Love the Rust-O-Leum hammered finishes. I know there is a black and a pewter choice. The look is not speckled, but more mottled.

Hi, one of my favorite products to use for this sort of thing is a wax paint called Rub 'n Buff. They have several different finishes to choose from. It will take you about two minutes to do, just use your finger tip or a little soft cloth. One tiny little tube goes a long way. After it cures just buff it out. If you want you could spray a clear coat on it so it will stand up to harsh cleaners. I like the rub n buff for brass and gold tones the best and sliver tones not so much.

With the no-prep paint, I would sponge or rag-on the black. I think the pole same finish as base would be beautiful.
Just lightly dapple the black and possibly add some metallic to get the same antique finish as base.
Looks like Frank is thinking about this, too!

Hi again, I have not done extensive looking but the Rub n Buff doesn't seem to come in as many colors, might be more but I don't know, couldn't even find the chinese red. target="_blank">

Thanks!

So...no votes for a solid black pole? Solid cream? DH thought the idea of flat black was lame, but I thought it was a classic. I think the cream is pretty, too.
{{!gwi}}

Jterrilynn, I've used Rub-n-buff for lots of things, but have never had great results with it on a shiny surface like this. Maybe there's a trick to it?

Paintergirl, you think I should do that whole pole like that? I thought about it for a second, but the only beef I have with that paint is that it dries REALLY fast. No brushing over anything you just brushed 4 seconds ago, so doing something that big and round, I was afraid I'd end up with a bumpy smeary mess.

There's no rush, I have a bazillion other projects that need finishing first, but I'm going to think about all of the ideas.

Hi Franksmom, did you try rubbing the area down with a flat finishing sponge thingy? I'm talking about the finishing thingy you find near the wood stains section. Or you could lightly use fine sandpaper and then the finishing thingy, clean then Rub n Buff.
I like the cream you posted, never would have thought of that but it looks real nice.

Where are you going to put it? What are the other colors in the room?

Great find! I love the shade with it, too - the angles on the shade seem to compliment the feet and shape of the base.

Another thing you could consider for the pole is wrapping it in black leather, and then using a paint pen in antique gold to do a little greek key or small swirl design right at the top and bottom of the leather.

Pal, here's the living room:

The built-ins are full (FULL) of books. The ceiling fan will be replaced soon with a light fixture yet to be decided on. I'm thinking the lamp will go to the right corner. The wall on the right side has stained wainscoting, and cream colored paint the rest of the way up. The wall on the left is stained panelling. The mantle (soon to be fixed/replaced) will have some sort of decor. A black fireplace screen and tool set is on my wish list. There's nothing else in the room.

Les, thanks! I saw that shade a while ago, and admired it. I was thrilled when I went back to the store today and it was still there. I got it home and slapped it on that lamp and did a little happy dance!

Sophisticated finishes. I have pics if you want to see how it works on a lamp almost exactly like yours. the finishes look so real and you only need a very small amount. Can't tell you have done anything because you can judge how much you want to use and the patina can remain. It is the most perfect finish since it doesn't obliterate the original finish...unless you want to use enough to do just that. Michaels sells it and you can get it on line. c

It's true, it does dry fast, so you have to attack it with a plan in mind. And, it will take a couple of coats. I suggested a rag or sponge, but I personally would use a brush. Start from the top, work your way down and around, repeat after that coat is dry.
Rub n' Buff is good, too. May gave you a little more control.
I do like the cream, but I think it works on the other lamp because it has some interest to it....not just a pole.
Anyway, let us know what you decide!

You might consider painting the inside back walls of the bookcases in the same cream color as the wall above the wainscot. I think it would really brighten that end of the rooms and make the fireplace more of a focal point.

I don't know if the shelves are adjustable, but if they are, it might be nice to mix them up a bit, some shorter, some taller.

I'd spray paint the pole black or ORB.