I am a jeans and t-shirt kind of gal. I wear jeans and t-shirts almost every day. Short sleeve tees in the summer, long sleeve tees in the winter. It is easy, simple and classic. But every once in a while this t-shirt gal wants to add a little glamour to my life. Now, I probably won’t go out an buy a little cocktail dress. But I might switch out the t-shirt for a cashmere sweater. What does this have to do with decorating, you might ask? Well, I think of my lamps as my jeans….I was perfectly happy for my lamps to wear basic plain shades - just like I wear my t-shirts. I recently decided that my lamps needed a change…a cashmere sweater, if you will. (This first picture is of a new lampshade in red and gold that I just added to an older lamp.)
So I headed to my local big box hardware store and picked up a couple of new lampshades. What a difference it made to the living room. It is still casual, still classic, but just a little more glam…Here is a picture of the lamp before. The shade was a little too large and a little to pale gold for my taste. I have to say, I love the new lampshade!
Here is another lamp in my living room. The original shade was almost the same color as the lamp. It blended into the walls. I found this shade with pleats and roushing. It is so sweet. I think it really makes a difference. It makes me smile when I walk into the room. And isn’t that what life is all about?
Sometimes it is the simple little details that can make a difference. A new lampshade on your lamp, a new paint color on the wall, a new area rug on the floor. Even new pillows on the couch, or a fresh vase of flowers on the coffee table can freshen the look of your decor. So if you are looking for a little lift this winter….look around your home. Do you have a shade that could be replaced? It is an easy and quick fix for the decorating blues.
1. Wow what a difference! The lampshade changes the look of the lamp so much. I love the “cashmere” shades:>)
by Kathy — 1/9/09 at 8:28 pm #
2. I think those lamps look great. Your a busy woman Penny. Thx for sharing, take care.
by gloria — 1/9/09 at 9:47 pm #
3. Wow! It really does make a big difference. I’d never have selected that one, but it does do the trick beautifully!
by Vee — 1/9/09 at 10:11 pm #
4. Wow! The addition of the new lampshades made a big difference. Your lamps went from blah to aha.
~elaine~
by Elaine L. — 1/9/09 at 10:18 pm #
5. OH I”M FIRST! I don’t know how you find the time to keep up so many blogs. Makes me tired to think about it. I love lamp shades, too and am ready to replace or remake two in the living room. I love yours…
hugs
Sandi
by Sandi — 1/9/09 at 11:16 pm #
6. Nice article, Penny….good advice. I love to “nest” during the cold winter months.
by Meggie — 1/10/09 at 12:07 am #
7. I love the new look! I’ve changed out a few lampshades too & what a huge difference! ☺ Diane
by Diane (Four Paws & Co) — 1/10/09 at 1:19 am #
8. I love lamps. I have them everywhere, even the kitchen counter. Those new lampshades are gorgeous. Mimi
by Mimi — 1/10/09 at 2:50 am #
9. Amazing how such a small change can make a big impact. I love the new shade. Simple, yet sohpisticated.
Kris
by Kris — 1/10/09 at 11:22 am #
10. Oh, yes…I do love your new shades, you SHADY LADY, you !!
just beautiful….
xo bj
by bj — 1/10/09 at 11:47 am #
11. You are so right! I have one lamp that is screaming for a change right now! That’s on my to do list.
by Stacey — 1/10/09 at 1:33 pm #
12. Very pretty! I want to change some of my lamp shades to black! I may need to think about what fabric I have already! You are so creative!
by Lavender — 1/10/09 at 5:17 pm #
13. Hi Penny, I didn’t realize that you had more than one blog! I have loved your mosiac lamps and chandeliers…now I like this blog too - especially your post about changing the lampshades! Since that is what I do, I jsut wanted to thank you for your post! I heard someone say once “that the lampshades dress up your home, like earrings dress up a woman!” At least it was something like that!!! Well, have a great day,
xxxooo
Marilyn
The Cutest Cottage Lamps
by Marilyn — 1/10/09 at 9:08 pm #
14. Wow, I would never have guessed a lampshade. Your photograph hinted the details of a Marie Antionette gown. Such an elegant lampshade.
Karen
by Karen — 1/10/09 at 10:13 pm #
15. Penny your lamp shades make a beautiful look in your rooms. They are just gorgeous. A lamp shade can make an amazing difference as they enrich the space. Lovely.
Hugs…Jeanne
by Jeanne — 1/10/09 at 11:51 pm #
16. I love lamps, am a lampaholic, so this post is right up my alley! I love your new shades, especially the one with the fabric rouching!!
Stephanie
Angelic Accents
by Stephanie — 1/11/09 at 2:24 am #
17. If I need a change in a room one of the first things I think of doing is changing out the shades. It is so easy to do and an inexpensive way to make a color statement too!
Thanks for another great post!
by Tam — 1/11/09 at 2:42 am #
18. Neat idea! I like quick changes like this!
by Sheila — 1/11/09 at 9:51 am #
19. Wow, so pretty! Lampshades really do make a big change in a room.
by Donna — 1/11/09 at 11:20 am #
20. Penny,
What a great idea and what a difference changing a lampshade can make. I am decorating my home on a budget this year and making changes to items I already have and your lampshade suggestions are great.
Erin
by Erin — 1/11/09 at 10:09 pm #
21. I like both changes Penny but the first one, next to the leather furniture is my favorite. I love the shape of the shade.
Darla
by Darla — 1/12/09 at 12:18 pm #
22. Ooh, I love them both. You did good!!!
by Beverly — 1/13/09 at 9:38 pm #
23. What a difference the lampshades make! I love how their color compliments your home. Great Idea Penny!
Hugs, Pat in NY
by Pat — 1/15/09 at 10:44 pm #
24. Thanks for sharing Penny! We all need a little uplifting every now and then. I appreciate your suggestions for making simple changes that will make us smile.
by Dori — 9/14/09 at 11:40 pm #