Lamps

Did you know you can completely change the look of a lamp by embellishing the shade?

Here are some ideas for you from Patricia on how you can update a shade on a budget

*Monogram is HOT HOT HOT ... Purchase a plain white shade and add a monogram patch iron on to the center. Use different style letters for a unique look

*Did you know you can paint a lampshade? I did this with the shades in my spare bedroom... I bought two crystal lamps but the shades just did not match my room so I sprayed them burgundy. The lamp is now muted and looks so good!

*Your lamp shades do not need to match... in fact it is often more of a welcoming look to have two different shades in style and color. Try a darker shade for a cozy nook and a brighter shade for a reading or sewing area

*Lamp shades can be changed by using different bulbs. You can buy clear, frosted, pink or blue light bulbs depending on the kind of light you want to cast

*You can embellish shades with all kinds of items. A fun change is to add trim (fabric, beads, pearls, baubles etc.) to the bottom of a plain shade. You can also edge in old buttons, small toys for a child's room. Paint a pretty scene... punch holes in a shade in different patterns, buy some fun fur and edge the shade, wrap lace around a shade and then spray black over it, remove the lace and you now have a french country boudoir look

*Trim a shade with silk flowers for a shabby cottage look

*Recover your shade with coordinating fabric and trim like your toss pillows