lamp ideas

Southern Living, Mar 2004 by Sandner, Julie Feagin

Shed some light on your home with these bright creations.

Want to bring a little shine into your home? Take a look around, and you just might find something fun that could be made into a lamp. Senior Photo Stylist Cindy Manning Barr created these interesting ideas. Let them inspire you. First, find a lamp store or a repair shop in your area that can turn your prized possession into a treasured base. Prices may vary a bit, but labor and parts usually run about $50. Lampshades can cost anywhere from $10 to $300 each, depending on the material you choose.

Memorable Shoes

Family heirlooms give a personal touch to your interiors. These antique shoes are attached to a richly stained wood base that is paired with a cream paper shade.

BASE OR NO BASE?

A base gives the lamp a polished look, but keep in mind that it's often not included in parts and labor; bases usually run an additional $20 and up.

Adding one is good for fragile items or ones where a rod would be difficult to mount. It helps add stability to the lamp.

Simple Transformation

A silver vase that was once hidden in a closet now takes center stage in this dining room. Look for items you don't use frequently, and free up some closet space at the same time.

Feeding Time

Here, an old chicken feeder serves as a great lamp with no base required. A simple paper shade pairs well with the feeder's rustic style.

Ship Ahoy

Docked in a wooden base, this lamp is the perfect accent in a child's bedroom. The rod is attached to the base, leaving the sailboat untouched. An octagonal linen shade is in perfect proportion with the lamp.

Teatime

Stack three teacups and saucers together for a fun accent in a kitchen or breakfast room. Vary the colors of the cups to coordinate with your home's decor, or use the same pattern for a monochromatic look.

Architectural Elements

This terra-cotta column makes an elegant lamp. The maker drilled down the center with a diamond-core bit. When dealing with fragile materials such as terra-cotta, take the pieces to an experienced craftsperson. The wood base is stained to complement the column, and a simple paper shade tops it all off.

MADE WITH THE SHADE

A shade will determine the overall look of the piece and often costs more than the lamp itself.

* Paper shades are less expensive, but some shops offer hand-painted ones that are pricier.

* Give your shade a custom look by stenciling a design on it or adding trim with a glue gun.

* Silk shades lend a dressier style and can be costly. Linen shades also give a classic look.

* Make sure the lampshade is in proportion to the base.