One thing you should know about me: I'm a sucker for soft lighting! I've been needing to add a few decorative lamps to the downstairs rooms of my house, so I tackled this project last weekend. Garden Ridge is my favorite place to buy lamps so I went on a hunt. I can get so "lost" in that store with all they have to offer! I have to mentally prepare myself before going in there. :) I went to Home Depot and purchased a bulk pack of energy efficient 60watt soft white light bulbs. Makes me feel a little better about leaving these lamps on all the time! :)
Living Room Lamps - Bronze bases with red shades
How to put a lamp together at Garden Ridge: 1. Pick out the decorative lamp base you like. 2. Find matching shades (this can take some time with the piles of shades GR has to offer!) 3. Pick out a 6", 8", or 10" harp to hold the shade to the base. (Not always required for all lamp bases) Sometimes you have to put it together in the store to make sure it's the right fit. The shade should cover the on/off switch on the base. 4. Pick out a "knob" to go on top of the shade that connects the shade to the harp. VOILA! You have a beautiful lamp!
Foyer lighting adds warmth to your house when you enter through the front door. I like to keep these lights on ALL evening. You'll love the ambiance! The soft lighting these put out is very pretty from the street (and also lets people know you're home!)
I've been searching for a black and white lamp everywhere to go in my "fireplace room." This is a small bedroom off to the side of my living room. The room has a wicker daybed with matching pieces from my grandmother's house. Everything is black and white with red accent pillows. I knew this nightstand lamp needed to be a lot taller so it would extend over the day bed, so I used a 10" harp with this shade to extend the height as much as possible.
You'll be amazed at how adding a small, decorative lamp to your half bath or "powder room" can bring warmth to such a "boring room." Whether you're having a party or just a few friends over, turning this small lamp on will create a more comfortable environment for your guests. It has very similar effects of a lit candle, but gives off more light!
Can you tell red is one of my favorite colors to use for decorating? Yes, this is set #3 of red shades! Hehe :) However, these were not purchased at Garden Ridge. I refinished these lamps I bought from a friend. Below is the before picture. After rubbing down with sand paper, I spray painted over the brass finish with a bronze primer/paint spray from Home Depot. The shades were on clearance at Bed, Bath & Beyond for $4.99 each! These small lamps add so much *sparkle* to my dining room. I turn my main chandelier down to a low lighting and switch these lamps on. It creates a really romantic lighting for dining! I'm very proud of this easy, inexpesive project! :)
Brass Lamp before spray paint and new shade
Spray painting brass lamps in my garage.
(I didn't make as big of a mess as I predicted!) :)
