A Simple DIY Farmhouse Style Lamp
Hi sweet friends! I’m back today with a fun and easy tutorial for a simple DIY farmhouse style lamp. Yep, that’s right–I made a lamp! I’ve been wanting to make one for a long time now, I guess you could say it’s been on my DIY bucket list (yes, I have one of those) and I’m excited that I can finally check this one off the list. You guys, this was SO dang easy and simple–much easier than I ever thought it would be. And believe it or not, I actually used an old vintage porch post to create this lamp. If you’ve been around for a while now, you might remember when I talked about the giant porch posts we bought from an auction about a year ago now. They’ve been sitting around ever since, shuffled from room to room and just waiting to be used. Well I finally figured out a creative way to use one of them and I’m excited to show you what I came up with today! Let’s get to it, shall we? Here’s what I started with for this project:
This is the porch post. Obviously. Each one had to have been about 8 feet tall when we bought them, but we cut them all down just to make them easier to move around. This is actually hollow on the inside, which makes it perfect for a lamp.
We simply cut it down to the height we wanted and cleaned it up a bit. Next we used this awesome lamp kit from Amazon for the electrical piece of this project–it came with everything we needed!
Once we had the porch post cut to size, we created a simple base using a square wooden plaque. We screwed that to the bottom of the post, drilled a hole in the center, and ran the cord up through the inside. Easy stuff.
My husband had the great idea to carve out a little ditch on the bottom of the base for the cord so the lamp would sit nice and flat.
Next up we used a round wooden plaque to attach the top section of the lamp. By the way, you can find these little wooden plaques at any craft store–they’re super handy!
Just drill a hole through the wooden plaque and attach the harp like shown.
The instructions that come with the kit are pretty clear about how to attach the wire to the top section of the lamp. That part was easy peasy and very straightforward.
Screw the top base to the porch post and that’s it! Everything is attached and it’s ready to go. Here’s how the finished lamp looks:
Pretty cool, huh? The porch post made for the perfect base and I absolutely love the way this project turned out. And it was so darn easy! If you’re curious about the burlap lamp shade, I actually picked that up from Lowe’s.
I tried a little something different with my painting technique this time. I started by painting it all in the Linen White matte chalk paint from Rustoleum (which I am LOVING by the way). Then I wanted it to have more of an antique finish, kind of like these candlesticks look, so I decided to use my Annie Sloan dark wax over the top. After I put on a light coat I grabbed some sandpaper and distressed the heck out of it. This was the finished look and I’m pretty happy with how it turned out. Kind of a weathered, antique look.
This was so darn easy and I feel like it definitely has a strong Pottery Barn or Pier 1 vibe going on for a mere fraction of the price. Who knew a DIY lamp would be so easy?! And I have to say, that lamp kit we used is the bomb. I wasn’t sure how legit it would be considering it was so cheap, but it really made this project a complete breeze. I just love how this turned out, my only regret is I wish we had made two. And can I just say how much this post reminds of me of that scene from The Anchorman where Brick keeps saying over and over, “I love lamp. I love lamp.” I mean, c’mon. That pretty much sums up how I feel about my post today!
Thanks so much for dropping in! I’d love to hear what you think of my simple DIY farmhouse style lamp and be sure to let met know if you have any questions!
A few other easy peasy DIY projects you might like:
Vintage Door Turned Full Length Mirror
DIY Painted Pots & Vintage French Labels
The Comments
Heather Hoben
Oh my, I love the lamp!! What a great idea, I am inspired!! By the way, you are sure getting your money’s worth with that baby’s breath. I have a few bunches as well and they last forever!
Sarah
> Heather HobenThank you so much Heather, it was a fun project! And that’s actually new baby’s breath. I just bought it a few days ago for this post! 🙂
Michelle
Good morning Sarah
I absolutely love this lamp! I found a old lamp at a second hand store and it was too tall. My husband helped me cut the candlestick part down and we rewired it. It was super easy. Have a great day.
Michelle
Sarah
> MichelleThat’s such a great idea Michelle and so smart!
Helen
Oh my word, is there no end to your talents?!! That looks amazing and so in keeping with the rest of your room, your are one clever lady!x
Sarah
> Helenhaha, you’re way too sweet to me Helen!
Kristen
Hi Sarah 🙂 Love the lamp idea! Quick question about the Rustoleum chalk paint. I’m currently in the process of painting my hutch white with that same paint. Have you used the wax that goes with it? Did you wipe it on with a rag or use a wax brush??
Sarah
> KristenHi Kristen! I haven’t used the wax yet. But if you do you’ll want to wipe it down with a soft cloth–like an old t-shirt. Wipe off any excess and then kind of buff it in!
Cindy Richter
Love this. I’ve always been so intimidated by the thought of making a lamp. You make it sound easy. Thanks for the pictures. Guess I’m on the hunt now for the perfect column.
Sarah
> Cindy RichterIt really as so simple Cindy. I was actually really surprised at how fast it went. Give it a try!
Jeanette Vincent
Love the lamp! I will be on the look out for some porch posts! You’ve inspired me to try to diy a floor lamp! Thanks!!!
Sarah
> Jeanette VincentGive it a shot Jeanette, it’s definitely very easy to do!
Bonnie
Have porch post, need floor lamp. Bingo! Thanks for a most timely tutorial! Thoroughly enjoy your blog!
Sarah
> BonnieYes! Give it shot Bonnie, it’s really so simple.
Kelsey
This turned out great!! What a unique piece!
Sarah
> KelseyThank you Kelsey!
Brenda
So cute, I really love it! You got my creative juices flowing…I wanna make a lamp…grin!!
Sarah
> BrendaGive it a try Brenda, it was so simple! 🙂
Stephanie
This looks so great! I think the paint is really perfect. What a good idea using the dark wax! Our property is covered with cedar trees, so my husband and I have been trying to plan out how to make lamps from the cedar posts. More of a rustic look than this, of course. I really love the post but I don’t have those growing up in my yard ????
Sarah
> Stephaniehaha, yeah it’s hard to find old porch posts growing up in your yard! I wish! 🙂 But I think you could definitely use cedar trees to create a pretty cool lamp too. Give it a try!
Julie Briones
That is super! I love the color/wax you chose! My folks used to have their own custom nursery lamp business, and I assembled many-a-lamp in my younger days. It really is easy. 🙂
Sarah
> Julie BrionesOh my goodness Julie, that is awesome! And you’re right, it’s so easy. I’ll probably be making another one soon!
Nikki
I love your lamp! I have two lamps that I bought from Kirkland’s that look so similar to your homemade one. Great job!
Sarah
> NikkiThanks so much Nikki!
Debbie Wiseman
I have 2 porch post in my garage! I can’t believe I didn’t think to make a lamp out of them. I am redoing my whole downstairs to farmhouse. I love reading and seeing all of your ideas! I would love for you to look on my Facebook page Debs trash 2 treasures and you will see why I said I can’t believe I didn’t think to make a lamp out of my post!!
What started out as a hobby has turned into an income or should I say my stash. I started making jewelry out of vintage odds and ends, windchimes out of you name it I used it. Now I am into making lamps and yes I make them out of anything. I know you are a very busy woman but if you have a few minutes in your spare time (lol)to look I would appreciate some feed back.
P.S. Congrats on your new addiction.
Sarah
> Debbie WisemanThat’s awesome Debbie, I’ll have to head over and check out your page. Sounds like you’re doing some great stuff over there!
Carlina
Holy smokes this is fantastic! Thank you for sharing, now I’ll be on the hunt for posts!
Sarah
> CarlinaThank you so much Carlina!
Teresa O'Connor
Thats a brilliant idea 🙂
Thanks for sharing Sarah, I want to make that lamp now
Sarah
> Teresa O’ConnorGive it a shot Teresa, it was so easy!
Chelsea @ Making Manzanita (formerly The Johnsons Plus Dog)
Super cute idea! I love how it turned out. I wonder if most spindles are hollow. I have one and it definitely doesn’t feel hollow!
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Hey Sarah! I love this so much, I featured it today on my round-up of farmhouse style DIY projects at http://www.PopItUpGirl.com
Come take a look!
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Shari
Love the lamp. Showed my hubby as it’s going to be our next project. I need this style lamp in my home.
Thanks for sharing your awesome ideas.