Monday, June 11, 2012

Vintage Lamp Scale

I recently picked up a pair of old ceramic 30's/40's lamps (missing their original shades) at a recent yard sale. The lamps were fitted with harps which I assume are original to the lamps.  I've been playing around with some different size lamp shades to get an idea of what the scale should be...  I  also removed one of the lamp harps to see what a clip on shade would look like.  I'm hoping to get an idea of what size would work best on these lamps before I begin my search.


IMG_8962 

I'm throwing in a picture of my "big papa" lamp just so you get some perspective of the lamp sizes. Yes, I know I needed another set of lamps like a hole in my head, but I fell in love with their classic look and light green color.  I'm also a big fan of ceramic based lamps like this. 

IMG_8978 

So, what do you think?  Which lamp shade do you prefer or perhaps you have a better suggestion for a lamp shade style? Have you seen lamps like this before?  If so, what type of shade were the lamps wearing?  

Who knows what I'll find when I begin my hunt or how long it will take me....but that's the fun for me!

~MaryDeluxe


17 comments:

  1. First off, I LOVE these lamps! They are like the perfect shade of green and a lovely design. While I think both look nice, I am leaning towards the smaller shade. I wonder how a square shade might look?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oooooo square shade! I didn't even think about looking for a square shade. I wish I had a square shade around here to give it a try but I don't :(

      Delete
  2. I second Emily on the small shade and I'd love to see it with a small square shade.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I also prefer the smaller shade, though possibly reversed so the larger cylinder is on top and smaller on bottom - if that is possible.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Well, I know this isn't an option you have given, but I think the right size would be somewhere in between the two. The large shade is too bulky, but the small one doesn't have enough presence to really draw attention.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I agree with the square shade. I bet that would look great.

    How about your poodle family! I LOVE them.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Your new lamps remind me of a set of 3 lamps that mom and dad had when I was growing up. The bases were green as well, but the shapes were of books. The headboard of their bed had a bookcase style to it, which they had the main lamp sitting on top of. It was shaped like books standing on end and had a long oval shaped fiberglass shade, which was longer then it was high. The other two lamps were nightstand lamps in which the ‘books” were lying down, stacked one on top of the other. I guess since their base was narrower as compared to the headboard lamp, their shades where cylinder shaped, with the bottom of the shade rounder than at the top. So I wonder if a long cylinder shape would look good. Mom still has them, except the one I broke as a child, so if you would like me to email you a picture, let me know. I also have to agree with Michael, if you go with the round shade, it would need to be sized somewhere in the middle of your two examples.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Love those lamps! I've seen similar with rectangular shades... single and double tiered... but the round ones work nicely too! I'm sure whatever you choose will be fab! You have great taste! BTW, I have that same flamingo print! :-) Emily

    ReplyDelete
  8. I think a tiered rectangle shade would look fantastic! Trying to find a matched set will be a challenge but I am sure you are up for it. Plus, you seem to have some pretty good vintage juju! Good luck and keep us posted.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I think rectangles shades will be the best. I have a chineese TV lamp with metalic shade you must know this kind of shades, these kind will look amazing on your lamps.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Yep I'm with these guys a tiered rectangular shade would look fabulous, love the lamps

    ReplyDelete
  11. Ya know, it may just be me, but I get a Hawaiian feel off of them. Maybe a shade with some fringe, give it that Hula girl feel?

    ReplyDelete
  12. Of that last pic posted I like the lamp in the middle. The bigger size lamp with that lampshade.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Call me a contrarian, but I like the larger shade. However, I really agree with Floyd, in that they probably originally came with a tall, narrow tubular shade. Love them!

    ReplyDelete
  14. I love all the shades but like the small one best.My eye looks at the ceramic part more and notice the detail on it,than the larger shade.xx

    ReplyDelete
  15. I think you should send them my way ;)
    I actually don't have a preference,both look like they work.The smaller makes it seem right,the bigger one doesn't look overpowering though and gives it the appearance of a bigger lamp.

    ReplyDelete
  16. If only I could FIND lamps & shades!!! Congrats on the find!

    ReplyDelete