Monday, Monday. The best thing about today is it’s one day closer to our family beach vacation! It’s also Babygirl’s last week of Pre-K, so we’re loving on her as much as we can while our Son is at Summer Camp. Not much longer before I’m dropping them both off at the school doors. *gulp* So, projects might move a little slower in the next few weeks.
You guys floored me last week with your response to the bookcase makeover! It is crazy just how much they change the room…for the better. I’m taking a breather before tackling the next painting project, so I decided to choose the lamps. When I revealed the Living Room Plans, many of you declared your devotion to the gourd lamps, so I thought I’d get your opinions before changing them out. After all, I always show you every painstaking step of the process!
We’ll start with the ivory gourd lamps I already had.
While I love the shape and substantial size, I was never quite happy with how they looked behind the sofa. If the console table were taller, then you could truly appreciate the cool shape of the lamp bases. But it’s not, and I’m not replacing it (making over this room with existing pieces, remember?). And now that the bookcases are white, the lamps seem to get lost against them and the light walls. Or maybe they are a nice blend?
I’m planning to paint the table tiles white or black, so that could change things too.
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| Ignore the wires, pictures are for placement only. |
Then I happened across these metallic lamps with black drum shades during Lamp-A-Looza 2 and fell in love. They do detract from the black frames on the bookcases, but they also pop off the light background.
And while our Living Room is a comfortable space, I do want to add some sophistication and glamour to it. I think the black shades do just that. But I’m also a sucker for a black drum shade, so I can’t choose unbiasedly.
The metallic bases are a good connector to the octagon mirror. (Read about the mirror here.)
Then I thought maybe I was just being wooed by the black shade, so I tried them on the gourd lamp.
Hmmmm, maybe. But perhaps too busy for a room with a lot going on already.
So what’s your vote?
i vote for a! i just like the lower impact of the white.
C! I love the mixture…and it would look awesome if you painted the table tiles black!
I love c! The mix looks the best, in my opinion!
Eh, none of the above! I think the bases need to be pink and keep the white shades. Bright pink like the bottom of those vases on the bookshelf.
If I had to pick one…I would pick A. I don't like the black. It's too distracting among all the color.
Good luck!
Well I guess I'm gonna be the odd ball here, but I'm loving B. Something about the drama to it, it just seems polished and complete! Love your lamps!!
I like A. Have you considered covering the drum shade with a great fabric?
I'm loving A!
XOXO
Love option C! I think it adds the elegance you're looking for without going a completely different direction in the room. I think the metallic is too dark all over.
I like option B! It definitely ties in with the octagon mirror and is not so busy at option c.
I am def. going for B as well. Love the metallic and it really brings the best out of the mirror.. /Mina
I like option C. It pulls both sides of the room together.
Each one says something different for sure. I like A, but can totally see B as a more glamorus look. Not a fan of C. Your style and design sense is out of this world though, you'll pick the best one for you!
I would do option d….if there was one. Keep the option a lamps and shades, but add black trim to the top and bottom of the shade. It would help relate to the frames attached to the bookcase.
Hi! C definitely not, B brings the eye 'down', you have a high ceiling but the dark just seems to squeeze all the contents too low in the room, 'A' would be my choice BUT then if you stand behind the sofa looking towards the fireplace it is a different story! I'm sure you'll have fun playing around…keep both and change according to mood 🙂
I love how b ties in with the mirror, but there's something about a that I'm drawn to. I think I am no help.
I like C! I think the black drum shades add sophistication, while the white lamp bases keep it from being too busy. If you wanted to glam it up even more, you could like the insides of the shades with metallic paper. I recently saw that somewhere and it was really glam.
I think I like mixed!! xo shel
Hard to decide, huh?! You know I love your white lamps but the black is stunning too! Maybe the white is more summery??
Ok, I really prefer the gourd lamps and I like them with the black shades the best of all the options here. BUT… what about a bright shade? Pink like the bottoms of the vases or even yellow.
What about metallic and white?
I'm voting for "B". At first, I though not but after seeing them in the shot with the mirror I think they are perfect. However, if not for the mirror they would look bit heavy, I think.
I really like A. You have a lot of bold patterns and colors throughout the room and A just looks like it softens/balances them all out. However I also like C. I like the white lamp for the balancing softness yet the black shade bounces off of the mirror which makes it look a little more even… if that makes sense lol.
ooh I like C! Love the black, it makes more of an impact and yes, it does add the sophistication you want.
B: metallic and black
A — all the way
It's "A" for me.
Definitely A, but I do like the idea of painting them the deeper pink that others have suggested. Have you considered it without any (if you don't find yourself looking at the back of the sofa a lot)? Just a thought. But yeah, I do like A.
I'm voting for C.
Rashon aka Mr. Goodwill Hunting
I'm thinking A or C.. but I love the idea of painting the bases pink.. hmmm.. can't wait to see what you decide!
metallic and black for sure! Its a nice contrast and add drama and elegance to the room. Go bold or go home I say! 🙂
Ohh this is hard!! I think I like option A the best because it actually leads your eye to the bookcase instead of diverting it away. Option B does look cool when you see the mirror over the fireplace though!
A definitely
Out of your 3 options, I think that A is best suited to your room. I realize that they kind of blend in but with so much going on behind them, that probably isn't a bad thing.
I like option C.. option B is a little too much for my taste. Also, have you ever considered putting large books (like Dictionary size) under the lamps to give them a height boost (so you can see their beautiful shape on the other side of the sofa). You could even cover the books in a fabric of your choice to tie it all together. Just a thought because I adore the shape of the white lamps too! 🙂
-Bonnie @ Revolutionaries
http://bonniegetchell.blogspot.com
I like the white (A) and I do like the idea of maybe raising them with books. Your rooms looks amazing so anything you do will be great!!
I like choice "a" best – white on white
I like "A" as well.
Let's see the white shades on the metallic lamps.
I think the black shades look way out of place in that room.
Personally… I think yellow lamps would look great. Or even pink or turquoise. Pull in a color from the throw pillows or some of the items on the bookcases. I love the color combination you have going on.
Option A is the best of the three… simple and understated but provide PERFECT shape to the room and height to the back of the sofa. The black frames on the bookshelves are GORGEOUS and why in all of heaven and earth would you want to detract from the simple elegance you're finally beginning to create. Remember the rule of black in a room… it's like eyeliner. Use it to accentuate but please do not wear too much or you look like a drag queen.
I like option C! It ties in all of the black and white that you have going on in the room already!
I think I like option C the best. I think option B is a little too heavy. I think a pop of yellow or pink would be great too. Pink ribbon on the black shade could be gorgeous! Good luck, I can't wait to see what you do!
C! it does a nice job of tying in all the black and white accents in the room.
I vote for the white shades!
I'd be curious what the white shades look like on the gold lamps. I love how the gold bases pick up the color of the mirror. But I think the black shades are too dark for the room and draw your eye away from the fabulous bookshelves.
A. for suuure!
I vote for C….LOVE IT!!!
I love the look of C, so that's my vote! But it would be cool to pair the white shades and metallic lamps, too. Fun choices!
Heidi @ Show Some Decor
I like A the best. The black shades are too distracting, they steal all the focus from the bookshelves.
I like A – the black seems to heavy and B seems kind of old fashioned. I think pink base with white shade would look great with the bookcases.
MIXED!!
I think I would keep the gourd bases and trim out the white shades with black ribbon!
To be honest, I'm not getting the incorporation of black into the room. I like the lighter direction the room seems to be going, but the black is a bit jarring against the new palette your going with. I love the mirror and painted black mantel AND the new color scheme, but not so much together in the same room. I vote A based on the reworked shelving, light sofa+rug, etc. White shades with the metallic lamp base might be good, too– adds some pop, but not as stark of a contrast.
Oh I'm definitely on board with the black shades and I'm pretty sure either base would be pretty awesome…go with what makes you giddy (c;
Love C. But, I vote for only one lamp. They are quite large for the table with them both and I think take away from your fabulous bookcases.
Hiya! Wow, I just looked at your comments and you have quite a mix of opinions! I will add mine 🙂 I like A the best. I'm a sucker for white and bright, and I love how light and airy they are. B feels too heavy for your space, IMO: the dark metal with the dark shade. Your eye is drawn to them first and then the gorgeous bookshelf behind it. C is nice but there's something about that contrast between the white and black that isn't doing it for me. I saw someone suggested painting the lamps pink and I kind of love that! Would you consider it?
If you need a lamp at all, maybe a different color base. I liked the metallic. I thought the black looked a little too startling and they became the focal for my eye in your photo.
I think A too… Could you maybe just use one lamp instead of two and have something else on the other side? Whatever you choose – i have no doubt it will look fab xx
I'm liking "A" the best…it seems to blend with your room…the black to me is distracting….You did such a great job on your shelves I think they need to be the focal point and not your lamps…With the black ones it seems your eyes stop…
But, I do know how you feel…decisions…decisions!!! I'm sure you will make the best one for you and your home 😉
I like both A and C! It depends what you're going for–but I know whatever you pick will be fabulous!!
Abby
P.S. It's posts like this when I wish there were not anonymous comments. Oh well!
You're too funny Cassie!! Love the book case, beautiful. I think the cleanest look is the white gourds with black shades. It has good contrast yet clean and crisp and picks up the mirror. Second I like the silver base with black shade. The all white set I would prefer to see on side tables next to the couch.
Let's see…this is a toughie. I'm most drawn to A or C. What if you covered the white shade (opt. A) in a patterned fabric. I think that may look great! The fabric could have some black in it, so that way you're incorporating both colors but more subtly. It'll be awesome, whichever way you go!
all good choices! I like C and then A. just love those gourds! thanks for letting us have input!
Hmmm… i don't know. The two framed pieces on the bookcases really made a nice focal point. I feel like the black shades (although, I love the glamour of black shades, too!) really just compete too much with the focal point and make that view feel too cluttered and w/o clear direction. Of the options, I'd choose the white just for those reasons. Really, though, I think a bronze/goldish swing arm lamp just on the left side would be ideal. The light is easily adjusted, it would tie in to the mirror (although, I think your frames do this, too) and the thin arm wouldn't compete visually. Ballard has one for just $79. I earmarked it in the the most recent catalog 🙂
i VOTE FOR OPTION "A." Everything is so light and bright and pretty in there, the black shades just feel too heavy. That's only my opinion of course, all the lamps are awesome!!!
I think any option looks great, but I tend to favor A. Maybe you could put some books under the lamps to raise them up a bit so you can appreciate their shape a little more.
Definitely A. Especially seeing all three of these options side by side. The black shades demand WAY too much attention and take away from everything you've got going on with the shelves. I think it's nicer when some items sit quietly and others attract attention – not everything fighting for attention. "A" gives my eyes a rest (and they go much better with your rug, since it's more cute/pretty than glam/sophisticated). But that's just me! xo
I would paint the tile table top black. 🙂
Boy you asked for it and you got it…lol. I like A and B. Also I am a little obsessed with covering plain lamp shades with fabric. What about option A with covered shades with a little pink and or blue – maybe a chevron? Just a thought!
When I look at the picture of the lamps with the bookcase as the backdrop, I definitely see A as the obvious choice. When I look at the picture with the fireplace in the background, B seems to fit better. The problem for me is, the room presents itself differently depending on the angle the photo was taken from. I don't think anyone can make as good a judgement as you can because you are seeing the room as a whole. From the photos we are working with, I think that the lamps will mostly be seen with the bookcases in the background and would go with A. C is my least favorite. It looks as though the lamp and base were just thrown together. Aren't you glad I gave you the short answer.
I'm all over A with the option of painting dark pink or yellow. The black just seems to have a harsh contrast. Can't wait to see the end results!
I prefer option A. I like how the white blends in and doesn't take away from your couch or the bookshelves. Good luck choosing!
B!!! I die for those lamps! Love how your living room is shaping up Cassie! And I think you should go black on the tiles, or a rich charcoal grey, my new fave color.
I like B, but there is something a little off. Maybe brighten the metallic to make it really pop.
Either that or A and recover the shades with a color to tie that area into the room more. Maybe yellow shades.
Hard to tell without seeing the whole room and being reminded of the changes to come.
My vote is for "C"! Love it!!!
Good lord, are you tracking all these votes!? haha. I actually like 'c' and 'a' cause I like the shape of the white base the best… and I kind like how the black ties in the rest of the room. Good luck!!
Hmmm… In my mind I wish you used the white bases, but with another shade. The black shades are too jarring. Or maybe add a white ribbon to the black shades to break up the black mass? Just my three cents. xoxo
I think A and you could always jazz up the shade to mix it up a little!
c!
absolutely b.
tames the space, yet gives it the right spice.
I like the idea of the lamp bases being pink, topped with white (or even the black) shades.
The pictures on the front of the bookshelves would be better placed elsewhere. They block the view of the book case contents, they interfere with the look of the lamps, and they would look so much better in a different place in your home.
Riley 🙂
Your table lamps turned out so cute. A very good transformation and combination you did. All are now unique and new.