Most of the lamp makeovers I do start with the lamp base, or in a perfect world a pair of them. This particular makeover began with a single lamp shade.
$9 at Ross
It is my habit to paint my lamp bases a darker color. Apparently this particular day was Opposite Day.
This lamp base had been collecting dust out in my garage for a few weeks. It was not part of a pair when I found it but I really loved the square base. So when I found the lamp shade with the French script fabric (also a single) my wheels began to turn.
Since it was I fact Opposite Day I chose a light Chalkpaint color from Americana Decor called Primitive. It is a putty color, just barely an off white/ gray. It is truly one of my favorite ones to work with.
Here’s what Opposite Day got me
And I loved it!
For all of 15 minutes.
It was too neutral, too light. And I’m talking about the weight of the lamp more than the color. In our bedroom it felt as though it would float away at any moment, if that makes ANY sense at all.
Alas, I loved the shape of the base and I loved the script linen shade. I was determined to make this work.
I was beginning to really dislike Opposite Day.
A lot.
So I grabbed another pot of paint, this time in a dark color.
And I had a winner.
Now this is so much better
Annie Sloan Graphite.
If you’ve never had the pleasure, this is what I would term a ‘Soft Black’. It is, in actuality, a very dark Charcoal.
And it dawned on me that is very similar to Americana Decor’s Relic, which I use all the time.
See for yourself
Waxed Graphite on the left
Unwaxed Relic on the right
Yes. I have a thing for French script linen lampshades.
Lesson learned.
Go with your gut.
My neighborhood grocery had a table full
of potted tulips in all different colors so I grabbed some orange ones.
Best $3 I’ll ever spend!
Paige
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No silly rules!! Always go with your gut & usually your heart will follow. Wish we had some tulips in our area. Not even daffodils can be found. Enjoy your little taste of Spring!
Nice lamp. I actually like either the white or dark version. The dark does have a richer look, though.
Question: I would never have thought you could successfully paint a brass lamp base. How do you get the paint to stick to the metal surface? Is there a primer or other trick?
Hi Naomi! I use Chalk Paint for most of my projects as well as my lamp projects. Chalk Paint is self priming and self leveling so you can paint anything with it. Thanks for stoping by!
Paige
I like both versions but I lean more towards the dark colored base. After seeing how great the painted brass lamp base looks gives me the inspiration to paint the ones I have in my bedroom.