My 'interesting' lamps

franksmom_2010

12 years ago

So, these were being given away at work, by the man that actually hunted the birds back in the '60's. I brought them home for the parts (I fix old lamps), and planned to give the birds to my brother.

DH has declared them "cool" and wants them in the living room.

They're a pair, but one has a wooden base. I also have the original shades, but besides being a little dirty, they're massive. The lamps measure 23" to the socket, and I think the shades are at least that tall.

Here's a closeup of the quail:

I'm thinking I need a simple drum shade. It needs to be big enough for the scale of the lamps, but about half the size of the originals. Maybe a linen or burlap fabric? The original shades are burlap.

What to do about the dried flowers? The lamps are dirty inside and out, and I have a feeling that those old flowers will crumble when I mess with them. And I think they look a little too delicate for the mass of the birds and lamps. Eucalyptus? Twigs? Cat tails?

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Comments (10)

Jeane Gallo
12 years ago
Actually they are cute, in a campy sort of way. I thing your idea of twigs would look good. Maybe use some dried green moss for the ground. And some pretty stones. I like the idea of burlap shades, too. I'd probably paint the metal an oil rubbed bronze color. I think the metal parts should fade away, and the globes should be the focus. When I was in grade school, I had an apothocary jar decorated almost identically - with the same dried flowers. Mine had ceramic quail in it! That was the late 60's.
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Diane Smith at Walter E. Smithe Furniture
12 years ago
They are kind of fun and quirky! A drum shade in burlap would look fine. Maybe try a nest of twigs and grasses? If dh grows tired of the quail I think a low maintenance terrarium would be an interesting look.
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jakabedy
12 years ago
That will teach you to let your DH see things like that before you're able to dissassemble them and part them out ;)
franksmom_2010
Original Author
12 years ago
Thanks! I think...LOL!

I don't love the lamps, but DH wants them, and I'm willing to play along. They have a 3-way socket that has a small bulb that actually lights up the globe. I'm making a trip to the craft store soon, anyway, so will look for new natural elements to put in them.

Finding inexpensive shades in the size I need might be a challenge. I'm usually willing to pay for the perfect shade, but this time, I'm not really willing to spend a fortune for these particular lamps.
Sunshine987
12 years ago
My comment is off topic but I am new to the forum as I am helping my mother remodel her first floor and getting great inspiration from you all. But.... WHAT DOES DH STAND FOR????
Claire Buoyant
12 years ago
Sunshine, DH =Dear Husband
User
12 years ago
DD = Dear Daughter
DS = Dear Son
DSIL/DDIL = Dear Son/Daughter in Law
ttodd
12 years ago
I want to applaud you for digressing to your DH's wishes! That's what makes a room interesting.

I agree that twigs and a simple 'burlappie' drum shade would be perfect.
franksmom_2010
Original Author
12 years ago
Well! According to strangers on the internet, those stuffed quail are going to be hot hot hot next year! Woohoo!

I'll just fix up those lamps, put them in the living room, and everyone will gasp and sigh at how hip and cool I am! Everyone will want them, and finally, when we tire of them, we'll sell them on ebay for the vintage treasures that they are and bask in our riches! LOL!
beekeeperswife
12 years ago
I stopped by a used furniture store today at lunch. I HAD to take a photo of this for you:

($30)

My 'interesting' lamps

Comments (10)

Jeane Gallo

Diane Smith at Walter E. Smithe Furniture

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