Who knew something as simple as changing a lamp shade can give a lamp a whole new look?!
The process wasn’t quite as simple as it could have been since it is really hard to find replacement lamp shades in the stores! I had been looking every time I went to the local stores and I finally ended up going to a specialty lamp shade store.
The first time I went to the lamp shade store , I didn’t take my actual lamp with me. I quickly learned that trying to buy a lamp shade without the lamp is like trying to buy a hat without your head! I had thought I could tell by looking at the shades which one would work. There were so many styles and so many choices I couldn’t possibly pick the right one with out having the lamp.
The next time I went back, I went prepared! I gathered up 4 different lamps and took them to the store . Here are two of the four lamps.
Bedroom Lamp-
My Great Aunt left a pair of these lamps for us. The lamps themselves were very pretty but their original shade was so big, it overshadowed the detail on the front of the lamp.
The new lamp shade has a more slender shape and is shorter. The ribbing in the shade adds interest as well. With the more slender profile of the shade, it looks like we have more room on the top of the bedside table. More of the detail on the front of the lamp is also visible.
Shell Lamp
I originally found this lamp in a resale store in Arkansas. My friend, Lisa and I were in Arkansas checking on some property my parents had bought years ago. The lamp was empty and didn’t have a shade. I decided to fill it with shells and just stuck a shade on it that I had found in the farmhouse back room. The shells worked, the shade not so much! I thought I had a picture of it but I guess I thought it was too scary to photograph!
The new shade and the finial made out of sea glass really made the lamp look great! I love the color of the finial and the crab is my Zodiac sign! The green color reminds me of my favorite green, celadon! You can read more about my love of celadon here:
The gentleman at the lampshade shop also suggested I change the light bulbs. He was extremely helpful! I will share the before and after of the other two lamps in another post!
Goodness! Lamp shades are always a difficult one to replace for the right look…and bulbs? My photographer husband always has an opinion on the color and hue! Hooray that you have conquered this!
it is amazing how much difference the right shade and right bulb makes!
I agree and I like you analogy about buying a hat without your head. I’ve done exactly the same thing and had to go back when I had the lamp with me. It’s quite a daunting process buying a lamp shade. They both look great.
Thank you , Carol! It is amazing what a difference the right shade makes, isn’t it?