Lamps. They are a continual source of frustration for me. Lamps in my home are divided into two categories: charming, personality-filled vintage lamps and blah, cheap, mass-produced lamps. I’ve had a couple of lamps bite the dust this year and every time I’ve shopped for a new lamp I’ve been disappointed. Either they are boring and not me or they are ridiculously expensive. Our cottage is decorated in an eclectic/country/cottage/funky style – a style I call “Christmas in Connecticut” after the overstuffed, comfy, cottagey style in that movie. If I could manage it, every lamp in this cottage would be vintage. But they are hard to find and, often, very expensive.
Cut to Sunday: I was feeling restless after having been housebound with Scout for a whole week – a week in which the only place I visited was the Vet’s office. I told Don I needed to get out and suggested we go across the Hudson River to an antique center that we like. It’s a really neat place in a very old building with lots of dealers. At one point I quickly went through a room filled with silver and ‘traditional’ things that I usually ignore. I was on my way upstairs. On the way back through that same room, I spied an interesting lamp base. I stopped. Part of it was done in jadeite green. I think it’s that color that caught my eye. But there was also some sort of metal in a lovely design. It was heavy. I walked away. Came back. Then I realized there were two of them – a pair. My eyes traveled up to the shade. Oh my. Vintage. Whipstitched. Gorgeous. I did a speed walk around the building and found Don. What did he think? He really liked them. We found the dealer and asked him to put in some light bulbs so we could see if they worked. They did.
Then we dithered about them. We are so, so careful with money that we more often than not say no to something like this. Then the dealer gave us a discount. Oh boy. We knew we would never see anything like them again.
We bought them.
This is the base:
Another view:
I’m in love.
And with the shade. The shades…the shades are making me crazy, I love them so much. I’m pretty sure the shades were replacements for something more ornate, but I can’t be sure. I don’t really care. The combination of the base and the shade is splendidly funky – just our style. Look at the whipstitching:
These vintage shades are in perfect condition. As are the lamp bases. (The dealer told me he bought them because of the shades and I totally get it.)
Be still my heart.
On the other table in the den. (This table is usually home to the phone and the remotes. I removed them for this picture.)
And on my little table.
The finials are lovely – one has a lovely glass marble insert, the other insert is missing. We will be keeping our eyes open for a pretty glass marble to replace the missing one.
When I look at the amber marble, which matches the shade, I begin to wonder if the lampshades were indeed original to the lamp. Hmmm.
Honestly, we are in love with these lamps. The golden glow they give to the den in the evening is simply wonderful. They make the den seem so intimate and cozy and warm and inviting. They’re the perfect size – about 21 inches tall. They’re heavy and solid and they make my heart sing.
The price for the pair was truly a steal – the shades alone are worth more than the final cost. But of course, we have to validate every purchase we make. So we went through the list. We needed lamps – check. They’re vintage and we won’t see them in anyone else’s home – check. They suit our style – check. We love them – check.
And our anniversary is this Saturday. They are the anniversary gift we are giving to each other.
Check.
Happy Tuesday.
Lori says
Oh my Claudia….
Those lamps…..are….beautiful !
I LOVE lighting, most of all, unique, vintage lamps. These are beauties and I’m so happy they’ve found a home in the cottage.
:)
Claudia says
I am so thrilled with them, Lori!
Sylvia says
Those lamps are beautiful, and so cosy when the lights are on – perfect for the coming cold days. Happy Anniversary!
Claudia says
We were talking about them and thought they would be especially wonderful in the winter.
Hedy King says
Claudia, what a treasure! Perfect find for your cottage. This almost makes me want to run to the nearest antique store for a look around. Thanks.
Claudia says
We were so lucky to find them, Hedy.
ladycobblestone says
You are able to find the most remarkable things. Love the lamp shades.
Happy anniversary to you guys.
Smiles to you.
Linda
Claudia says
Those shades are incredible, aren’t they?
Jen @ Muddy Boot Dreams says
They are so perfectly you…and absolutely lovely. Congrats on the great find, and the anniversary.
Jen
Claudia says
Thanks, Jen!
Becky says
These are seriously gorgeous! L O V E the shades, oh my! The only thing we didn’t get to see was a whole room picture to see how they fit in. Tomorrow? Happy Anniversary!
Claudia says
I’ll try to take a picture later today, Becky!
Francine says
Claudia!! I love your lamps!!!! They go beautifully in your home!! What a find….!! And the shades are gorgeous, especially when you have the lamps lit…!! What a nice anniversary gift!!! That made up for a not-so-nice last week…. a special something for the two of you!!! and Happy Anniversary!!! Francine
Claudia says
Yes, you’re right, Francine. A lovely little present after coming out of a tough week!
Kimberly says
Oh, I can see why they were hard to resist!
I haven’t seen shades like those in years.
The combination of the shade and the antique lamps
makes them perfect for your décor style too.
Claudia says
I think so, too, Kimberly!
Dawn says
Great new lamps. I love the color. I know what you mean about mass produced lamps they have no character and are down right ugly at times. I think you fount the perfect gift for the occasion.
Claudia says
I think so, too, my friend. Mass produced lamps really leave me cold. Here’s to vintage!
My Little Home and Garden says
I can’t help but think how pretty one would be in my living room. There is a real “Mother Earth” feel to these lamps and they look beautiful with the light switched on the the shade pattern on display. Happy Anniversary, Claudia and Don.
-Karen
Claudia says
I like that: a “Mother Earth” feel. Perfect, Karen.
debra@ HOMESPUN says
I love that they came in a pair for you two! :) They are gorgeous.
Claudia says
One for Claudia, one for Don!
Suzan says
SCORE! Ya gotta love when that happens. Things i’ve acquired the same way have such special meaning to me. I notice I tend to “pet” them as I pass. ;D
Claudia says
Oh, I’m glad to know I’m not the only one who pets favorite things, Z!
Julie says
Oh Claudia – I adore them!!!!! I bought a green metal lamp last year which will appear in my finished living room. No shade, no finial. I’ve been looking for a year for the right shade and finial. Nothing, nothing I saw would work. Now I know what would and you’ve probably got the only 2 in the world. At least I know what to search for. I guess I’ll just have to stick something cheap on it while I search…maybe for the rest of my life. (too dramatic?) J
Claudia says
Yep. That’s what I would do. Use it with a basic shade in the meantime and keep searching!
Beverly says
Yes, I am in love with those lamps, too. They are the perfect anniversary gift.
Claudia says
I suppose we will have to name one “Don” and the other “Claudia.”
Sarah says
Claudia,
They are wonderful. So pretty with lights on and off. I love those shades and the bases, oh my! And the finials! It’s so fun to see the great vintage things you find. Happy Anniversary!
Claudia says
The finials are really amazing, Sarah.
Donnamae says
Oh, they are gorgeous Claudia! Just a waiting for you to come in and find them a rightful home! You are so right…the shades make the lamps…love the color of the base too…very nice gift for the two of you, ;)
Claudia says
We are so happy with them, Donna.
Betsy says
What a perfect find for the two of you. The lamps are beautiful and I agree with you, although the bases are pretty, the shades are what draw me in.
Happy Anniversary you two and I’m so happy that Scout is so much better.
Blessings,
Betsy
Claudia says
The shades are the perfect touch – we were lucky to find them in such pristine condition.
Janet in Rochester says
You were MEANT to have those lamps. As Donamae says, they were waiting for you to find them. They do look so completely at home in your photos. Like they’d be there forever. Dontcha just LOVE when that happens? Enjoy! And a big hug for Miss Scout.
Claudia says
I do love that! It’s rare, but when it happens, it’s absolutely wonderful.
Joy@aVintageGreen says
Love the evening light through that wonderful shade. I also wonder if they are the original shades, they are certainly very vintage. Happy Anniversary Gift.
Joy
Claudia says
Thanks, Joy!
Nancy Blue Moon says
Love, love, love them..How perfect they are for your cottage..the glow of those shades when lit look so cozy and warm..You can’t find character like that in modern lamps girl..Enjoy!
Claudia says
You sure can’t, Nancy!
Shanna says
Love the lamps! If you should tire of them, they’d be perfect in my cottage, too. Oh, and I neglected to weigh in on that beautiful blue vase from a couple of days ago. What finds these are. So happy for you, Claudia…No, really!
Claudia says
Thanks so much, Shanna!
Joanne says
Lovely, Lovely, Lovely!!!!! what a find! I love the metal against the soft green. So happy you found them. Happy Anniversary!
Blessings, Joanne
Claudia says
The combination of the metal and the green is heavenly, Joanne!
Kellianne says
Oh. My. Goodness. Gorgeous!! I absolutely love them! So glad you spotted them and for a price you were comfortable with. Major score, Claudia. Happy Anniversary to you both. :) The perfect gift, IMO.
Our anniversary is tomorrow! 32 years. We married the same year as Prince Charles and Lady Di. June was overly popular for weddings and being the scamps that we are, eloped in October.
Claudia says
Happy Anniversary, Kellianne! 34 years is to be applauded, my friend. We married with only two attendants in a quiet ceremony in Nevada City, CA (where Don was doing a play.)
Jane says
These are beautiful, Claudia, I think they were destined to be in your cottage. The shades are just perfect and I can see the pretty glow they give off. I have a horrible time finding lamps, I’m not even happy with the ones I have!
Happy Anniversary!
XO,
Jane
Claudia says
I know – it’s SO hard to find a good lamp that is attractive and has some character. xo
Judy Clark says
Those lamps are just gorgeous and so you!!! I think you found a real treasure!
Judy
Claudia says
I think so, too, Judy. So glad you like them!
Linda @ A La Carte says
Nor only did you find a gorgeous lamp you found a Pair!!!! Love them and the shades and the finials and the colors and oh my these are perfect for your home! So happy for you. I’m looking for new lamps for my home and I’ll just pray I find something as amazing as these!!
Claudia says
I’m sending you positive energy for your search, Linda!
Teresa says
WOW! Those are beautiful!!! It is so hard to find lamps with everything you like. Lucky you! :)
Claudia says
Believe me, I know how lucky I am! It’s been years since I found a lamp that I love!
Denise says
Claudia, I love the lamps! The shades cast such a warm glow. They’re wonderful. The little vase you are using as a pencil holder caught my eye. I have one here that is very similar. It was a wedding gift to my grandparents 88 years ago. My grandmother left a note inside with the name of the person who gave it to them along with the date of their wedding. :)
Claudia says
The one I have is Hull pottery – is yours marked Hull? I love the story behind your vase, Denise. It’s so lovely.
Denise says
Yes, this one is marked Hull as well.
Judy Ainsworth says
Claudia, I am late getting in this morning, But I just have to say,even tho you two are usually very frugal with money,and could have bought a lamp anywhere for a few bucks, I don’t think you really had any choice.
I for one think that was a very reasonable and WONDERFUL purchase. Just Gorgeous! Also you know they will last for as long as you need them and beyond! -Judy A-
Claudia says
Yes, they will, Judy! Thank you.
Claudia in Kansas says
What beautiful lamps AND they passed the validation test! How wonderful is that!! Happy early anniversary to both of you!!!
Claudia says
Thank you, Claudia!
Diane says
Your lamps are gorgeous! I love green, so I think your vintage marble base is lovely. The addition of that funky floral shade just puts it over the top. I agree that most lamps available today are lacking in personality and style. I always look for vintage when I can, and how lucky you were to find those lamps. What a wonderful early anniversary gift for both of you to share and enjoy!
Claudia says
It was serendipitous to be sure, Diane!
Vanessa Bower says
I can’t think of a better anniversary gift to each other than a pair of beautiful vintage lamps. Isn’t it funny how the longer you have been married, you find it’s the simple things that make you the most happy?
Happy Anniversary !!
Vanessa
P.S. Give Miss Scout a hug from our kitties.
Claudia says
Absolutely. We usually don’t exchange gifts but this is our 15th, so we thought we could treat ourselves.
SueZK says
Love the lamps. But, more important love the joy they are bringing you. Isn’t it amazing how just the right find can sometimes fill your heart with smiles? You and Don enjoy your anniversary present. Still holding good thoughts for Scout.
Claudia says
Amazingly, I still can’t take my eyes off them. Scout is doing better all the time, Sue.
Meredith says
They are even better than I thought they would be, how could you pass them up?
GO Rays!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mere
Claudia says
Go Sox!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Patricia says
Oh, My!! When I saw the first picture of the lamp with the light on I uttered an “ahhh” as if I were having a “moment”!! Love the lamps! Good job!
Happy anniversary!
P.
Claudia says
These are two of my most favorite finds, ever!
Sue ( wicked faerie queen) says
Gorgeous! It is my anniversary today, October weddings are meant to last.
Claudia says
Happy Anniversary, Sue! Have a wonderful day, my friend.
Doris says
Hi Claudia, Love the lamps! I also get a chuckle of you and your sister teasing about your favorite baseball teams!!
Claudia says
She won’t be happy today, Doris! The Red Sox won.
Kelly says
Hey Claudia, its great to find something you really love and not have that “it’ll do” feeling. Just enjoy the lamps, they fit right in like they were just waiting for you. Love your style.
Claudia says
Thank you so much, Kelly.
Clara says
Claudia,
I love the lamp and the shade! What a great find. I also have that vase under the lamp with your crochet hooks in it :)
I LOVE you style and I do the same thing when I am thinking about buying something. My daughters think I’m nuts because I go back and forth “should I or shouldn’t I?” LOL Some day they will do the same thing I think.
Clara
Claudia says
I bet they will, Clara!
Melanie says
Oh my gosh, those lamps are gorgeous! The base is beautiful, but the shades…oh, my. I can see why you bought them. I have a hard time finding the perfect lamps, too for the same reasons you do. I look at Goodwill every time I’m there, and never any luck.
Claudia says
Unfortunately, my local Goodwill is pretty pathetic and I’ve never seen any lamp possibilities there, either!
Debbie says
Absolutely perfect!
Claudia says
Thanks, Debbie!
Maureen says
I have the same finial on one of my vintage lamps. Now, I will always think of your home when I look at it. Yes, I have bought a lamp purely because of the shade before. Those are a great find!
Claudia says
I love that you have the same finial, Maureen!
Debi says
LOVE them! WOW! You have another awesome lamp that I saw in a recent post. I believe it is a floor lamp by the piano. Vintage style shade. I wanted to say how much I liked it then but today I get to give you a triple like on the lamps. Glad you both had a good day.
Claudia says
That floor lamp is currently on the other side of the sofa in the den, Debi.
Connie in Hartwood says
Very funky, vintage, chic, and absolutely YOU!!! Great find. (I understand the lure of funky lamps. Life’s too short to read by the light of a boring lamp.)
Claudia says
Amen!
Kim says
Absolute perfection!
Claudia says
Thanks so much, Kim!
Debbie Johnson says
They are magical! I sucked air when I scrolled down and saw them lit. Wow. And the sweet amber marble is the cherry on top! What a beautiful anniversary gift to each other. A perfect sweet pair for a perfect sweet pair.
Hugs,
Debbie
Claudia says
Aw shucks. ! Thank you, Debbie!
Carol says
Beautiful lamps.
I need a new lamp for my living room, but I honestly have no idea what I want. Now you make me want to go out lamp hunting.
A Romantic Porch says
I LOVE vintage lamps also!!! Those are gorgeous. I truly understand validating every penny spent. I am so happy you decided to get them for your anniversary!
Christy says
My anniversary today too.
Love the lamps Claudia.
I know what you mean about lamps. I wrote a post on the old gentlement George who lived next door and when he died his son put George’s much loved lamps out in the trash. Well I had always loved those lamps too, especially the shades, The Olde Curiosity Shoppe and the windows in the scene are cut outs, so the light shines through.
Now they are much treasured in my house and every time I turn them on I think of George and his dear wife Gloria, how good that feels.
Enjoy your lamps and happy anniversary.
Christy