When we arrived in our apartment I wasn't thrilled with these lamps. I'm still not a huge fan, but when I put one on either side of our bed I couldn't stand the fact that they were not both the same color! Funny because I am not always a stickler for symmetry. Don't get me wrong it has it's place, but there is something to be said for it's wacky cousin A-symmetry! In this case, however, I wanted needed the lamps to be the same color or I was going to start losing sleep over it.
So I took matters into my own hands, and without consulting the landlord I sanded the metal base of the silver lamp and painted it black. I know I'm such a rebel! My rebellious streak continued when I decided I should dress up the shades a little too. I brought home a length of grosgrain ribbon, but when I realized that the angle of the shade made it nearly impossible to get it glued on straight I gave up. If you're working with a drum shade the ribbon method is great. However if you have shades like these then you may have to take an alternative route...which is what I did!
Paint is so versatile! I didn't even buy fancy fabric paint, I just used what I had on hand which was black acrylic craft paint and a little masking tape!
Sorry it's not exactly an earth shattering before and after, but rather a subtle difference that at least makes me feel better. Satisfactory enough to allow me to sleep at night and I have a feeling the landlord is not going to kick me out for this minor makeover! Now for some artwork over the bed.
