When I found several blogs talking about recovering a lampshade and spray painting the base, I was intrigued. I did some more research and knew I wanted to give it a shot. I even had the perfect place in my home for a lamp. It's right next to my husband chair. There is a little table that sits right below our family picture wall. We bought a lamp to put there but it was too large and obtrusive and covered the pictures on the wall. So I set in search of a small lamp that could fit there. At the local goodwill store, I came across this beauty for $3 and thought it would be just the right size. Don't laugh but I actually kind of liked the orange and thought I might be able to work with it.
Last night I finally made it to the fabric store to cover the lamp shade. I found the perfect fabric but it said it was flammable. Is that a problem on a lampshade? I didn't know so I called my best fabric source - my mom. She assured me it just meant I shouldn't be making kids jammies out of the fabric and it was fine to use on a lampshade.
I set to work at home. I had to goggle (again) how to cover a lampshade because I couldn't remember how to trace the pattern. I didn't have spray adhesive so I improvised on that part. I am so thrilled with how this lamp turned out! Who knew I could cover a lampshade?!
In the end, the orange didn't work with my fabulous fabric so I covered it with ribbon. The lamp fits perfectly in it's new home and doesn't cover up my family pictures. I have been totally inspired by The Nester and her attitude that it doesn't have to perfect to be beautiful. Now I'm trying to decide if I want to add the ribbon trim to the top and bottom of the shade. Maybe I'll just leave it like this for a few days and see how I like it. Oh, and if you see my husband, kind remind him that he will love this new lamp just like I do.
*JM asked me this morning about the lamp. I told him I love it because it 1- fits the space 2- I love the fabric and 3- it adds some texture and femininity to the room. I got a cross between a sign and a gagging sound for a response. Since he didn't put up a fight, I'm taking that as evidence he's ok with it.
9 comments:
We don't have overhead lighting in our living room either.
I LOVE the lamp!! It turned out SO cute!!
I love that pattern!
LOVE it! You did a wonderful job on it!
The shade looks fabulous. The shades on my shell chandy simply clip on over the bulb. I found the shades at Lowes. The chandy did not have shades when I bought it. It was pretty sad looking when I spied it at Goodwill, but it had great bones. It was sooo worth all the burns. I say that smiling since it's been a year since I made it. I think the scars are finally gone.
Kathleen
The lamp looks amazing - well done you!
And JM's response, for a guy, sounds like a ringing endorsement! :)
Too funny!!! I'd say hubby loves it!!!! The fabric on the shade is fabulous. Makes me want to rush out & find an old lamp shade to make over. But then again, I'm kind of lazy. So I'd get the lamp shade, the fabric & then it would sit for years & by the time I got around to it, I would hate the fabric. So, I'll just cut out a photo of yours & put it on my table. But then again, I wouldn't get any light would I? Kind of defeats the whole purpose of a lamp. Oh well. Thanks for sharing your terrific lamp. I love it!!!
You did a great job and the lamp looks perfect!
i think it turned out great!
Great lamp makeover!
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