Saturday, September 25, 2010

Indecisive? Ask the internet!

I have a pair of lamps that were retired from duty in our bedroom some time ago - they work perfectly, but they just didn't suit the look of our new abode. I did try to sell them online a couple of times, but nobody was interested. Poor unwanted lamps. :(

I almost donated them to charity last month, along with a pile of other stuff, but something made me haul them back out of the box and hang onto them. So now I'm thinking of giving them a makeover. This is what they look like:



The base is a very simple turned timber design; pine with a clear satin finish. The shade is an off-white jacquard fabric featuring Latin words. I have a strong feeling that these babies can be transformed into something more up to date. But what?

French Provincial with a shabby finish? Black gloss? Metallic finish? Something altogether different that I haven't thought of? And what about the shade? Is it salvageable or do I have to replace it?

I don't know whether I even want to keep them, so selling them is an option. I just want to do something with them that will result in somebody saying "Wow. I love those lamps."

So I'm asking the internet for help. If you have any suggestions, let me have 'em. I don't care whether you're a makeover veteran, or have no skills at all - if you have an idea, I want to hear it. Please. :)

5 comments:

MTB Girl said...

Stain the base dark with Black Japan, and add a dark drum shade - instant update!

Kek said...

Yep, I think the shade is just too daggy. Perhaps I need to keep an eye out for a bargain - K Mart has some OK shades for $15. Hmm...

Pauline Wiles said...

Does the scale of the lamps work OK with where you want to use them? If yes, I'd say, certainly spray the bases. If not, though, you might just be delaying the inevitable.
Janell at Isabella & Max Rooms has some nice features on covering lampshades, too.

Kek said...

Ooh, thanks for the link!

Trouble is, I'm not sure where I want to use these yet. Possibly my eldest son's room if/when he leaves home in a couple of months - then I get to redecorate and refurnish the room as a guest and/or music room.

So maybe I'll start with the lamps and decorate around them. ;)

Raelene said...

I'm really looking forward to seeing what you come up with. Lots of furniture from back in the day when country was in but not a fan of painting it all white and calling it shabby chic. I'm sure you'll come up with something amazing to inspire people!!