Monday, February 4, 2013

mix and match lamps...

Do you all mix it up with your lamps and shades?
 Kind of like making new outfits with what you already have in your closet.

First, I forgot to tell you about the new lamps in the dining room, I found them on clearance
 at HomeGoods, $40 each. I had been looking since I started working on the dresser and
they were exactly what I had in mind, black shades and a little bling. They were just marking
them down, and I couldn't get them in my cart fast enough.

That left this lone lamp that I love, I bought it from a garage sale a few years ago.
I struck up a conversation with the nicest elderly couple and they invited me in, their home
 was filled with a collection of beautiful artwork and unique pieces from their travels. I noticed
 the lamp and admired it, they offered to sell it for $35. I love it because it gives my room that 'collected' feel that I immediately sensed in their home. It is huge 48" tall, I like the added
 texture of the carved base and how it fills this corner in the living room.

(Ignore the fading flowers and empty candy dish from last week's post!)

Suzanne Kasler
    
Onto the kitchen...one of my goals on the 2013 to-do list is to add some modern elements
 to our kitchen. I thought I'd 'shop my house' by mixing and matching some lamp bases
 and shades to see if I could come up with anything fresh...here's how it went down.

Original traditional look I'm tired of... 


$5 Thrift store shade on same candlestick base


Modern base w/ thrift store shade


Modern base w/drum shade (pattern would need to change)


Modern base, black shade


Tall candlestick base w/ rectangle shade


Tall candlestick base w/ black drum shade


$7 Thrift store ginger jar base w/ rectangle shade

I don't think any of these are quite the look I'm after, but I do like a few of them
better than my original.

Do I have you looking around at your lamps? :)
 


28 comments:

Lisa @ Shine Your Light said...

I love that story of how you befriended that couple and they invited you in....I can just imagine that with your sweet self in the picture! I like that white wavy lamp. Definitely is less traditional. Fun to see all these different options!

My Little Bungalow said...

My favorite is the modern base with black drum shade. I like how the black shade balances the dark countertop.
Claudia

Kim said...

I vote for the candlestick with the black drum shade! I am constantly changing around lamps ... along with everything else!! xo

Unknown said...

What a find that lamp in your LR is, a great story too! I have been on a lamp mission at my house too, I am tired of the lamps in my LR, so maybe a change of shades is just what the DR. ordered. Can't wait to see what you do in your kitchen and for the one room challenge! Will your MBR be recieving some tlc???!!!

Cindy @ a curious gardener said...

I agree, changing lampshades is the easiest way to keep our traditional home current. Every one of your shades is the correct proportion to the lamp, it usually takes me a lot of switching of harps and shades to get it right. Love the clever Pinterest hovering P thingy!

Cassie Bustamante said...

i am a shame to home design.... i just don't care about lamps all that much... and i refuse to pay the amounts most stores ask. so i tend to stick with ikea.... shame on me.

Unknown said...

Love to shop my house.. and that modern base with the circular swirl shade gets my vote. I like a chunky base on the lamp there. I know that elderly couple loved meeting you too and that you found a great home for one of their pieces.. wonderful story.
xo Nancy
Powellbrowerhome.com

Jennifer @ Dimples and Tangles said...

I just switched some shades around a few weeks ago...makes a whole new look! Did you try the black shade on the ginger jar lamp? I really like that swirly modern drum shade on the candlestick base with the colors in yours kitchen...but maybe paint the base? Just thinking...you've got several good options!

Jennifer @ Dimples and Tangles said...

Oh wait, I looked again and I really like the candlestick base with the black shade, too!

theknittycontessa.etsy.com said...

Now am I on a hunt for new lampshades! I like the rectangular shade in your kitchen. It echoes the shape of the hood over the stove.

Something Nice and Pretty said...

I love lamps and shades, I especially loved the modern, white base with the black shade!

Kelly @ A Swell Place to Dwell said...

I really like the modern base....but...after all that switching how many light bulbs were just laying around your house from unscrewing them all? Or do you have that many lamp shades hanging around? I think I have 3 lamp shades total in my whole house, so I would fail miserably at this activity ;) Fun to see what a difference it can make though.

Linda {Calling it Home} said...

White modern with the yellow shade. I love how fresh it looks. I mix everything everywhere, because I'm obsessive.

Dana Frieling said...

I love that you have so many options just laying around your house. And, you get the thrifter of the year award..."Umm, I don't see anything out here, but can I go through your house, please?" ;) Too funny!

Lori said...

You would look great wearing any of those lampshades at your parties! I've never even thought of having a lamps and shades wardrobe. How fun to mix it up!

Peggy said...

How fun! We have a tiny stash of shades and lamp bases that I keep in my walk-in closet (its the only storage available and I could never fill it with clothes, ha ha!) I did this for Christmas and need to do it again in our living room. I love the $5 swirly thrift store shade on the original base. It adds a definite hint of modern were as some of the others give a definite traditional vibe. This coming from the girl with a blue rubber tote filled with jars in her living room, :) can you say project in process?! :) Have fun!!

High Cotton Style said...

I think I need to go and play dress up with my lamps now:)

Julie Taylor and Danni Greenwalt said...

My goodness you have a lot of shades to pick from! Great examples of how to change things up!

Diana @ Your Day Simplified said...

Love the tall candlestick with black shade! What great inspiration. I'm going to move some of mine around today and see what I can come up with.

Leslie said...

Great ideas here Pam! I like the shorter base and the black shade for the winter and then the yellow or neutral shades for spring summer. Enjoy your day!

Katie {Miss Dixie} said...

If I only had that many options, my goodness! Can I come shop your house!?

Patty Day @Pattys Epiphanies said...

I am always "changing" the feel of a lamp by switching the shades around. Move harps, etc. and the entire feel of the piece changes!
I adore what a black drum shade can do!!!

Sheila Zeller said...

Ug. I have 3 great lamps, all thrifted finds, but finding shades that do them justice has been tough. They're all vintage, a Murano glass and a pair of MCM brass & walnut base, so the shades are key...

Sew a Fine Seam said...

I don't have very many lamps - none in our living space! I did have when we were first married as that was the only light we had - and they were plugged in with extension cords that ran into the other room. Since I have ceiling lights I put the lamps away. I think I got so sick of them being my only source of light I can't bear to use them now!

Danielle said...

I agree with that quote! Love the collected look :) So fun seeing all the different lamps!

Anonymous said...

I juted my lampshades and repainted the base for a new look!

Shirley@Housepitality Designs said...

Amazing how a lamp shade changes the total look of the lamp..for better or worse!...

Gypsy Heart said...

How wonderful that the couple invited you in and you were fortunate to get that gorgeous lamp! I just love tall lamps. Funny that you mention this subject ~ I think I have a lamp addiction and I've been trying different looks too. :)

Pat

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