Creating an antique candlestick with a salvaged lamp is so easy!
Today, I’m going to show you one of my favorite projects, how to turn a salvaged lamp into an antique candlestick!
The next time you’re at a thrift store, flea market, or yard sale and see one of those candlestick style lamps, don’t pass it up!
I always grab them when I see them because they are fabulous to transform into an “antique altar stick”!
Unfortunately, I didn’t get a picture of the lamp that I found before I gutted it of all of it’s electrical, but here’s a sample picture of what I’m talking about when I say “candlestick” lamp.
The lamp that I found at the thrift store was only $5.00, and once I removed all of the electrical, it looked like this.
Made of plaster, it had a dark brown stained finish.
Even in this state, it still worked perfectly for mimicking those highly sought after antique altar sticks.
But still….I wanted to give it a painted, timeworn finish, something that worked better with my style and decor.
So, I started by gutting all of the electrical and hardware out of it.
Gutting the lamp is easy, just clip the cord, unscrew and remove the hardware, then pull the cord out.
I started by painting a base coat in a beautiful blue, Country Blue from (affiliate link) Pure & Original Classico paint, which happens to be one of my favorite chalk based paints.
I painted this base color very loosely, not worrying about whether I got it completely down in all of the nooks and crannies.
As you can see in the photos, some of the original brown finish is still showing through.
Once the blue paint was dry, I loosely painted a dark gray color, Pebble Stone.
As I painted the gray on, I randomly sprayed a bit of water on it so that it would run and drip.
As it dripped down over the blue, I took a soft cloth and dabbed it here and there, leaving it heavier in some areas, and thinner in others, letting the blue peek through.
I let this dry, and then, using the color Sea Salt, I dry brushed it over the raised areas giving it some highlights.
Now comes the fun part!
I have always loved those century old, hand scraped finishes, that can tell so many stories, and I wanted to re-create this.
Using a small putty knife, I started scraping away some of the layers, revealing the colors underneath.
It was so much fun scraping away some of the layers, and seeing that beautiful timeworn finish emerge.
Now instead of having a dull, solid brown look, this lamp has been revamped into an “antique altar candlestick”.
It looks as though it was made a century ago!
Authentic antique altar sticks are so hard to find and their prices can be exorbitant.
Reimagining a salvaged thrift store lamp can give you the look without the price tag!
I’ve always loved seeing homes with groupings of these candlesticks on display.
If you keep an eye out for these old thrift store lamps, it won’t be long before you can create the same look.
I have several of these salvaged lamp bases that I have reimagined over the years, and they are wonderful to display in any room.
All of these are made from salvaged lamps that have the candlestick look and painted in the colors that work in our decor.
I have two displayed on our fireplace in the family room, and a trio displayed in our master bedroom.
I will display them holding candles, moss balls, and even bird nests and pumpkins during the Spring and Fall.
So the next time you see one of these “candlestick” lamps at a thrift store price, just think what it could turn into with a little bit of paint!
Cheers, Cindy
Going to start looking for lamps like these. Fun project and doesn’t look too difficult for a beginner. Thx for tutorial.
Beautiful job on the lamp/candlestick! Now I’m inspired and will be on the lookout for a thrifted lamp!
This layered and distressing technique is gorgeous! I am going to try it on an archectural salvage piece I’ve been dying to refinish. The colors you chose are exactly what it needs and it will perfectly compliment my neutral and white palate, accented with varied shades of Robin’s Egg blue.
I am also completely enamored with the pastoral, cloud filled painting in the standing, gilded frame! Its really speaking to me, begging for a spot on my garden sunporch. Do you know the name of the piece, or where I might be able to acquire a print? I’d be most appreciative!
Hi Barbara! We sell the artwork in our online shop. Here’s the link: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1406218732/antique-19th-c-landscape-oil-painting?ref=listings_manager_grid
Lovely! I haven’t seen any candlestick lamps in our thrift stores for a long time, but I’m sure to keep my eye out for the now. This is very much my style too! 🙂
Everything you make is just beautiful! Are any of your items such as this candelabra for sale? I’ve bought some of your pieces and just love everything. Could you list any other items you’d like to sell other than what you’ve already posted on your store? I just bought the beautiful Cherub. It came yesterday. Can’t wait to see more!
Hi Billie! Usually, everything that we have for sale will be listed in our store. Unfortunately, the candlestick isn’t for sale but we do have them available periodically in the shop!
Wow! I’ll be n the lookout for those lamps now. Hopefully I’ll find some soon!
Wonderful! I can’t wait to go to the thrift store and find myself a gem in the making. Like you, I adore those alter candlesticks!
Thank you!
Blessings,
Teresa
Hi, i love what you did and i will definetly be looking at lamps now. Candles are my top sellers in my booth. i have a very ornate one now and i would love to copy this technique but i’m confused. You said you used a dark gray paint over the blue but it looks white in the pictures. Where did the white come from? I just love your style and thank you for sharing! Pinned
I think the white you’re seeing is where I distressed the candlestick, and the white is the underlying plaster.
Thank you so much for doing this tutorial! I just love the old worn , aged finishes, and yours are authentic looking and elegant! I wish I lived closer and could be in a paint class of yours for blending different paints, etc!
Do you sell the paint you mentioned in this? I have a chalkboard with an old picture frame that I would like to age and use those same colors.
Yes, the links to the paints I used are in the post!
Wow! Nicely done…Good job.
I have been rescuing old lamp bases for years and have quite a collection, but loved watching your process of aging. I’m am definitely going to try that technique rather than cover the original paint completely.
Wonderful Eileen! Thank you so much for commenting!
Love it! I’m really want some of these beautiful candle pillars but they are out of my budget. I will now be looking for lamps thanks to your wonderful article.
Most of them are out of my budget as well, Elaine! This is a wonderful way to get the look without breaking the bank! Thanks for commenting!
Thanks for this clear, easy-to-follow tutorial. I have recently passed up a couple of plastic versions that I could have transformed if only I’d known how. Now I’ll be willing to seize the next opportunity.
Thanks, Deb!
Love the colors you chose for this transformation. I have done a few, but not layering like yours. I think I will repaint some of them since I know now how it’s done. Thanks! You have that eye for the great deals!
That’s wonderful, Linda!
Cindy,you never fail to amaze me. These candlesticks are beautiful, and you make it look doable for us.
Thank you, Sue! This was a very easy makeover!
What an amazing idea Cindy, your lamp turned candlestick turned out beautiful…now i will be on the look out for such lamps….lol….TFS….
Give sweet Ruby a hug from me.
Smiles~
Mari
Thank you, Mari!
Just beautiful Cindy, ….you never disappoint in inspiring us all, thank you!
Thanks, Nancy!
Love your beautiful home, always eager to see each room reveal. Eagerly awaiting on the living room reveal.
Thank you, Lisa! The living room is finished, but not completely furnished yet….I’m working on it!
Excellent idea Cindy!! They all look great!!
Thank you so much, Celia!
Wow!! You reminded me of an archaeologist when you started scraping away the layers. lol. You inspired me to go to our local thrift shop today and see if possibly they may have one. Thank you for the tutorial. 🙂
I’m keeping my fingers crossed that you find one, Cindy!
Cindy, What a fantastic transformation….these candlesticks are stunning! Thank you for the detailed tutorial…..I’m now on a hunt for lamps to re-vamp.
Regards,
Robin
That’s wonderful, Robin! Thank you so much for commenting!
Simply gorgeous and I did the same thing to a brass base I bought from you a few years ago. 🙂
I remember Kim! It turned out beautifully!
I LOVE it Cindy! Love the those colors that you chose to transform it. I have seen so many beautiful lamp bases that were altered to be a lamp and sometimes wondered why as it was beautiful on its own…so now I shall pay more attention to those bases!…Beautiful transformation as always Cindy!
Thank you, Shirley!