Sometimes when I’m decorating a room and things are falling a little flat, I like to stand back and think about what color is missing that might help round out the space.
When I needed a pair of lamps for our bedroom, I felt like it would be a good place to bring in a bright shot of color. I found these lamps on clearance at Target and I thought they might paint up well.
I don’t think the lamp base is made of real wood, but it looks a lot like a cut log on a lucite base. I thought a painted version would be a little like this idea.
I wasn’t sure what color I wanted to paint the lamp bases, so I mocked up the room using paint swatches at the hardware store. I’m sure the guy at the paint counter thought I was nuts, but it really did help me in a pinch to see how all the colors I already had in the room would work together with the new lamp color. I picked Glidden’s Spearmint Gum and got a quart in high gloss.
I just used an artist’s brush to cut in on the edges and then a 2″ angles brush for most of the base.
Later I clean up any mess-ups with a razor blade, but it was pretty easy to stay mostly on the wood part.
I love the slight texture of the wood-like grain under the glossy green paint. I think it’s such a pretty combo with the lucite base and the black linen shade.
And the pop of bright green is just what the space needed. I think colorful lamps are always a good idea.
PS Here are a couple other lighting DIYs I’ve done over the years, in case you feel like browsing today:
– Painting a ceiling fan
– Painting a lampshade
– Inexpensive black lampshades
– Spray painting vintage metal task lamps
– Painting a giant brass chandelier
– DIY Sputnik
– Painting vintage sconces
Seriously awesome! Love the color!
I love how adventurous you are with colour, Jenny. The bedroom looks lovely.
http://www.fullbellywornsoles.com
You are so amazing. Bravo!!!
Perfect color for the room! And the guys at the paint counter pretty much always think I'm nuts ;)
I recognize the photo as work by a Phoenix photographer, but I can't remember her name. Can you share? I still regret missing out on a piece that was in a shop off 7th ave.
Does the black lampshade provide enough illumination for you to read in bed, or is that just a lamp for ambient light? I never would have considered a dark shade at bedside. Best wishes!
I love the idea of using paint chips to help visualize the colors together. Great tip!
Hì hÃ8#3¬2&0; Bố cháu chỉ hÆ¡n ngÆ°á»i được cái khoản nháºu thôi ạ! Khoản nà y là number one, nhiệt tình lắm ạ.
So clever on the paint chip mock-up. Love this bright, fresh green. Definitely amps things up!
what a pretty color! that pop of color looks so great!
— jackie @ jade and oak
So happy you posted this. I was looking at a pic of your pax unit and spotted them in the mirror and was wondering where you got those lovelies from ;)
Looks great! I want to copy your idea so I checked out the Target.com link but it doesn't show or mention the acrylic base. Was the base included or did you add it?
Thanks for including the links at the bottom of the post. Very helpful!
Where is your clock from? I LOVE it! (The lamps look amazing of course).
Misadventures in Motherhood
I'm seriously obsessed with your bedroom. If you EVER decide to sell your bedside tables, I am 100% interested in purchasing them! sarah.bradley5@gmail.com
What a beautiful color! I LOVE it! :)
http://www.ahealthymrs.com
Oooh loving the color.
Your Pax wardrobes look fantastic. Are you happy with the quality of them? Do they feel solid or clunky? I always find with Ikea furniture the doors never hang quite evenly but I haven't tried the Pax. Thanks!
That's great. I found some target lamps on clearance last week and spray painted them too! It was terrifying but it turned out really well.
The lamp looks great and your room is beautiful! I love those doors in the background! Is that a closet? Please let me know some details about those!
The lamp looks great and your room is beautiful! I love those doors in the background! Is that a closet? Please let me know some details about those!
I have the same wall color, flooring and white trim in my living room – and, interestingly enough, your eclectic color palette is almost identical to mine. I just have it in slightly different places… red and mint and black in the art, brown silk curtains. gold and cream rug, yellow ottoman… Great minds!
Well done! Your bedroom looks great. Love the colour you used for the lamp – it's super fresh!
Carpet cleaners
Well done! Your bedroom looks great. Love the colour you used for the lamp – it's super fresh!
Carpet cleaners
I thought your walls were Knoxville Gray, but there is a paint sample that says French Gray that looks like it. Can you clarify? Thanks!
If you wouldn't mind sharing, where did you find the clock and painting on your bedside table? They are both so pretty.
OMG LOVE this post:) so totally cute and stylish.
Check out my new post….Amazing handmade patchwork rugs:)
Have a fab weekend dear
LOVE Maria at inredningsvis – inredning it's, Swedish for decor :)
Love that tufted yellow chair. Is that one of your own re-upholstery jobs?