Lamp makeover: Glam up a garage sale steal

Easy how-to:

1. Choose a lamp with an interesting shape or decorative features like the scroll pattern on this one.

2. Spray with paint. For hard-to-cover surfaces (like glass), use a primer first. And if your lamp has a decorative knob above the shade, make sure you paint it, too!

3. Fit with a contemporary shade. Look for drum or tapered-square shapes. Most lighting stores sell shades separately.

Tip: If the shade sits too low or too high, you may need to replace the harp that holds it in place. These can also be found at lighting stores.

Get this look: Lamp paint, Coral Isle, krylon.com. Wall paint, Saxon Green, Farrow & Ball. Lamp, michaelpenneystyle.com.