New projects going on around here...
A couple weeks ago I went to an auction with Princess and picked up some old floor lamps. I got 2 for $1. They were covered in purple paint and had cloth covered cords coming out of them.
Rewiring them was supposed to be a "bonding" activity with my father, but for some reason, he finds football more enticing. So last weekend, my mother and I decided to tackle it, and when we got stuck on some parts, we waited for commercials to ask him what to do. In the meantime, while he was immersed in football, we secretly grabbed one of his roaster pans and took the lamps apart and boiled the paint off.
Anyways, the point of all this is that I now have 2 beautiful old lamps that have safe wiring. I've never had floor lamps before, so I had no idea where to put them....so they may be moving in the near future.
The pic above is in my back parlor. The lampshade may not be permanent. This style of lamp is known as a bridge lamp and I guess if I want it to look right, I need to invest in, or make, a crazy ornate shade like these . On the wall is a signature quilt I picked up this weekend from an estate sale of an old friend.
Better view of signature quilt I have no idea what's going on with the borders...they are not bound, and it seems they were cut on the bias, so they are all stretched out...I may have to intervene in the near future if it continues to drive me crazy.
Bridge or "arm" of the lamp. Very deco.
Base of lamp. Not so deco.
Here is the second lamp. Different style, with a finial on top. I have no idea what type of shade to put on this one....or where it will "live" eventually.
Base of lamp #2.
Also, at the estate sale this weekend, I picked up this beautiful little Weller vase. It is badly damaged around the rim, but since it's sitting on top of my piano, no one can tell. :) All of my "art pottery" is damaged...it's the only way *I* can afford/justify it, but it is no less valuable to me than if I had pieces in mint condition. To me, the fact that these things have been used, and had a life, adds incredible intrinsic value and makes them even more fascinating.
Awesome lamps! They look great cleaned up. Good for you on tackling the rewiring yourself.
Posted by: Kitt | October 20, 2008 at 11:52 AM
Try taking the lamp to a lamp and/or lampshade store and try different shades - the staff are usually very helpful with ideas. Even if you can't afford what looks best right away at least you know what to look for in the future.
Posted by: Cheryl | October 20, 2008 at 05:16 PM
who the hell would paint those purple?
Posted by: Teresa | October 22, 2008 at 11:49 PM
Nice lamps. I think you have a very good vintage collection through auctions.
-Mini
Posted by: Closets | January 12, 2009 at 02:00 AM