Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Vintage Lamps and Lighting Makeovers..Obsession Confession

     I confess, I might have a little problem. I love lamps! I'm looking around my bedroom right now and there are 5 lamps. Some women like shoes, I like lamps. Okay, not every room has this problem, but I just rescued a lamp from a thrift store that I couldn't pass by. And 4 of the lamps in the bedroom are ones that I have redone, upcycled, painted or whatever making over is called.
Here's a partial tour of the lighting addiction I can't seem to shake.

My Latest Adoption
 
Seriously, could you pass up this beauty? I love the roses and floral motif.
 
Actually, if I bought all the lamps I wanted, I'd have a dozen in every room. I try not to look too hard for them. Don't want to be a hoarder you know...


Restoration Hardware Redo Times 2





I have a pair of the lamps pictured above. It started out as a brass lamp from Restoration Hardware about 20 years ago. Living near the  ocean was hard on the brass so I painted it with a bronze spray paint a few years ago. Recently, I made up my own chalk paint for a softer look.  All I did was mix some green paint, white paint, a couple spoons of plaster of paris and some water to thin it to paint consistency. Paint it on, let it dry, wax it or spray with a clear spray. VOILA!! Instant shabby chic lamp. Don't be afraid to paint a lamp! If it's metal or wood and has good bones and an interesting shape, make it over!
 
     This is just a classic marble lamp I picked up in my thrifty shopping travels. Typical hoarder regret.. I didn't pick up the other one I saw at the same time. I know.. tmi.



Another vintage lamp find. I've had this one a long time. Love the metal details and glass blob. Probably won't be painting this, EVER.


This is one of my painted brass lamps. It's an old favorite and has been in a bedroom, the kitchen and now makes the family room home. I've painted many brass lamps. If you love the shape, just sand it, prime it and have fun with acrylic paints .


Here's a lamp I just spray painted. It was brown for many years and with all the amazing spray paint colors out there, I decided to add some color. I found this orange shade for just a few dollars. Obviously, I'm not afraid of color!

This sweet and petite lamp is sort of a problem child. I do love it, but I've tried to sell it on Etsy and a consignment store at different times. I think it needs to be in a shabby chic baby girl's nursery. For now, it makes a great lamp in my hall downstairs. I added the teeny tiny beaded trim on the shade. I think it's so cute, but I guess I get to keep it!
 
And now, to end today's lamp museum tour. This was a garage sale find that got a recent makeover. I painted over the original greenish metal finish. I think winter was getting to me and I needed something bright and happy. The color is a mix of some red and orange paint I had. I'm telling you, don't be afraid to paint a lamp. It's an easy DIY project with instant results.
 
One more thing... I have to say something about this post. I'm still learning how to photogragh in the home and realize some of these shots don't have the best lighting. Ironically, a whole post about lighting and I can't get good lighting for the photos. All these lamps and the lighting sucks! Oh, and the lamp shades aren't crooked, really! C'est la vie!
 
Have a Bright Day!
Cindy
Sharing here...
http://savvysouthernstyle.net/


15 comments:

  1. You have some gorgeous lamps Cindy. Nothing makes a home prettier than some unique items like your lamps. I am always on the lookout for them but don't seem to be as lucky as you. :)

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  2. Thanks Stacey, my collection spans many years. Eventually the lamps will find you!

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  3. You've certainly got a pretty assortment of lamps. And guess what? I'm the same way. Shoes and clothes don't do a thing for me. But Judy laughs at me because when we shop, I go straight for the lamps though I need more lamps like I need a hole in the head.
    Brenda

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    1. I with you sister! Love you and your 'bff' Judy, what a team!

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  4. Hi Cindy,
    You have some wonderful lamps. I'm really loving the first one! Funny, I'm not into shoes or clothes either but turn me loose in an antique shop, and I'm in heaven on earth. I love china and tea things too. Thank you for visiting and sharing your lamps at my HOME. I'm your newest follower. Happy Easter!

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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    1. Sandi, Thanks for the compliment and thanks for following!

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  5. Very nice lamps Cindy!
    Thanks for sharing!
    Stacey of Embracing Change

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    1. How nice of you to say that! Hope you'll follow my blog!

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  6. Very pretty lamps...I love the alabaster one!

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    1. I love that one too! Thanks for coming by and I'll hope you'll follow my blog.
      Cindy

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  7. Hi Cindy!

    Thanks so much for coming by and sharing your lamps!
    I had planned to tell you that I loved the alabaster
    lamp, but then I switched to the blue one with the pierced
    lampshade --- but when I realized that you had painted that
    brass lamp in acrylic paint to compete with the super popular
    looks of MacKensie Childs -- you blew me away! SO MUCH TALENT!

    I love that lamp!
    Thanks so much for sharing at Favorites on the First.

    Alison :)

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    1. Alison.. Gosh! Thanks for the kind words!

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  8. Hello Cindy, LOVE lamps too - you have some exquisite ones! They cast just the perfect light and create the perfect ambiance in a room! I do appreciate you sharing with Home and Garden Thursday,
    Kathy

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    1. Kathy, So you know how it is with lamps.. they're addicting! Thanks for hosting Home and Garden Thursday.

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  9. I am fascinated by your painted brass lamp with the polka dots, stripes, lemons? and am thinking I need to stop in to goodwill this week and give it a try. ellen

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Thank you for visiting the Sunset Coast! I really, really love your comments!