Ugly Lamp — Pretty Lamp

I have this thing with getting the lamps right in my rooms. But, it seems that it is not actually possible for me. Not only do I need lamps for accent lighting, but also for task lighting, and I want them to look right all at the same time.

I have been trying to remove the box store generic lamps and replace with whatever I can find in my parents’ attic, etc.

One trip to a local antique mall, and I found an ugly lamp to transform, but I loved the shade, or the potential the shade had. It was all of $7.50. But I thought I might just work with the lamp too. 

So I took it apart and cleaned it out, then spray painted the base and other non-glass parts with brown, textured paint. I love rewiring lamps for some weird reason, so I rewired it then put it back together and now I love it. I covered the old, ugly, stained shade with burlap and added the trim.

That, of course, led me to cover more shades with burlap. This shade actually came on a $14 lamp. 

 I thought it would be great on this copper lamp floor my dad made in high school. 

This is one of my favorite lamps. Love the detail in the base…

Then I “had” to cover the shade on the piano lamp. 

I love the way they look at night, but I cannot for the life of me capture that with my camera. 

I think it gives a more cohesive look, although they are not all the same. I’m trying to get away from the beaded shades I had and add a hint of mid-century, vintage style. 

…and I cannot wait for this mid century beauty to arrive!! Do any of you have one of these double lamp shades?? I have fallen in love with them. I have the perfect mid-century floor lamp of my grandmother’s to put it on. 

Now I think I’m happy with the lamp situation as they are all vintage except the one on the piano, and none were made in China. Gotta love the “green” aspect of that.  

Thanks SO much for stopping by! I appreciate and love your comments:-)

Anita

I’ll be joining:

Wow Us Wednesdays

 Inspiration Friday

Vintage Inspiration Friday

Home Sweet Home

Feathered Nest Friday

18 Comments

  1. Barbara F.
    July 17, 2012 / 5:42 pm

    Great transformation, Anita. I never saw a double lamp shade. The copper floor lamp your dad made in high school is a beauty. xo

  2. Pat
    July 17, 2012 / 5:49 pm

    I can't believe the change in that glass lamp. Very nice. Like the recovered shades on all.

  3. Emelia DiCarlo
    July 17, 2012 / 7:57 pm

    Hi Anita, How is your day? Love the natural beige burlap, it is perfect among your beautiful living room. Have you ever been to The Williamsburg Lodge before the renovation, gorgeous, just like your room ……we stayed there many years ago, on rte to SC and back(I64) out of way…..I love your sofas and burlap runner…..all your design and vision is the best. I admire your sewing skills…..and able to work with burlap,not easy.Take care and stay cool.Thanks for sharing your wonderful home:)

  4. FABBY'S LIVING
    July 17, 2012 / 10:24 pm

    Oh boy, you are clever and talented! I love the lamp's new look, it looks so elegant with what you did to it. Great job!
    FABBY

  5. Buttercup Bliss
    July 18, 2012 / 1:37 am

    Great job! I really love the burlap! The entire room is so warm and cozy!

  6. Paula@SweetPea
    July 18, 2012 / 11:15 am

    I love the way you've decorated your room. It looks so cozy and inviting.

    The lamp makeover is great. I've been keeping my eye open for interesting lamps but haven't found anything good recently.

    I'm visiting from Wow Us Wednesday.

  7. Creations By Cindy
    July 18, 2012 / 2:27 pm

    Love the burlap! And I love how you've decorated. Looks like a weekend getaway spot! Hugs and blessings, Cindy

  8. Adrienne
    July 19, 2012 / 3:01 pm

    I LOVE your lampshades! You've inspired me to get busy and deal with the ugly, outdated shades on the lamps in my living room. I may even repaint the lamps before I'm finished. Thanks for sharing – you always inspire me!
    ~Adrienne~

  9. Debbie
    July 19, 2012 / 9:35 pm

    I just noticed the comment above saying that this was inspirational to her. I feel the same way and was going to say the same thing. There's just simply no excuse to hate your lamps when you have a little paint, inspiration, and creativity to use.

    Also: For some unknown reason, your blog on my side board says your most recent post is two months ago. I have no clue what blogger schmogger is up to now, but I hope it corrects itself. UGH.

  10. Pam - @diy Design Fanatic
    July 19, 2012 / 9:43 pm

    The burlap looks great Anita. I love all the textures in your living room. Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

  11. Patricia @ 9th and Denver
    July 20, 2012 / 4:12 am

    Kudos, to no lamps made in China!
    as to the burlap and trim…I love the way it ties all your lamps together.
    Your living area is so cozy looking. I love it.
    It has a very comfy feel to it.
    Pat

  12. Number Fifty-Three
    July 20, 2012 / 2:07 pm

    Beautiful living room and I love how you spruced up the shades!

    Angela

  13. Deanna
    July 20, 2012 / 6:26 pm

    Howdy from Kansas!
    Young Lady, You sure have a nice decorating touch!!! Always looks so inviting at your place.
    God bless,
    d

  14. Marty@A Stroll Thru Life
    July 20, 2012 / 6:28 pm

    Oh how fun. Great job on redoing the lamp, the burlap shade looks fabulous. Hugs, Marty

  15. Pinky at Designs by Pinky
    July 21, 2012 / 3:09 pm

    Anita!!!! I am so excited to be here……FINALLY!!! I got a new computer and now your posts do load for e! I was so frustrated! I love the lamps, especiallt that floor lamp and you did a GREAT job on the shades. I got here via "Front Porch News" and love your porch too!!! We won't have a porch at the new house and I hope we can build one in a few years cause I will MISS THAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! XO, Pinky

  16. Kathryn
    July 23, 2012 / 4:38 am

    Anita,
    I love all of the lamps! They look fantastic and you have such a warm, inviting living room. Found you at french country cottage and am now happily following you!

    Would love for you to pop by sometime for a visit!!

    Kathryn@uglyducklingtransformations.wordpress.com

  17. The Charm of Home
    July 25, 2012 / 3:01 am

    Anita, I like this look! Thank you for joining me at Home Sweet Home!
    Sherry

  18. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage
    July 26, 2012 / 5:49 pm

    Very charming! Thank you for linking up at Feathered Nest Friday! Hope to see you again this week!