gillianma, for the rug, which sounds wonderful, instead layering it on a room-size, could you find/get smaller rugs in the same color family for other areas in the room? They wouldn't need to be the same pattern - just "go with" the original one.

Since the shape & size of the chandelier fit the room & you like it, consider taking it down & rewiring & adding chain. Many of the new chandeliers today are LARGE & it could take some time to find something else. You could also feel so virtuous for not buying something else. LOL.

gillianma I have the same 'afflictions' regarding procrastination, thrift and desire to r.r.r. whenever possible so I understand your thinking. I also live in a 1936 house so lots of the updating is behind the plaster and doesn't do much for the desire to feather the nest!

I have had plain carpeting cut and bound several times and it is a great solution to get what you really want. Although I haven't layered other rugs, there's no reason why you couldn't and I've seen a few examples here and other boards that look wonderful. If you can find a sisal in a size that works for you, I think they lend themselves particularly well to layering, especially with the colors you mention and they are certainly priced well. Binding carpet is generally not inexpensive.

This is a fairly flat carpet with narrow binding used as a stair runner.

{{!gwi}}

This one has a wider binding and a more pronounced pattern but the flat weave would work well for layering.

{{!gwi}}
If your light fixture is working for you but you don't like the color, take it down and spray it. I did that with my kitchen fixtures. And you can buy a few links of chain for next to nothing at any hardware store - you'll paint that right along with the fixture.

These were bright brass - still like the shape but wanted a change and had no interest in spending on all new fixtures

{{!gwi}}

gillianma and dlm2000,

You have my heart all a'flutter talking about frugal, procrastination, the environment and thrify all in one post!
This is better than, well.....it's just really neat to read!

Yes, if it stands still long enough, you can paint it.

dlm2000, what absolutely gorgeous repurposed fixtures!!!!

I've turned shiny brass lamps (hanging, table, wall-mount & ceiling fans---blades AND motor housing) into matte black, matte espresso, bisque... ORB, you name it, I've changed it.

I just can't see throwing away or selling or even giving away a perfectly good lamp.

There's something about spending twenty bucks for paint and a few brushes as opposed to two hundy plus bucks.... that is very rewarding in so many ways.
(the fact that we were really, really broke for so many years put me in that mindset and the mindset never left even when there were finally extra funds to do some sprucing up.)

Chain? You need chain?
Someone was throwing away a large box of chain pieces.
I pulled over because I saw some of the chain hanging over the side of the box.
Not super-long pieces, but all kinds...black, gold, antique brass, white, little, big, medium.....
I'd be happy to send you some links, seriously!

OH...... You can paint chain! *smile*

I start by cleaning the piece really well of grease, grime, everyday dust.

I very lightly sand the surfaces, just to give it a little roughing up. Wipe off the sanding dust with a damp cloth.

Let dry.

I usually use the gray spray can primer.

But first I tape off any area where I don't want that spray to go. (Masking tape from the 99 cent store is my choice.)
Around the plug, the switch, the harp connection.

Spray a very light coat of primer, let dry a few hours.
Spray another light coat, let dry.
Use very wide, sweeping motions while handling that spray can.
Going to slow or too short of strokes allows the paint to come out of the can too much in one area and you'll get paint runs...ask me how I know. :)

Leaving the tape on, now you can paint with your color of choice, either spray or quart cans of paint.

Remove the tape when paint is dry.
IF you get a few spots that need touch-up paint, Spray some of the color into the lid of the spray can (at close range) and using a Q-Tip, very lightly dab some of the paint onto the area that needs a touch-up.

Just like I drooled over dlm2000's light fixtures just now, if you decide to paint your fixture, I sure hope you post a picture. I love seeing how others repurpose/re-use!

Great timing as I do have pictures of rug layering.

This is one I used when I discussed layering rugs over sisal. It's a look that is extremely popular with Interior Designers.

You can see the other images via the link below.

Also, can you post a picture of the Oriental rug? I am working on another article about rug layering and if I know your style, then I will try to find some relevant pictures for you.

Jane who is hopelessly obsessed with old rugs ;-)

Here is a link that might be useful: Rug Layering

What a great thread!

I would absolutely say buy a seagrass or sisal and layer away. I so love that look!

Recently tried to do this myself but didn't get a large enough sisal so it didn't look right unfortunately-
so I'm currently just using the sisal alone and love it...

This time of year, you can find one on sale at one of the big box stores I'm guessing.
Happy hunting and Jane- such an interesting article & pix...thanks for sharing!! :)

Jane is so right about how popular this look is with decorators and I find it attractive too. But how can you achieve the look without using sisal? It is uncomfortable if you're barefoot, it does stain easily and it sheds little fibers. Has anyone found a good substitute?

Oh my goodness! First of all a truly heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who responded. When I posted my plea I had no idea that my in-laws were about to descend on Sunday and not let me respond in real time to you lovely people. I'm so sorry, but my in-law issues are a whole other thread that I will not get into here.

Kathleenca: Bless you. Great minds think alike with the concept of smaller rugs. I have put another smaller vaguely *compatible* rug in that room just to try to see the effect of several rugs. It will be relocated to the foyer because it doesn't quite work. If I do manage to post pics tomorrow perhaps you will agree when you see it in the pictures.

Dlm2000 and Amity:

Wow, you two inspire me! I'm a firm believer in painting. Amity your painting instructions are fantastic and will probably used on other light fixtures! But . . . I'm sad to say that having seen dlm's gorgeous pics, I think my *hung too low* DR chandelier is really awful (I'm forced to consider that it is 70s or even 80s) and perhaps worth freecycling as is.

Dml's examples of painted vintage/antique ones are amazing. I'm tempted to hold out for buying something *old* that doesn't have my DR chandelier's fake candles, even if the size and shape fits. I just need to take my time and perhaps leave it for a few more months. Whatever I decide, the old fixture will not be landfill. It might still be painted.

On rugs:

Yes, I now think I can layer rugs sucessfully. Many thanks for the examples and pictures. I'm a little worried about sisal and seagrass, although I love the look. How do sisal and seagress hold up with pets? My two greyhounds are not destructive but do hang out in that room. Funnily my c. 1930 vintage wool rug is fine with pets and has survived quite a few . . .

Tryintogrow:
Calling my rug an "oriental"is perhaps giving ittoo much credit. It was purchased in "Persia" (Iraq) in 1945 by a family member as *old* but not antique. It is a traditional design and pure wool, or so I am told. It is not considered valuable according to the family member who gave it to me. It was also stored in an attic for many years, but also used, trampled upon and abused for another 20 years by family and various dogs. It is, however, still lovely, if a little faded. You just can't beat wool for endurance!

If I can manage upload some pictures in the next few days I will. I'm not that good with computers.

Again, many thanks to all for responding!

Yes & Yes!
Paint the chandy and layer the rug!

mcmann...if you can wait one more day, I have my article about ready to go and it has some wonderful examples of sisal like rugs but in a much easier to care for fiber!!

gillianma...I'd love to see your rug. I've had many people think their rugs are not valuable only to discover they are. If I can identify it I will.

As far as seagrass & sisal with pets...forget about it! Your wool rug has held up so well because it is wool and naturally stain resistant. You will also like the sisal rugs I am going to feature. They are perfect for pets. I'll post the link here so everyone can see the examples.

One of my customers was involved with greyhound rescue. And you have two of them, how wonderful :-)

gillianma my fixtures are from 1992 - hardly vintage! They were bright brass before I sprayed them with rustoleum dark bronze. I did a ligh scuff sanding with sanding cloth, tack ragged them then painted - no primer. I can get closer pics if you need them. DH hung the chandy in the basement for me - first coat went on right side up then let it dry. Second coat he hung it upside down - you can't spray every nook and cranny any other way. The ceiling fixtures were much easier, obviously.

You'd be amazed what paint can do. Please show a pic of your fixture and let some other eyes help you decide if it's beyond redemption!

Yesterday, procastination intersected with frugality for me. Over a year ago, I purchased new lighting fixtures for my kitchen and dining room. They are yet to be hung. I needed to have ceilings painted first. When I ordered the lights, I didn't order any ceiling fixtures for my hallways. Why? Don't know really. Procrastination, I guess. Anyway, I went to the lighting store with my model numbers (painter is coming next week). Amazingly, two of the fixtures I wanted had been on display at the store and I got them for $43 each (cheapest online price I found was about $100) and the other light I wanted was in stock. I ended up paying about half of what I expected to and didn't have to order anything.

Gillian - yes, rehang the light and layer the rug!

You'll find chain in all colors at Menards/Home Depot/Lowes in the lighting department -- it's super-easy to find. You'll need to buy a longer chunk of cord, too, of course.

DLM's idea of getting a chunk of carpet bound is a great one if you can't find an under-rug that you like. And those "new" light fixtures are beautiful!

Thanks again, all. Wonderful suggestions.

I *think* I have uploaded a few pictures to photobucket. The link is below.

But I have to confess to huge anxiety. These rooms are lived in, but because I haven't had time to clean up after my w/e visitors they are a bit more lived in than usual!

Also, I like to describe my taste as frugal/eclectic, but I will take *weird*. But please be kind!

Finally, the sitting room is 22' x 14'. An awkward size. The working fireplace juts approx 2.5' into the room. We do need a new hearth for safety reasons soon, so please ignore those ugly bricks. We are working on the fireplace.

So, I hope this link works:

http://s824.photobucket.com/albums/zz165/Boudicca_album/

Thanks again.

First of all, you're being WAY too hard on yourself - your house looks great! Second, don't EVER apologize for having pups in the picture, especially on this website - there are tons of pet lovers here! Third and last, I've seen fixtures just like yours painted and they look fabulous. You could do bronze, antique brass, black, nickel - lots of possibilities and they all look great. If you really wanted to change it up, consider getting shades for the lights - white is traditional and never looks bad, black could be very dramatic. And don't worry about the chain - you can buy new for very little $.

Your sitting room is lovely...pretty furniture, too~

Oh good, the photo link worked!

It appears to be unanimous: I need to paint and lower the chandelier and layer the rug. Thanks to all for the encouragement. I think the chandelier comes first and bronze sounds like the best color choice for that room. Wish me luck this weekend with the spray paint!

Dlm2000, thanks for the compliments. The dining room looks much less cramped without the extra leaf in the table and table cloth. I had a hard time taking a picture of the rug without a dog wandering into the frame. They have the run of the house and I guess they know they are photogenic :-). I'm glad there are pet lovers here. As I said on another thread, I tend to decorate around my dogs! Also, I bought shades for the chandelier in a soft ivory color last year. They looked wrong so close to the ceiling so I took them off again, but they will help improve the look enormously when it is lower.

Loribee, I'm glad you like my sitting room furniture. It is a real mish-mash of styles and dates. Some pieces we bought and I reupholtered. The tables and bookcase are 1930s pieces from my husband's family. They were contemplating throwing out the "ugly, old fashioned" dark wood so I asked if I could have them. A few touches of gel stain and a good polishing works wonders.