Oil Slick Lamp

I have a thing for old, quirky lamps. Great-looking new lamps are so expensive and vintage lamps are usually crazy cheap and way cooler, so I opt for the latter in my life. Sometimes they need a $10 rewiring job and 99% of the time I'll want/need to replace the shade, but I still think vintage is the way to go.


I found this lamp with the rainbow glaze at Junk in Williamsburg. I actually saw it there a couple times and passed it up. But the more times I saw it, the more I needed it. I think it was $20? The funny thing was as soon as I carried that lamp out of the store, a dozen people asked me where I got it. #winning. Even the hipster guy at the shade store asked me if I would sell it to him. But, it was just too perfect for Joanna's room.


The cool shade guy helped me choose this black semi-transparent organza shade. Feels so edgy, right? We used a clear Edison bulb in there since you can see through the shade.


PS I kept thinking the lamp reminded me of something and the other day I realized it was the art in the Ruffalo's bedroom from Domino back in the day. Such a great room:


PS How to line the inside of drum shades with metallic paper.

PPS I just started a Facebook page for LGN. Still working out the kinks, but I'll love you forever if you Like me? xx
on

39 comments:

  1. Polly RowanFebruary 3, 2012 at 6:08 AM

    really lovely lamp! Simple yet stylish. Just liked your facebook page :) x

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  2. LaurieFebruary 3, 2012 at 6:11 AM

    great looking. the shade is perfect!

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  3. AndreaFebruary 3, 2012 at 7:12 AM

    Love the funky lamp. I too have an obsession with vintage lamps. When I find one, I have to bring it home with me!

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  4. LemanieFebruary 3, 2012 at 8:42 AM

    Wow it is a beautiful lamp!! Very unique! Definitely a rare find! =)

    Lemanie's Randomness

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  5. Christina Marie InteriorsFebruary 3, 2012 at 8:57 AM

    That's an awesome lamp! Perfect shade selection! Love it. I'll like you on fb too. I would love you forever if you liked me too :) https://www.facebook.com/pages/Christina-Marie-Interiors/146345088746152

    Christina
    WWW.Christinamarieinteriors.com

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  6. Bethany [at] Powell Brower HomeFebruary 3, 2012 at 9:03 AM

    awesome lamp and going over to 'like' you right now :)

    Bethany
    http://www.powellbrower.com/2012/02/project-update-bathroom.html

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  7. AnonymousFebruary 3, 2012 at 9:04 AM

    That is a really cool result but maybe you could do a post about lampshades one day...it seems you can get a used lamp at a decent price but then you add the cost of a new shade to it and it becomes exorbitant. Maybe you have some tricks on finding that perfect shade for a reasonable amount?

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  8. Jenny at LGNFebruary 3, 2012 at 9:16 AM

    Hi Anon!

    I bought this shade at Just Shades here in NYC. They have some of their stuff available online too. (http://www.justshadesny.com/), but there are TONS of great shade stores online to search through for great pricing. Also every city will have at least one or two decent shade stores.

    I would say a really great new shade will run you between $40 and $120. Any new lamp I like well enough will cost me at least $300, so I'm still in the black as they say.

    I buy almost all my shades at Gracious Home or Just Shades. I used to buy a lot of shades from Target, but I wish they used harps more. I can't stand uno fittings! They make for a crooked shade every time.

    Lamps Plus is a good resource for nice, basic drum and empire shades priced at around $30-$50.

    Hope that helps!!

    xx

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  9. LindseyFebruary 3, 2012 at 9:20 AM

    That lamp is fantastic. I think finding items like that is one of the most exciting thing about decorating.

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  10. SonyaFebruary 3, 2012 at 9:28 AM

    That is such a cool lamp and so inspiring! I agree on the Target shades- they would be an awesome source but I never buy them anymore because it's so frustrating fitting them on a lamp without a harp.

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  11. sarahFebruary 3, 2012 at 9:34 AM

    wow---i wish we had cool antique stores and junk stores to find such awesome things. i adore that lamp.

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  12. CeriFebruary 3, 2012 at 9:38 AM

    Great lamp! And the bedroom is gorgeous!

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  13. Michelle @ Sweet Something DesignFebruary 3, 2012 at 10:22 AM

    What a wonderful find, and I agree vintage lamps just have more personality.
    I have found, albeit plain, shades at Lowe's and Target is ticking me off with carrying only harpless shades ;)

    P.S. I like you.:)

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  14. life, in small chunksFebruary 3, 2012 at 10:41 AM

    Just liked your facebook page. Love the new shade - great choice.

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  15. Rebecca GibbsFebruary 3, 2012 at 11:44 AM

    great lamp! LOVE the transparent shade idea...never seen that. Thanks for sharing!

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  16. SarahFebruary 3, 2012 at 12:19 PM

    love that lamp, now the question is where can I find something similar?!

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  17. The Buzz Blog @ Diane James HomeFebruary 3, 2012 at 12:52 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  18. AFCFebruary 3, 2012 at 1:04 PM

    I'd love some advice on where to shop for unusual and interesting lampshades. I'd love to add something different to a simple lamp and I don't know where to look.

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  19. Glam at HomeFebruary 3, 2012 at 1:15 PM

    I agree, vintage lamps are the way to go! I have many in my home and they have so much more personality than the run of the mill stuff. This one is so pretty, it reminds me of a rainbow.

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  20. NuhaFebruary 3, 2012 at 1:39 PM

    oh my god...that lamp is insane! it was meant for you (..and joanna hah!)

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  21. evalevaboFebruary 3, 2012 at 1:59 PM

    I love the lamp. Nice blogg you have. love.
    Eva

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  22. Kelly McDonnellFebruary 3, 2012 at 2:13 PM

    Wow. Love it. I too would love a lamp shade post. I find great lamps all the time but don't have the confidence/knowledge of how to pick a shade. Shade size in correspondence to base size? All older lamps seem to have that dated bell shape shade. So do you just put a drum shaped shade to update? Is drum shape shade appropriate for all base types? See Jenny, a tutorial on lamp shades is needed. :) Please help.

    Headed to FB to friend you.

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  23. Renee AriannaFebruary 3, 2012 at 2:37 PM

    That is the most amazing lamp ever. You really came across a total gem!

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  24. The Buzz Blog @ Diane James HomeFebruary 3, 2012 at 3:44 PM

    Holy cow what a gorgeous lamp - can't believe you can get something so chic for $20! You are inspiring me to dig around more at tag sales and flea markets. Hope you have a great weekend, Cynthia

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  25. Annie Vincent InteriorsFebruary 3, 2012 at 3:56 PM

    That lamp is crazy good looking! Liked your FB page! YAY!

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  26. UnknownFebruary 3, 2012 at 4:29 PM

    Obsessed- it is SO good. And PS, so agree- most definitely prefer vintage lighting!

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  27. Pam @ bibbidi-bobbidi-beautifulFebruary 3, 2012 at 4:41 PM

    Hi Jenny! Joanna's whole room is so great, but I really love that lamp. I went on a service trip to Oaxaca, Mexico years ago and while we were there we visited some of the families that make pottery from this indigenous black clay there. It had sort of an iridescent sheen to it, though I remember it having more of a flat finish. I'm wondering if your lamp is the same pottery but with a glossy glaze? Anyway, it's so cool! Thanks for sharing!

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  28. Jenny at LGNFebruary 3, 2012 at 4:48 PM

    Pam!! I love that story!! Wouldn't that be amazing if these lamps were from the same place? Crazy thought!

    xx

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  29. KelleyFebruary 3, 2012 at 7:32 PM

    I never would have considered that lamp if I saw it in a store, but it looks GREAT on the dresser! Especially with that awesome shade.

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  30. ShannonFebruary 3, 2012 at 8:22 PM

    those lamps are my favorite part of joanna's new room! they are showstoppers for sure!

    always love your work.

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  31. mom23February 3, 2012 at 8:54 PM

    cool lamp...that shade is dead on! awesome!

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  32. Shannon DarroughFebruary 4, 2012 at 8:52 AM

    Completely agree. Vintage ones have more character.

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  33. AnonymousFebruary 4, 2012 at 10:16 AM

    Love vintage as well. I liked your Facebook page. Like be back? New to the blogging world.

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  34. AnonymousFebruary 4, 2012 at 8:01 PM

    How very clever of you dahhling to spot such potential...

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  35. Mary Ann PickettFebruary 4, 2012 at 8:40 PM

    Looks great...Nice going!

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  36. able mabelFebruary 5, 2012 at 12:41 PM

    Neat! I love it!

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  37. dew + oliveFebruary 5, 2012 at 11:45 PM

    Hi Jenny,
    I love your blog!! Especially this lamp, I totally love vintage lamps and revamping, its so much fun!
    Will definatly start following and get onto your facebook page too!
    Thanks for the inspiration!!
    Jules d+o xo

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  38. dew + oliveFebruary 5, 2012 at 11:46 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  39. MorganFebruary 7, 2012 at 12:47 AM

    Oh I love this room! I hope you'll share your wonderful frame source (ebay? all thrift? custom?) and in hopes that you will I will Like you in return!

    I have been admiring your wall collage since you first posted it :).

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I so appreciate hearing from you. Nice comments make my day! Thanks for keeping things light here, friends! :)