Thrifting magic struck again, and this time, it came in the form of the most delightful pink vintage lamp post-style floor lamp! It’s now the centerpiece of my living room, adding a cozy glow and a pop of playful color.
The wiring was a bit frayed and made me nervous, so I swapped out the bulbs for these rechargeable light bulbs, which are also remote control operated. That way I don’t have to worry about plugging in or rewiring the lamp.
Lamps are one of my favorite things to thrift. Here are some tips to remember the next time you’re hunting for a table, floor, or any type of lamp!

Why thrift lamps?
Lamps are readily available at places like Goodwill and other thrift stores. From desk lamps to chandeliers or brand new to vintage, thrift stores carry a variety of lamps to suit your design style. Thrifting lamps is also a great way to ease into thrifting. There’s hardly any effort involved in the treasure hunting process, and it’s a department you can quickly browse when you don’t have a lot of time to thrift.

Easy Thrifting Tips:
Thrifting lamps can be pretty straight forward. But here are some of our go-to tips when thrifting a lamp:
Get prepared: assess the space in your home where you plan on placing the lamp or light fixture before you head to the thrift store. Whether it’s a desk lamp, floor lamp, or even chandelier, make note of measurements, finish, electrical outlets and so on. This will take all the guesswork out when you’re treasure hunting.
Start with the shape. If you love the “bones” of the lamp, don’t worry too much about the rest! Lampshades and colors can all be changed. I recently found a beautiful purple lamp, but hated the shade it came with, that’s an easy fix! (And you can thrift the alternative lampshade too!)
Bring a light bulb and measuring tape: Most thrift stores have testing stations. Oftentimes it’s hard to tell if a lamp is functioning without having a light bulb installed. It also helps to bring measuring tape to measure the lamp to make sure it fits in your space.
Don’t worry about missing lamp shades: if you find a lamp that you absolutely love but it’s missing a lampshade, or the lampshade is worn out or discolored you can easily thrift a different one or find new affordable options from a regular retail store to match your style. You can also upcycle lampshades as well. Check Pinterest for creative ideas to match your design style.
Look out for old wiring and plugs: old plugs can be dangerous. If you find your dream lamp but you’re worried about the wiring, consider doing a DIY rewire or contacting a local lighting store for rewiring services. You can also swap out the blubs for rechargeable bulbs like I did, and forgo plugging the lamp in all together.
Here’s the kicker: I scored it for just $13. That’s less than the cost of a takeout lunch for a piece that radiates charm and whimsy. This lamp feels like it stepped straight out of a dreamy vintage boutique!