During the past couple weeks I’ve been asked not once but twice about my shadeless lamp situation. I tried going back through our posts and finding just how many shadeless lamps I’ve purchased but I couldn’t figure it out technologically. I know there’s been a lot.
Most recently it was these two fine specimens.
I think this next one was Austin’s.
Maybe a little bit of this shadeless action?
It’s true: we all purchase tons of lamps without shades and without worry. Where do we find them? Everywhere. Thrift stores, Goodwill, Salvation Army, garage sales, estate sales. My favorite place to find them is at garage sales. Mainly because there are some hideous lamps with spectacular shades priced around $1.00. From my experience, don’t offer to purchase the shade and leave the lamp, even if you pay full price. People get a little insulted you might not want their lamp.
I remember seeing this lamp at a garage sale. While the lamp might not be everyone’s cup of tea, the lampshade behind it is pretty sweet. I think it was bigger than anything I needed at the time, but now I wish I had it.
If you’re wanting to get a lampshade right away, check out Lamps Plus. They have some nice shades for a good price. I’ve also purchased more traditional shades at Lowe’s (they have great clearance shades), Target, and even Menards for that art deco lamp above.
What about you guys? How do you handle a shadeless lamp situation? And keep the questions coming, we love hearing from you!
2 Comments
Less than a month ago, I found two truly hideous lamps with terrific shades at the thrift store. After asking if they would sell me the shades separately and being denied, I bought the ugly lamps, then turned right around and re-donated the lamps before I even left the store. Even at $40 a piece and keeping only the shades, it was WAY less than anything else I had priced.
That’s great Deb! I’m a bit surprised they wouldn’t sell just the shades at a store. Usually they’re excited to make two sales, not one. Buying used is almost always better than buying new in my book 🙂