My $6 thrift lamp turned out to be a makeover project, and I almost gave up on it
Grabbed a brass table lamp at Goodwill in Cleveland last month for $6 because the shade was stained and the base was dull and green. Got it home, plugged it in, and the switch crunched and died on the spot, so I almost tossed the thing in the alley. Instead I spent $4 on a new cord kit and a $3 can of brass polish, then soaked the base in vinegar and baking soda for about 20 minutes (the green junk wiped right off). The old shade was too far gone, so I hit a estate sale down the street and found a cream linen shade for $5 that fit the harp perfectly. Total was $18 and it looks like something from a fancy hotel lobby now, sitting on my nightstand with a warm bulb in it. Has anyone else saved a thrifted lamp like this, and did you rewire it yourself or pay someone?