Design Finds, One of a Kind Trash or Treasure: Put A Shade On It!

I'm not the only one who likes to use vintage lamps.  If you have not done so  and would like to give it a try you'll need to know the down side.  Finding lamp shades for odd lamps or permanent harps can be a daunting task.  Although, one can always go the expensive custom route and get the job done.

My attic once held quite a collection of old lamp shades and lamp shade wire skeletons.  However, they never seemed to fit my lamp finds or the style I was after.  I do like the way the wire skeletons are being used these days and have saved a few should there be an appropriate occasion or client.


If you are truly interested in going the vintage route you probably shouldn't pass up an opportunity to purchase nice quality new lamp shades when the price is right.  This habit along with a vintage or even new lamp find can mean the beginnings of a "One of a Kind Trash or Treasure."

And, you might want  to collect some finials as well.  Finials are often missing from vintage lamps.  New ones, or great vintage finds, in a scale to fit the lamp, plus new shade, will change the look completely.


This vintage Stiffel lamp with its strange small harp and long stem, shown below, was very outdated with the original tall drum shade and tiny finial.

I tried several new, but not such good quality, shades from the local big box stores before stumbling across this great quality lamp shade design find, shown above right.   New finials help balance the old lamps with the smaller square shades.  The more current good quality fabric shade and style makes the old lamps seem new again.   Now the lamp pair is stately, chic, and of this century.

The lamp shade design find shown right is unusually tall, a trait of vintage permanent harps.  Wouldn't you know it, though, it found a place on a lamp without a tall permanent harp.

This shade can grace a smaller lamp than one would first think of and give amazing presence to various sizes and shapes.  I love the ambient light that shines through this interesting ribbon like shade.  Once again, the finial completes the new look.

Not all vintage lamps need to be rewired.  You will need to check them over carefully though and make sure the switches are not worn out.  Most big box stores carry rewiring supplies in an inexpensive kit and turn keys for old turn switches are readily available.


Vintage lamps without harps can be updated as well.  This one, shown right, needs a glass shade.  You can buy vintage or new glass shades, just be sure to buy the kind that will securely hold your new soft shade. The ones with ridges, shown below, allow the shade frame top to sit snuggly.  You can use a screw from under the shade to hold a finial.





















The updated lamp, shown right, is probably not what you visualized when you first saw the lamp base.  Repeating a design element of the lamp in the finial often gives a good result.  This lamp has a round brass circle at the base, a green circle wreath above that, and another more detailed wreath further up.  A circle finial in a brass color works well.





















Square, rectangular,  and unusually shaped shades are popular right now.  Current style shades make instant updates.

Go ahead, give it a try.  You will love turning trash into a one of a kind  treasure.

Repurpose Reuse and Green Stuff: Whimsy that Functions

I go back and forth between peacefully enjoying the tranquility of minimalism and child-like frolicking with the discovery of interesting things.  I even admit to loving a bit of whimsy!  That said, I am a designer who fully appreciates function.

Whimsy that functions, how fun!

My prized whimsical piece is an iron "butler" who once held cigarettes, a lighter, and an ash tray.

This elegant gentleman has held canes or umbrellas close to my front door for years.  More recently he has been in my closet holding scarves.  But my current fascination with Downton Abbey has me thinking he should once again be more prominent in my life.




A little creativity can make whimsy function.



How can this butler become a
functioning part of our larger household?  After all, wars are long over and butlers long gone.



Since I am in the process of dreaming up a "butler's pantry" where my guests can help themselves to coffee, tea, drinks, and goodies I'll start here.













He can hold the spoons, cream and sugar above a tray with the cups, saucers and coffee pot.






We do a 'sometimes' annual Black Tie New Year's Party that would benefit from his services and get him out of the pantry to greet the guests.




He could help out in the kitchen.

He could wait patiently with a hand towel or hold a few kitchen items.





Or, he could really make himself useful and hold a lot of kitchen stuff.















He would be a whimsical surprise in the powder room.






Whimsy can be casual or have a more formal appeal.

Whimsical pieces can add interest and, of course, the unexpected.






Below are more functional whimsical items.  Perhaps they will inspire you to put some functional smiles in your home.








Kris Kricket will make anyone smile.  He has been with me since childhood.   And even though a little beat up and minus his front wheels, he kindly holds a stack of erasers.

I love this amber glass and brass deco cigarette holder.  It gives the business on these cards a sense of permanence and importance.

A vintage pressed glass compote casually offers napkins at the breakfast table.  The shape and and idea of using such a piece for a napkin holder shouts fun without being overly casual.

No need to drum your fingers while working at this desk.  The hand made wooden toy will do it for you.  The sticky note pad it keeps close by is hardly even noticed.

This unusual shaped Victorian basket keeps my business cards within easy reach.

An inexpensive chalk board was the perfect size for the side of a kitchen cabinet.  It can offer up the menu for dinner parties or keep a grocery list handy.  Hooks were added at the bottom for holding measuring cups, spoons and more.

This vintage stand with inlaid mother of pearl was so cute I had to have it.  It holds a plant here but could hold just about anything.  I have no idea of its original purpose.












Who could function without an old truck head light made into a trivet?

Or, a funky old vacuum to hold the umbrellas!