Please let me know how to refurbish to make this lamp better, my bf wo

Meg Thompson
by Meg Thompson
  21 answers
  • Jeanette S Jeanette S on Jan 20, 2014
    Were this mine, I would take it apart, clean the base and probably just polish it. Metal can be polished with furniture polish. Then I would rewire it and then give it an upgrade on the shade and fennel. Actually, this size lamp needs a much smaller shade! This is a very unique lamp...it can be made spectacular!
  • Lorey Allen Lorey Allen on Jan 20, 2014
    I would try to polish it first, if it doesn't clean up well, paint it a color to compliment the room you will keep it in. If you don't want to get e new shade right away, try lining the inside with scrapbook paper in a bold graphic pattern.
  • Meg Thompson Meg Thompson on Jan 20, 2014
    Great ideA
  • Meg Thompson Meg Thompson on Jan 20, 2014
    What kind of furniture polish?
  • Funnygirl Funnygirl on Jan 20, 2014
    love the drum shade! If you can find a narrow blind it would look fabulous tacked around the shade.anytype of tortoise or matchstick or burlap fabric would look amazing!New hot trend!love a nice pompon or tassel trim or large bright rickrack trim for a pop of color!
  • Pat Dollar Pat Dollar on Jan 20, 2014
    I totally agree with @Jeanette S that the shade is way too big for this lamp although the drum shape might be complimentary. Look through thrift shops to pick up shades that you might like. Or use construction paper to create a shade shape that is most complimentary to the base before spending money on something that does not work with this lamp. The base looks like it might be pewter. I would suggest you look into metal polishing products to see if it could be restored to it's original color.
  • Colleen Colleen on Jan 20, 2014
    I agree with Jeanette S. Once you polish the lamp,replace the shade and rewire it you'll have a lovely lamp.
  • Kathleen Kathleen on Jan 20, 2014
    Is the base silver, brass or copper? If so, there are metal polishers for each, depending on what your base is made of. It also needs a much smaller shade in the shape of an A-line skirt; in other words, one that is larger on the bottom than the top and shorter in height. You could cover the shade with a fabric that would coordinate with your setting as well as the base. Would love to see the completed project.
  • Diana Diana on Jan 21, 2014
    I love this lamp but the shade is too large and dates it. Once you get the right size you'll know what to do with the base.
  • Jim L Jim L on Jan 21, 2014
    Take the lamp to a shop that does "lamp work". Have them take it apart, Work with them on a square base that does not have that "lip" around the edge. (That "lip" tells me that this is a cup/mug converted to a lamp.) Then, when it is being re-wired, have them make the "candle" part taller and have them help you select a shade that is the proper size. Unless you really know what you are doing, have the supplies, have this done be a professional...nothing is worse that a project that looks "home-made" and out of proportion!
  • Carol Harris Carol Harris on Jan 21, 2014
    I love the lamp, but its the wrong shade.
  • Terri Wardell Terri Wardell on Jan 21, 2014
    I have a little pony standing by a tree trunk lamp my parents bought for me as a child and never could find a shade I liked when the old one fell apart. I finally found the shape of shade I liked and used craft paints to paint the shade to look like a Tiffany faux stained glass version of a flowering tree. I love the lamp and now the shade matches.
  • KathrynElizabeth Etier KathrynElizabeth Etier on Jan 21, 2014
    There are charts that list what size lamp shade is right for your lamp. Since I don't know how big the base is, I couldn't guess. I would paint the base a bright color that coordinates with the room it will be in, a high gloss paint would really make it "pop." Pick a color from your curtain/drapes, throw pillows, or other accessories--one that is NOT predominant. After you decide on your paint color, get your shade. Lowe's has a nice selection of printed shades, but even stores like Dollar General may have exactly what you're looking for.
  • Nancy Hatcher Nancy Hatcher on Jan 21, 2014
    I agree, the shade is way too large for the lamp! Replacing the shade with a more size appropriate one would go a long way toward giving it an update.
  • Sandy Bendick Sandy Bendick on Jan 21, 2014
    I have a lamp similar to that. It almost looked like aladins lamp. Because it was of a metal base, I used jewelry cleaner and a clean white cloth to clean it up. Then instead of using a tall shade , I decided on using a shade that was narrow at the top and wider on the bottom , because I didn't want the shade to overpower the beauty of the lamp.
  • Meg Thompson Meg Thompson on Jan 21, 2014
    Great idea!
  • Heidi Von Weitzer Heidi Von Weitzer on Jan 21, 2014
    Hi Meg, first the shade is not the correct scale or form. I would suggest a smaller one, in addition to to one that ist smaller on top and larger on the bottom. For the rest of the lamp I suggest a rust finish. Rust is very trendy these days. You find the exact "how to" on my blog http.//simplyfauxpainting.com. If you need more help, let me know. Glad to help. Best wishes Heidi
  • Sara Sara on Jan 21, 2014
    @Meg Thompson it depends on your style--there are soo many gorgeous shades out there, and if you look around you can find them on sale, or even go to garage sales or "used" furniture shops. If you are more of a statement piece kind of girl maybe a bright bold color, if a more traditional look sums you up then a gorgeous neutral. Also at "new merchandise" stores a lot of times you can find items that have small defects and get them at a reduced price. Good luck!!
  • Pat Ruge Pat Ruge on Jan 22, 2016
    Remove the shade and carry your lamp with you wherever you go. Whether you shop at Target, Walmart, flea market, garage sales, or even to the finest lighting stores, take your lamp in and try out several different shades until you happen on one that is just right. If you go to a lighting store, you will find someone experienced enough to make suggestions - not so much at the other places mentioned. Once you know the right size and shape, you can then buy it or try to duplicate it depending on your budget and/or crafting skills. The size and the shape are the most important thing you can do to release its inner beauty.
  • Peggy Ash Peggy Ash on Mar 11, 2016
    such a terrific idea! were this my lamp [ and I think it is really cute!] I'd probably paint it in a chalk black to coordinate all the pieces as one cohesive unit and find a shade to your liking approximately the same size as the lamp [ but in a style that suites your interior design/taste] so the lamp is not over powered by the shade......
  • Phyllisrbc Phyllisrbc on Aug 18, 2016
    I'd do what the others are saying regarding a new shade, but might take it back to the cup idea and use it in a kitchen seating area after brightening it and labeling the cup as tea or tea for two or....and then consider using coffee or tea decals/labels on a shade to go for a theme. (Actually, I wouldn't do that much work, but can imagine doing it :)