Q: I picked up this lamp for free and I think it has potential, but it needs work. The base is a heavy fossil-laden stone (a rusty red color, though it doesn't really show up in the picture), which is what I like about the lamp. What can I do to give it a modern style? What kind of lampshade would look best on this?
Sent by Sara
Editor: Please share your ideas and suggestions with Sara in the comments below - thanks!
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New shade. A very tall/skinny one, or short drum or square shade.
I second the square/rectangle shade idea.
I like the drum shape to the shade, but if you want to go for stunning, you can get a shade that's black or ivory on the outside, and metallic gold on the inside.
Remove the textile on the wall an the lamp will look great.
I tend to agree with FengShuiByFishGirl.
The lamp looks fine to me as is, but I find it hard to give suggestions if I don't know what the room looks like. Since the base is very narrow, I think a drum may overpower it and make it look too top-heavy. Experiment with different shades to see what appeals to you.
I bought an Chinoserie lamp at a thrift store in summer, and I brought home at least 10 different lampshades before I settled on one (most of them did not work out size-wise). And I live in a place where there is not unlimited number of stores that carry lampshades, so it was quite a challenge.
Shorter harp (the metal hoop that the shade is screwed onto), shorter similar drum shade of similar circumference.
I agree-- ditching the wall hanging would also do wonders for this attractive lamp.
Below are links to two of our lamps that are very similar in shape and size to yours. Never underestimate how much a great shade can change your lamp. Use these two photos as a guide when shopping for your shade. Since your lamp was free, buy a great shade!
http://bit.ly/c0EjcX
http://bit.ly/a5oTNH
The Designer Insider
A black lamp shade would make a big difference
A black shade would look nice. Or this:
http://www.potterybarn.com/products/mica-drum-lamp-shade/
(The red one)
FengShuiByFishgirl is exactly right - There's nothing wrong with the lamp and the shade, it's the room and the blahtastic wall color that's the problem.
I just bought a drum shade from http://www.fenchelshades.com/
I would definitely use them again.
I like the lamp shade as is.
Yeah, ditch the thing on the wall and paint if you can.
Nice score!
You could keep that shade and jazz it up by gold leafing the inside, although that will reduce the light. (Craft leaf is about $10 for 25 5 inch squares at craft stores, where they also sell the appropriate adhesive.)
I agree with those who say move the hanging. The dull red and the bright blue don't work well together. (Something organic and earth toned would be far better.)
An old globe could play on the fossil thing...
Maybe this mosaic makeover is in order? http://ninjadiva.blogspot.com/2011/09/mosaic-lamp.html