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Emily A. Clark

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My Habitat Restore Lantern Redo

February 20, 2012

 

Every time I visit my local Habitat ReStore, there’s always a slew of brass light fixtures.  I’ve been without overhead lighting in our home office for a while now, so I went in search of something to make over and came home with this:

 

2011-09-20_16-37-42_975

 

 

I was a little unsure of the style, but the price was right ($85), and I knew I couldn’t afford anything new that was comparable in size (it’s almost 40” tall).  Spray paint to the rescue:

 

 

IMG_9880

 

 

 

What I didn’t consider is what a pain in the neck painting it would be, starting with taping off each individual glass section (inside and out):

 

 

light

 

 

 

 

2011-09-22_18-25-46_242

(I used Rust-Oleum Metallic Oil-Rubbed Bronze.)

 

 

 

2011-10-03_16-56-44_21

 

 

 

 2011-10-03_17-02-45_394

(A paint pen for this part would’ve worked better. . .)

 

 

The whole process took me several days and I think I swore I would never do it again.  Then, I remembered how much money I saved.  Although not the exact style, check out the price tag for this large, painted lantern I found online:

 

 

LARGE CORNICE HANGING LANTERN

 

 

lantern

 

 

 

Yep, I’ll take my $85 lantern and a few days of frustration.  Although not a perfect paint job, I’m really happy with how it turned out.

 

 

IMG_9881

 

 

My office is really close to being “finished” enough to show you.  I promise to work on cleaning up my desk for pictures this week and will post them soon :)

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Filed Under: DIY, home office

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Katie @ Wildwood Creek says

    February 20, 2012 at 12:38 pm

    Fabulous makeover!

    Reply
  2. Laura Trevey says

    February 20, 2012 at 12:49 pm

    Oh my word Emily ~ you did a fantastic job!! I would love to try this on our lanterns that are dingy and drab.

    xoxo

    Reply
  3. reFresh reStyle says

    February 20, 2012 at 12:53 pm

    I love it! You are making me want one! It looks great!
    Debbie

    Reply
  4. leanne says

    February 20, 2012 at 12:56 pm

    I absolutely love this! Looks great! And looking forward to seeing your office :)

    Reply
  5. [email protected] says

    February 20, 2012 at 12:58 pm

    Love the new office lantern! Can’t wait to see pics of you office! I’ve been anxiously waiting! ;)

    Reply
  6. Cathy Wall says

    February 20, 2012 at 12:58 pm

    Recently I visited our local Habitat Restore and saw the “graveyard for brass light fixtures!” Your make-over ensures I’ll bring fresh eyes with me the next time I visit! Great job!
    Cathy

    Reply
  7. Tracey Yasi says

    February 20, 2012 at 1:01 pm

    I think your makeover light is much prettier than the expensive one. Well done!

    Reply
  8. Shelley {Crazy Wonderful} says

    February 20, 2012 at 1:09 pm

    Wowzer!!! It’s gorgeous. I can’t seem to come across one this pretty at our ReStore, but I’m still keeping my hopes up :)

    Reply
  9. Business.Blueprints.Brides says

    February 20, 2012 at 1:11 pm

    That looks fantastic! Will definitely be using this idea…maybe I’ll add some wine drinking to the DIY steps to cut down on frustration!

    Reply
  10. Andrea says

    February 20, 2012 at 1:13 pm

    Great job! I love the new look of the old light and what deal!

    Reply
  11. Jules says

    February 20, 2012 at 1:17 pm

    OH MY GOSH!!!!!!!! Gorgeous!!!!! I have been wondering about this project of yours, but didn’t want to ask in case you had abandoned it. LOVE the final result. And it’s soooooo much prettier (in my opinion) than the one you compared it to. Awesome, Emily!

    Reply
  12. BTLover2 says

    February 20, 2012 at 1:17 pm

    Wow! It’s beautiful!! I actually like it better than the expensive one. You inspire me as always!

    Reply
  13. Maury Kilgo says

    February 20, 2012 at 1:19 pm

    It’s awesome! I’ve been hoping to find something similar for our entryway. I just bought 2 brass bathroom fixtures there for $4.80 each and I’m going to do the same thing to them.

    Reply
  14. Liz at Style and Ease says

    February 20, 2012 at 1:19 pm

    It looks great Emily! I seriously don’t know how you do it all! Hope you are feeling well :)

    Reply
  15. Anonymous says

    February 20, 2012 at 1:22 pm

    I LOVE it!

    Reply
  16. Cassie @ Primitive & Proper says

    February 20, 2012 at 1:23 pm

    even if it was a royal pain i think it was totally worth it- it looks amazing!

    Reply
  17. Cassie @ Primitive & Proper says

    February 20, 2012 at 1:23 pm

    even if it was a royal pain i think it was totally worth it- it looks amazing!

    Reply
  18. Cassie @ Primitive & Proper says

    February 20, 2012 at 1:23 pm

    even if it was a royal pain i think it was totally worth it- it looks amazing!

    Reply
  19. Cassie @ Primitive & Proper says

    February 20, 2012 at 1:23 pm

    even if it was a royal pain i think it was totally worth it- it looks amazing!

    Reply
  20. Cassie @ Primitive & Proper says

    February 20, 2012 at 1:23 pm

    even if it was a royal pain i think it was totally worth it- it looks amazing!

    Reply
  21. Dana [email protected] Make Them Wonder says

    February 20, 2012 at 1:25 pm

    I know those “never do it again” projects oh too well. But, you’re right, that tiny little price tag sure is enticing. Your light turned out great!

    Reply
  22. Nancy says

    February 20, 2012 at 1:30 pm

    This is fantastic! I see so many of this type at the Restore, but not one as good looking as yours! You inspire me. I started a re-do of a chandelier from there and got stuck, so this is encouraging me!
    Nancy
    http://www.powellbrower.com/2012/02/my-first-sofa-reupholster.html

    Reply
  23. Jenny says

    February 20, 2012 at 1:45 pm

    What a fantastic find!! Wonderful job!

    Reply
  24. Tiffany @ {Living Savvy} says

    February 20, 2012 at 2:04 pm

    Super cute and totally worth the effort in spray painting! Totally an up cycle!

    Reply
  25. Kim says

    February 20, 2012 at 2:07 pm

    Definitely worth it! Great job!!

    Reply
  26. Mom of 2 Cuties @ Sprinkles of Joy and Laughter says

    February 20, 2012 at 2:09 pm

    Lighting love!! Your effortswere worthit. The result is gorg!!
    Thanks for sharing
    Maureen

    Reply
  27. gina says

    February 20, 2012 at 2:13 pm

    That looks great! I have a huge brass/glass fixture in my 2 story foyer that I would love to update but getting it down is a task in itself.

    Reply
  28. Bethany says

    February 20, 2012 at 2:16 pm

    EMILY – it looks FABULOUS!!!

    Bethany
    http://www.powellbrower.com/2012/02/my-first-sofa-reupholster.html

    Reply
  29. Simple Dwellings says

    February 20, 2012 at 2:17 pm

    It looks amazing to me! I bet that was a meticulous task with all the taping off- but it was so worth it! The difference in finish makes it look so high end! Great job. I will make sure and come back to see your office- looks beautiful!

    Reply
  30. Ann from On Sutton Place says

    February 20, 2012 at 2:28 pm

    I agree with everyone else. Fabulous. I have a question though…did you some how hang it to apply the spray paint? I would love to do this to my dining room fixture but I have no idea where I would paint it…advice would be appreciated!

    Reply
  31. Wilkinson says

    February 20, 2012 at 2:28 pm

    What a great redo! Showing older fixtures a little love with some paint is a great idea. This would be a great way to keep a kitchen renovation on budget.

    Reply
  32. Leah says

    February 20, 2012 at 2:39 pm

    fantastic!

    Reply
  33. Anonymous says

    February 20, 2012 at 2:45 pm

    I love it! I think your lantern is much prettier – and looks much more expensive – than the expensive one! You’ve inspired me to try to do this without silver ceiling fans!

    Reply
  34. Miss Hannah B. says

    February 20, 2012 at 2:49 pm

    Ok, you have inspired me to take down my huge brass dining room fixture and get the paint can out and then go to it! Thanks for the push…

    Reply
  35. Naz says

    February 20, 2012 at 2:51 pm

    At first I thought how it was so 1980’s but you’ve tranformed it into something so current now. Now that’s the way to make lemonade out of lemons!

    Reply
  36. Krista Salmon says

    February 20, 2012 at 2:53 pm

    LOVE it! I can’t wait to see your office reveal!

    Reply
  37. [email protected]:podge says

    February 20, 2012 at 2:59 pm

    Love it!. I have to admit I have not bought fixtures with a lot of glass to spray paint because of the taping it would require. But seeing yours, maybe it is worthwhile!
    Can’t wait to see the whole office, I am already drooling over your bookcases.

    Reply
  38. Amanda says

    February 20, 2012 at 3:01 pm

    It looks amazing Emily! I dont think I would have had the patience to finish it-the whole taping off each glass panel would have done me in. I cant wait to see the rest of the space!!

    Reply
  39. Courtney says

    February 20, 2012 at 3:11 pm

    Love it! If you never told I don’t think anyone would guess it was such a bargain.

    Reply
  40. Debbie {Visual Eye Candy} says

    February 20, 2012 at 3:17 pm

    It looks great! Now I want to do this. Can’t wait for your new office reveal!

    Reply
  41. Tiffany says

    February 20, 2012 at 3:24 pm

    This looks amazing, and I actually like it a lot better than the one for $1050. Congrats!

    Reply
  42. Elizabeth @ The Little Black Door says

    February 20, 2012 at 3:33 pm

    I love it! Great job Emily!!

    Reply
  43. marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says

    February 20, 2012 at 3:45 pm

    It’s gorgeous. Love the style. Hugs, Marty

    Reply
  44. Andrea says

    February 20, 2012 at 4:01 pm

    an amazing find, and well worth the effort. It is stunning!

    Reply
  45. Karen T. says

    February 20, 2012 at 4:20 pm

    I feel your pain! I bought gorgeous outdoor lanterns at Restore for$10/piece to replace my outdoor lighting. The taping was terrible but the results were terrific. You did an absolutely amazing job. You’ve inspired me to replace a few more interior lights…

    Reply
  46. Ashley Ez says

    February 20, 2012 at 4:30 pm

    Gorgeous!!

    Reply
  47. InteriorGroupie says

    February 20, 2012 at 4:58 pm

    It looks amazing! I like it better than the inspiration pic because I like the rounded bottom. Great taping job…as I was reading I was thinking that would be a huge pain

    Reply
  48. Courtney {a thoughtful place} says

    February 20, 2012 at 5:04 pm

    Emily, this looks great. I love how it pops off of the white bookcases. And imperfect paint job . . . doesn’t even matter. The overall look is awesome.

    Reply
  49. courtneyoutloud says

    February 20, 2012 at 5:24 pm

    It looks great!

    Reply
  50. Andrea @ Decorating Cents says

    February 20, 2012 at 6:11 pm

    Love that light!

    Reply
  51. Sam, Leave The Nest Up To Me says

    February 20, 2012 at 7:14 pm

    It’s amazing what a little paint can do — it instantly updated your fixture!

    Reply
  52. [email protected] says

    February 20, 2012 at 7:55 pm

    A couple of days of work still makes this a great steal! It is so purdy now.

    Reply
  53. Kathysue says

    February 20, 2012 at 8:00 pm

    Emily I think you nailed it!!It looks fantastic and expensive!! Kudos to you for persevering! happy Monday,
    Kathysue

    Reply
  54. JennyBC says

    February 20, 2012 at 8:00 pm

    you have so inspired me to start looking!!! this looks fabulous! great job…so worth it!

    Reply
  55. Deidre Miles says

    February 20, 2012 at 8:04 pm

    Yours looks much better! Nicely done!

    Reply
  56. Lori says

    February 20, 2012 at 8:07 pm

    That is a beautiful makeover! I never wood have guessed that it didn’t come from an upscale store and it looks great in your office. I wish I had a restore near me…

    Reply
  57. Lisa Mende Design says

    February 20, 2012 at 9:00 pm

    Good job Emily! I love it!!!

    Reply
  58. Chic Coles says

    February 20, 2012 at 9:26 pm

    Wow! This looks amazing! Can’t wait to see the office reveal!

    Reply
  59. Kristi Figarelle-Lucero says

    February 20, 2012 at 10:09 pm

    I love it!
    I just re-stored a RE-STORE chandelier too! Mine was a little easier though..check it out http://kristiandbrady.blogspot.com/2012/01/merry-christmas-to-me.html

    Reply
  60. Katherine @ Grass Stains says

    February 20, 2012 at 11:19 pm

    I’m sure taping all that off was QUITE the chore. But looking at the finished product, it was WORTH IT! :)

    Reply
  61. Leighann says

    February 20, 2012 at 11:58 pm

    I’ve been wanting to do this to our entry brass lantern. I just showed my husband yours and it convinced him to finally let me try. Thanks!

    Reply
  62. Sixty-Fifth Avenue says

    February 21, 2012 at 12:44 am

    That is a gorgeous light fixture!! The before and after pictures made me say wow! Worth it for sure.

    Reply
  63. 17 Perth says

    February 21, 2012 at 1:17 am

    I love black spray paint! Haha….here is another reason why! It looks great. Can’t wait to see your office!

    Reply
  64. [email protected] Nest says

    February 21, 2012 at 1:28 am

    That looks fantastic Emily! I have been wanting to go to our local Re-Store for a while…now I am motivated!

    Reply
  65. Lauren Elizabeth says

    February 21, 2012 at 2:00 am

    I love this! So modern looking, I have been to a few Habitat stores and they do have a ton of brass chandeliers such a great tutorial on taking one and making it pretty again!

    Reply
  66. traci zeller designs says

    February 21, 2012 at 2:11 am

    I think it looks fab, Emily – but I totally am not planning to undertake that project myself! :-)

    Reply
  67. Janell @ Isabella and Max says

    February 21, 2012 at 2:11 am

    Absolutely fantastic, love the beveled glass, it adds a lot! Janell

    Reply
  68. NR Designs says

    February 21, 2012 at 2:44 am

    Looks great!

    Reply
  69. {Hi Sugarplum!} says

    February 21, 2012 at 4:48 am

    I prefer your version!! Looks amazing, and love the beveled glass

    Reply
  70. Busana Muslim says

    February 21, 2012 at 11:05 am

    This is a great posting I have read. I like your article. Thank you

    Reply
  71. Zoe Elmore says

    February 21, 2012 at 1:14 pm

    Hi Emily,
    LOVE what you did with your Habitat find!!!
    We have lots of “tired” lanterns at the ReStore in Matthews. We’re painting and freshening up that store over then next few weeks. I think I should freshen up a fixture for that ReStore.
    Keep the ideas coming girlie. You are a FABULOUS inspiration.

    Reply
  72. Mrs. Chic says

    February 21, 2012 at 5:19 pm

    so pretty!! I love it! :)

    Reply
  73. I & A Design says

    February 21, 2012 at 6:34 pm

    THAT IS AMAZING!!!! What a wonderful transformation. Bravo :)

    Reply
  74. I & A Design says

    February 21, 2012 at 6:34 pm

    THAT IS AMAZING!!!! What a wonderful transformation. Bravo :)

    Reply
  75. I & A Design says

    February 21, 2012 at 6:34 pm

    THAT IS AMAZING!!!! What a wonderful transformation. Bravo :)

    Reply
  76. I & A Design says

    February 21, 2012 at 6:34 pm

    THAT IS AMAZING!!!! What a wonderful transformation. Bravo :)

    Reply
  77. I & A Design says

    February 21, 2012 at 6:34 pm

    THAT IS AMAZING!!!! What a wonderful transformation. Bravo :)

    Reply
  78. Jenna at Homeslice says

    February 21, 2012 at 11:01 pm

    It definitely sounds worth it! I guess I can’t say since I wasn’t the one having to tape it all out- hate taping! Anyway… really beautiful job. Also, I’m really glad you added the name/url option to your comments! It’s my favorite way to comment. Thanks!

    Reply
  79. Anonymous says

    February 22, 2012 at 12:35 am

    I actually think yours look way better than the pricer one. I love the shape and the glass of yours. Sometimes price does not mean better.

    Reply
  80. LindsB says

    February 22, 2012 at 8:14 pm

    Such a great deal! LOVE how it came out- and the savings alone is totally worth all that work!

    Reply
  81. Anonymous says

    February 23, 2012 at 7:29 pm

    Love your light much better than expensive one!! Style is one of designers favorites!! Great job painting also!

    Reply
  82. The Vintique Object says

    February 23, 2012 at 7:34 pm

    Emily, this is the perfect example of why your blog is so well-loved. Stylish, affordable, and honest! Really looking forward to seeing your finished office. The books look great.
    Camille

    Reply
  83. Piper Trace says

    July 22, 2013 at 2:59 am

    Emily, this redo is incredible! I fell in love with it, so imagine my excitement when I walked into my local ReStore and found the EXACT same fixture I’d seen on your blog!! I’ve taped and painted it, and you’re right, what a pain! But before I hang it, can you tell me where you got that gorgeous ceiling medallion? I can find similar ones, but not the same one. Any help? THANKS!!!

    Reply
    • Emily A. Clark says

      July 23, 2013 at 3:25 pm

      It came with the house :)

      Reply
  84. Mary says

    September 1, 2016 at 11:39 pm

    Where did you get your desk?

    Reply
    • Emily Clark says

      September 2, 2016 at 8:36 am

      A Craigslist find!

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. DIY Saturday | Habitat for Humanity of Smith County says:
    October 18, 2018 at 8:04 pm

    […] makeover Emily A. Clark did on a ReStore light fixture is absolutely stunning. It’s amazing what a little spray paint […]

    Reply

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