Vintage Modern Desk and Lamp Makeover

by: Chica

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I love to refinish flea market finds, and recently picked up a vintage school desk that I thought would make an amazing nightstand in my guest room. It sat in storage until recently when I was given the perfect desk lamp to go with it — a classic that used to belong to My Honey's grandfather. With both pieces in hand, I knew this project was ready to be completed at last.

First, I tackled the lamp. Wow, was it rusty! And believe it or not, it had long, skinny, fluorescent lightbulbs in it, with some super icky wiring. It all had to go!

After taking the lamp apart and sanding it down to the metal with my orbital sander, I reached for a delightful new color — ColorShot's Orange Slice (now available at Home Depot).

After a couple coats of paint, the transformation was incredible! How could that rusty old lamp look so amazing?

I even installed a new under-cabinet LED light bar with a built-in switch and plug, to give this lamp bright, clean light.

Next, I moved on to the desk. I started by coating the whole thing with more ColorShot paint, this time in Marshmallow white. I gave the top a really good, solid coat, and the base a light coat just to serve as a sort of primer.

Then I took the top off and painted the bottom with a bold shade of teal called Island Girl. Wow, do I love this color! And ColorShot paint is a dream to work with... it coats beautifully, is easy to hold and use, and has very low odor.

When the paint was dry, I reattached the top and moved it all up to the guest room. I am in love with the bright pop of color this gives to the mostly white room.

This vintage school desk makes a great nightstand, with its cubby that's perfect for stashing magazines, tablets, or books. And the lamp is a fun way to keep light (and memories of Grandpa) within easy reach.