To paint or not to paint
by
Nancy Gramm
+21
This is one of my fave lamps, a thrift store find from about 20 years ago. It was painted an ugly matte gold, which I stripped, leaving it as it currently is. Afterward, I took it to an acquaintance who runs an antiques auction (I know, shoulda done that first, but it really was a crappy paint job, no chance of it being original), and he said it should never have been painted in the first place, but since it had been, it wasn't worth that much anyway, it being spelter. Taking all that into consideration, I'm thinking of painting it either an oil-rubbed bronze or doing a rusty iron finish on it. Or should I leave it alone. It's not a bad look, as is, just not eye-catching.
Thoughts? Opinions?
Thoughts? Opinions?
18 answers
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Either option would be nice...The oil-rubbed bronze would go well with your room's colour scheme. I would redo it personally, unless you were to use it in a shabby chic pastel type of decor. I have a simialr untouched lamp. From what you said, I guess I had better leave it alone. :)
B. Enne
on May 02, 2015
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OK, you have touched on an obsession of mine! I pick up lamps at Goodwill, consignment and antiques store on a regular basis. My daughters check my house for new lamps on a regular basis. Your lamp is lovely. I would recommend the oil rubbed bronze finish also. A beautiful look! I would update the shade. Tuesday Morning and Hobby Lobby always have creative and wonderful shades at great prices.
JoyLynnCook
on May 02, 2015
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I think I would go light, a shabby chic look as another person suggested, but from what I can see of your room it looks like the oil rubbed or "rusty" iron look would be better.
Ellie
on May 02, 2015
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Have you thought about using a simple bell shape shade but extending the height of the shade just a little bit. It would mimic the curves of the design in the lamp and the shape of the lamp itself, smaller at the top and wider at the bottom. The oil rubbed bronze would be beautiful with that lamp. I am really jealous. :)
Kim
on May 02, 2015
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No please don't paint. Just update shade.
Wendy
on May 03, 2015
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I would leave it as it is.
Wallie Simmons
on May 03, 2015
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Just pick a unique shade for it and it should really be an eye catcher. The base is really pretty but a little overwhelmed with a large shade. But you may need it for lighting more than anything else so hush my mouth. My take is just change the style shade.
169756
on May 03, 2015
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I would suggest that you leave it as it is. To me the shade is the problem. It is too casual for the style of the lamp and not a flattering shape.
MaryJVA
on May 03, 2015
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Ok, I like the way Wendy and Wallie think. Maybe changing the lampshade would be enough to make the lamp more,,,remarkable. Here's some shots of shades I had in my closet along with a couple I found online. Whaddaya think? And yes, I know some of the shades are crooked. I had to take the harp off to remove the old one and it's not back in straight. Will correct eventually. ;^)
Nancy Gramm
on May 03, 2015
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Because the lamp base is ornate, I would choose a shade with simple construction in a solid color. I like the shade that you are currently using, minus the trim, and perhaps in a striking color. I've had good luck with spray paint on fabric shades.
J
on May 03, 2015
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I think the bell shaped shade works best on this 'style' of lamp. The second photo of a bell shaped shade looks great. I would try to find one a bit larger though because I think it will balance the lamp more. Lowes (mayby Home Depot) would carry that style of lamp shade and they do not mind at all if you bring your lamp base in with you to 'try some on'. I've done this many times and I just hold it up as I go in the door to let them know I'm shopping for a shade that fits my base. The selection of lamp shades is incredible at Lowes and it's often overlooked as a store for these items. Good luck and please post your final decision. P.S. you can also add beading to the bottom rim of a lamp shade to change the look. You can find a good selection in the fabric department at Hobby Lobby.
Adrian
on May 03, 2015
- See 2 previous
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Either leave as is or paint bronze, BUT I think the more plain you go on the shade, the more you'll highlight the beautiful lamp. The colors of the shades in the pictures look too yellow for the current finish, and too small. I'd go with one that's whiter or a darker color if you prefer. No stripes, etc. here's a link to great advice on choosing a shade that's compatible with any lamp. http://www.shadesoflight.com/inspired-spaces/inspired-blog/how-to-determine-the-correct-lampshade-size/
Paula
on May 03, 2015
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Leave it alone, kiddo. Why go to all the time and trouble of taking the original paint off, just to paint it again? It looks lovely, just the way it is.
Chris Leckington
on May 03, 2015
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I would look at it closely to see how much it is worth. If it is not worth anything then look at the decor of your home. If your home is contemporary, I would paint the base and the shade. If your home is more traditional or Victorian you may want to leave it.
Daveicrave
on May 03, 2015
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I have two gold and burgundy lamps that do not look good, as they are. The gold part appears to be some hard metal and the burgundy part is glass. What kind of paint should I use to paint these lamps.
Cathy Norton
on May 03, 2015
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Leave it the way it is but change the shade!
Adrinesd
on May 04, 2015
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Painting could be fun if you really wanted to take it another direction with color and tinted glaze to highlight design. But if just lukewarm about doing it I'd let painting go. Start with a new lamp shade, very important. Large Barrel shades are very popular right now and you might consider going down a bit lower with the neck. Good luck!
Lana Bradley
on May 04, 2015
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I would go with a new/different shade. Home depot and Lowe's have lots of shades for a reasonable price...plus you can return it if it isn't the look you want.
Elaine753
on Nov 07, 2015
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