How I Updated and Charmed My Den {thanks to The Nester}

The Nester's post about using lamps to "Update and Charm Every Room" couldn't have been more timely for me. 

Our den was in desperate need of extra lighting and I'd been thinking about getting some lamps for a while.  The Nester's post was just what I needed to pinpoint what I wanted.  And then I was so shocked delighted when, Tuesday night, Shane said, "I think we need to get some lamps for the den."  So off to TJ Maxx and Target we went, looking for lamps. (Well, to TJ Maxx, then Target, then back to TJ Maxx.)

We ended up getting these three lamps at TJ Maxx for $28.00, $29.99, and $34.99.  

 Not bad...but not great, either.  I thought maybe I could do better.

So yesterday, I stopped at a couple thrift stores and picked up three lamps at Salvation Army for $1.99, $1.99, and $2.99.  I also got three shades from Target at 50% clearance for $9.98 each (still wish I could have gotten some cheaper ones, but I really liked the ones I picked).

Hello, Rust-Oleum Green Apple Spray Paint.  I love you.  You were only $2.99 at Hobby Lobby after my 40% off coupon and an exact match to the paint sample I carry around with me that is the color of my kitchen cabinets.  You saved me money.  You are lovely.  I love you.

When I got home I got to cleaning and spraying.  I've seen tutorials on spray painting lamps and taping everything up, but I have to admit, I didn't do anything special.  In preparation, I just wiped them down with a damp rag.  I knew the shade would cover the top part where I was spraying so it didn't matter if I got it perfectly painted.  I didn't worry about it when I ended up painting part of the cord.

I love how the lamps turned out!  Total cost of TJ Maxx lamps: $92.98 / Total cost of Salvation Army lamps: $39.90 (including lamps, shades, and spray paint (I only used about 1/2 a can).

I did take the plastic off the shades before I turned the lamps on, just not for the pictures!

We're doing some work in our den (more on that next week, but it involves rearranging everything) so I'm not thinking about the overall presentation here (in other words, ignore our off-center wedding picture and book wreath on the wall).  Just admire my new lamps, ok?  Thanks!

Sharing with Transformation Thursday.