Jen from “Noting Grace” came up with a brilliant DIY to create a high-end ceramic urn lamp knock-off for just a few bucks.
She transformed a thrift store lamp using paint, baking soda, and dirt—yes, dirt!—to give it that gorgeous, aged texture.
I love how she added layers of depth with a simple paint technique, making the finish look like authentic stoneware.
This is such a smart way to get the look of an expensive designer lamp without spending a fortune.
Jen mentioned she grabbed her lamp base for $5 at a thrift store and used leftover supplies she had on hand.
What People Are Saying
Commenters loved the urn makeover and offered helpful tips!
Affordability
Many people love how affordable and easy the project is, especially using baking soda and acrylic paint to create that textured, high-end look.
Baking Soda Ratio
Commenters appreciate the tip about adjusting the baking soda ratio to get the perfect gritty finish—it’s super helpful for customizing the texture.
Different Paint Colors
Some suggest experimenting with different paint colors to match various decor styles.
Make Yours Now!
Materials Needed:
- Old vase or lamp base
- Acrylic paints (charcoal, dark brown)
- Baking soda
- Coffee grounds or dirt (optional)
- Sponge brush
- Craft sticks
- Measuring spoon
- Dropcloth
Steps:
- Mix acrylic paint and baking soda (4 tbsp paint to 1 tbsp soda) until desired texture.
- Apply a light coat, following the lamp’s original texture.
- Add more baking soda for thicker paint, creating a rustic finish.
- Let dry, and add a lamp shade for a complete look.
Tips:
- Adjust baking soda to get the perfect gritty texture.
- Allow the paint to dry between coats.
- Choose a shade that complements the lamp’s design.
You can check out Jen’s full project over at Noting Grace.