Shade Rules

Finding a perfect lamp shade can be a pita (pain in the a**). Knowing what shade fits best with what lamp shape can be really difficult. While perusing one of my favorite blogs, high gloss blue, I found this great post! Claire has some great tips for picking out the perfectly paired lamp shade. Genius! Why didn't I find this years ago!

Image and Information all via high gloss blue

Danny DeVito Lamp

We came across this beauty at Arc Value Village. What a stunner, right? I'm not sure why (it could be the new season of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia) but this lamp immediately received the nickname Danny DeVito. I think it's because it's short, kinda round, a little awkward....but destined for greatness! Here he is in all his glory...

This lamp got a major upgrade. A bright teal coat of paint (yes...Montana Cans) and a new shade. 

The paint job isn't finished yet though. I decided to add a bit more detail to give it a custom look and a bit more zing. Stay tuned for the finished product soon!

I Dream of Jeannie Lamp For Sale

I was at a thrift store last week (no surprise there) and saw this beauty! Okay, well, really it was an ugly duckling, but with tons of potential. It is huge - about 3 feet tall and I just loved the drum shade. So I took her home with me.

After some spray paint - Montana Cans (again, no surprise) and some fabric the ugly duckling became this beautiful swan.  Okay - sorry, I know that was cheesy. 

I am seriously in LOVE with this lamp.  The base is textured ceramic and the tall part is wood.  Below are more pictures:

Up close of the shade - with some cool IKEA fabric.  

With the light on - it does work!

There is one small crack on the base, but it is in the very back, and not super noticeable- but wanted to make sure you knew if you were interested. 

The whole view from the back.

One last before:

And the after!

I dream of Jeannie lamp for sale: $45

If interested in purchasing or have any questions, please contact us at refindmn@gmail.com.  We will be selling this on a first come, first serve basis.

Thanks- and hope you enjoy our first of many items for sale!

Anchors Away Lamp

This lamp has been in the Stephan fam for awhile. The first time around it was brash (ahem....brass). Think gold....but not a good gold. I updated them in my early, post college, first apartment days. Let's just say I didn't have an eye for color like I do now. I went with a nice warm brown. Better than brass, but a bit boring.

I loved the shape but the color needed some work and the lamp shade needed an update as well. The beauty of working with found items is that you have the opportunity to make a drastic change. And more importantly the end product is a custom one of kind item (or should I say one of a find). When looking for inspiration I came across these lamps....

via The World According to Jessica Claire

via Little Green Notebook

via More Ways to Waste Time

With the above photos serving as our inspiration, we infused the lamp with new life by bringing in a bright nautical blue.

We haven't decided which lamp shade shape will pair perfectly with this lovely lamp. However, I do know that this lamp will be a show-stopper once we find that ideal shade. I am leaning towards a clean white drum shade. What do you think would look best?