Software
Houzz Logo Print
arlingtonvaremodel

Thoughts on lamp and lamp shade size/type?

11 years ago

I have a lamp base that was in my parents' house since the 1970s. It's not a lamp I would buy if I were shopping, but I like the look of it, and it's meaningful to me that it was in my parents' house. I also like being able to re-use something I have, rather than buying something new. I think I've found a place for it in my family room, sitting on an old trunk that I use as a side table next to my sectional sofa. It may be larger than the ideal lamp that would go in this place, but I think it can still work. The shade that's on it is not the original shade; it's something I just threw on there and that I know doesn't work.

So my questions are:

(1) Am I totally off base that this lamp could work in this spot? I'm not asking whether it's the best possible lamp for this spot, but just whether it is a clear mistake.

(2) Assuming the lamp can go in this spot, what do you recommend for size and shape of a shade?

Thanks very much for your help!

Comments (12)

  • 11 years ago

    Here is a close-up of the lamp. It's not coming through clearly in the photos, but the base is sort of a bronze color.

  • 11 years ago

    I like the lamp! I think it works, but it needs a different shade. Since it looks as if you are here in northern Va, head to Old Town Alexandria-upper end (away from river) to The Lamplighter. Take the lamp and try different shades. They usually have lots, although it seemed a little sparse last time I was there (Oct.). Even if you don't find what you want, the older woman who owns the place is very good at advising about size and shape. She is no nonsense, but I trust her instincts. Her grandson is there a lot now, too, and he seems to have inherited her eye. Either of them will steer you in the right direction.

  • 11 years ago

    Thanks, Cyn! I had not heard of The Lamplighter, but I just looked it up and it sounds great. I will give it a try -- looks like it's about 20 minutes away from me.

  • 11 years ago

    I like the lamp! Darling little pooch too!

  • 11 years ago

    The lamp is quite good for that spot, IMO. It is high enough next to the sofa that one could read with it. Or, when you go to the lamp shop, look into substituting a lower harp, in case the right size shade for the existing harp causes the lamp to tower. I'd also get it rewired to a 3-way bulb if it is going in the FR.

  • 11 years ago

    Good idea about the harp, Andee! Last time I was in there, the grandson suggested just that for a woman who brought in a similar lamp. He changed it for her and suddenly, the shade worked with her lamp and she left a happy camper! When she came in, she was thinking of tossing it-she just couldn't see herself liking it. Too bad- I would have been happy to take it. ;)

    If you can go in during the week rather than the weekend, it will make parking much more simple!

  • 11 years ago

    Thanks! I am not one for delayed gratification, so I went to The Lamplighter this morning when they opened :-)

    Parking was not a problem, and there was no line at the shop. You are right that the woman is no-nonsense, but she was tickled to hear that I had found her family-owned shop through an online decorating forum. We played around with several options and ultimately went with a slightly smaller harp and slightly larger shade in an oiled paper material with a cute fleur-de-lis finial (see pic). And the good news is, it was already wired for a three-way bulb!

    That said, not a lot of reading happens in that seat on the couch, because the dog generally claims it. I realize she looks small in the original photo, but she is actually a very loud 50-lb. coonhound.

    Thanks again for the help!

  • 11 years ago

    I LOVE what that shade did for your lamp. It is beautiful.

    I may need to make another trip to NVA to the Lamplighter. We just don't seem to have good stores in this area. I need a new shade for the floor lamp that I think I will keep but I have never seen this type of shade. The spider part of it isn't at the top it is dropped down into the shade. A rather odd arrangement.

  • 11 years ago

    That looks great! I have had them rewire so many old lamps inherited from my parents and grandparents. I am so glad she helped you!!

    BTW-If you ever need repairs to china or the like, the weird-looking, junky-looking shop across the street is the place to go!

  • 11 years ago

    Thanks to you, cyn! I'm in NoVa, too, and am always in need of a good, knowledgeable lamp shop. I, too, have lamps from mother, grandmothers, and the wonderful estate sales we have in this area. I love lamps!

  • 11 years ago

    Maybe I should warn her about a possible deluge of customers! She has been there forever. Need an odd sized bulb or whatever -they will have it!

  • 11 years ago

    looks great there, with that shade and the finial!