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Home Decorating

Need lamp shade help!

14 years ago

I would like to put this lamp in the corner of the den/computer room but think the shade is not right for the lamp, plus it is ugly, old and stained. The lamp base is 9Â½ inches tall and 6 inches wide. Can anyone suggest something more becoming to the base or should I just get rid of it altogether? If I keep it, I will spray it a cream color. Thanks.

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Comments (10)

megsy
14 years ago
I like the idea of spraying it a cream color and think a cute fabric shade would be awesome. Size-wise, I have no idea. But I bookmarked a lampshade how-to the other day from someone on here and it's awesome.

Here is a link that might be useful: How I Make Lampshades
Marigene
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks for the response megsy, but I don't intend on using the same lamp shade.
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I would go with a fabric drum shade. Here's a guide on how to pick the right size shade: http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-choose-the-right-size-lamp-shade-apartment-therapy-tutorials-107600
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Yep, there it is. Good find, and it looks like Lindac92 pretty much nailed the date, too. And it's true, replacement shades, regardless of period, tend to be expensive... Those straps you spoke of... I suspect their purpose is merely to hold the socket body, which is probably a non-conductive plastic of some sort, on that white platform. I doubt very much that the metal straps have any part in conducting electrical current. That's what insulated wires are for. Could they act as a ground? Technically yes, but only to electrically bind all the metal pieces of the lamp together so that in the event there was a short circuit, probably caused by an insulation failure, the rogue current would be directed to the ground wire, which is always Green and which leads directly to the round pin of a three wire plug. I'm betting the lamp doesn't have a three-prong plug, or a three-wire cord. Regardless, if you're worried about it, get it checked out by someone who knows. Could be an electrician, but if you have a lamp repair shop anywhere nearby, take it there, have them address your electrical concerns and ask them to replace that missing screw (or whatever) while you're at it so that the bulb will be stable when you have it all together again, ready to use.
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Wow thanks for these great thoughts. Apple Pie, I have thought it may be my best bet to find another spot for them. I had been moving them around and just got tickled at seeming them on the ledges and hoped it could work. You may be right though. Chijim, what a novel idea...I didn't even know I could get a custom lampshade. This would also address the issue of finding just the right texture and color. I'll have to see what's available in my town as far as this goes. Jay, I love the idea of a rectangle. The drum shade just didn't feel suitable for the lamp style, but I think the rectangular shape is much suitable to the design of the lamp and the columns themselves. That one is 14" wide, which wouldn't fit, but I am going to google for narrower ones now and see what I come up with. Thanks again!
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@lynartist I did take them to a lampshade store and that's where I got the off-white shades which are in the pictures of the rooms and also in the 2nd picture in the post. Those are the shades I currently use on these lamps. That store was our city's best and is now permanently closed. :( I love the shape, but feel that they blend into the blinds, color wise. I like the shape of the one you've done.
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suero
14 years ago
You need a shade where the top is wider in proportion to the base. Also, the shade is much taller than the base. Try a shade that is no more than the height of the jug. You might need a new harp for a smaller shade to fit properly.
nanny2a
14 years ago
megsy, thanks for that great lampshade recovering site! I've tried to do this and my last attempt looked sloppy, but this tutorial explains it all perfectly, and now I'm off to find fabric to try it again! I've got a lamp in the BR that needs a new shade and this tutorial has me inspired to tackle it again.
justgotabme
14 years ago
I like this shape with your adorable lamp. Sorry about the red one not saving well. Looked perfect on Paint!
{{!gwi}}
palimpsest
14 years ago
I think the shape you have is ok, but it is too large. Those jar lamps often came with the round coolie shades originally.
artlover13060
14 years ago
I like the shapes of the ones justgotabeme posted, but IMHO they need to be a tad bit bigger.

I love the pottery base. I think it would be a shame to paint over it.
Marigene
Original Author
14 years ago
Thank you everyone for the input. Justgatabme......I really like the lamp with the blue shade......maybe I won't be painting it if I can find something like that lampshade! I think the reason I wanted to paint it is the horrible shade on it.
justgotabme
14 years ago
Nope Marigene, all you need is an up to date shade to make the world of difference in a lamp. To me the lamp itself never goes out of style, just needs the latest in shade shapes.
Artlover is right. A bit larger one would work better too. If you can't find one in the right color you can either cover it or buy a blank adhesive shade made to recover.
Share pix when you are done please.
PRO
Lori A. Sawaya
14 years ago
Annie at Bossy Color just did a blog post this week about lamp shades. I thought she did a wonderful job with the post and I found it very helpful. Lamps from my previous house just aren't workin' so well for me in the new house. Pretty sure shade shoppin' is in my future too.

Here is a link that might be useful: Lamp Shade Change post at Bossy Color

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