enough money for some paint and baking powder 😉
Sara says
I love the effect of the concrete look! It really updates those unwanted bases beautifully.
Lori Nell says
Beautiful makeover, Sherry. Love how the lamp looks in your space! Gorgeous.
Kim Purvis says
Ooh this turned out great! I did something simialr with a spindle lamp. I mad eit look like wood with paint.
Anita holland says
The lamp looks really cool, great technique. I have never heard of using baking soda, thanks for the tip.
Maria says
Omg I’m in love ! I want to do this so bad! I have tons of lamps. It’s on my bucket list
Linda Johnston says
Impressive way to remake lamps. Thank for the details tutorial. Great idea!
Paula says
You are so smart to think to add baking soda to craft paint to create the look of concrete. The end result looks so good!