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Staging Tip: Need A New Lamp? Got An Old One? Just Spray It!

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Home Stager with Nestings: Connecticut Home Staging and Model Homes

Staging Tip:  Need A New Lamp?  Got An Old One?  Just Spray It!

Many Sellers simply don't have enough light, and Buyers love bright, light-filled rooms.  If you're on a budget, give an old cast-off or tag sale find a quick facelift with a can of spray paint.  Take a tip from the Jonathan Adler school of design, and use a bright, fun color, or plain white for a modern take on the surreal.  Eliminate fussy details with a solid coat of paint.

fussy lamp

Here's a real treasure, in perfect working order.

 

after

Here it is in situ, with a new barrel shade and coordinating pillows.  Perfect for a fun family room.

Prior to spraying, be sure to mask off the bulb socket and switch, as well as the cord.

Jon Quist
REALTY EXECUTIVES ARIZONA TERRITORY - Tucson, AZ
Tucson's BUYERS ONLY Realtor since 1996

My compliments. That is a very good pointer. Simple and easily done. And solves a problem.

Apr 14, 2012 06:04 AM
Team Honeycutt
Allen Tate - Concord, NC

Thanks for sharing. That is such a clever idea. I never thought of simply painting and old one a different color.  It really changes the look.

Betty

Apr 14, 2012 06:24 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Julia -- definitely a helpful and economic tip to transform a former cast-off into something unique.  

Apr 14, 2012 06:27 AM
Julia Maher
Nestings: Connecticut Home Staging and Model Homes - Fairfield, CT
Connecticut Home Stager

Jon - Stagers are great problem-solvers!

Betty - Be sure to change out the shade too!

Michael - I did a lot of this when I sold "decorative antiques"!

Apr 14, 2012 06:43 AM
Peggy Hughes/pha logistix, inc.
pha logistix inc - San Francisco, CA
SF NYC LA

turned out great!!  and, matching the pillows to the lamp color really brings it all together... not surprised, though at your talent, Julia :)

Apr 14, 2012 07:33 AM
Joanna Cohlan
Fresh Eyes For Your Home - Chappaqua, NY
Designing, Decorating & Staging Westchester Homes

Great redo Julia, I know that lamp-it's an old classic!

Apr 14, 2012 09:58 AM
Cindy Bryant
Redesign Etc. Home Staging - Houston, TX
"Houston Home Staging Pros"

I bought some spray paint, a few weeks back, with good intentions, now I'm wondering if I should have picked a fun color instead of silver? They literally have paint for every type of surface now don't they?

Apr 14, 2012 12:00 PM
Marie Graham
Owner, The Refreshed Home White Plains NY - White Plains, NY
Westchester County Interior Decorator, Home Stager

Julia-such a simple and smart tip! Did you have to prime the surface at all, or just spray away?

Apr 14, 2012 12:24 PM
Julia Maher
Nestings: Connecticut Home Staging and Model Homes - Fairfield, CT
Connecticut Home Stager

Thanks, Peggy - this was a Staging job with minimal $$$ for stuff - most of the budget went into new lighting, etc.

Very Shabby Chic, right, Joanna?

Cindy - there's a great mirror-like chrome spray too!

Marie - be sure the surface is clean.  I'd recommend priming, but we didn't in this case.

Valerie - a lamp in need, indeed!

Apr 15, 2012 12:52 AM
Anna Dovger
Add Value Home Staging LLC, 281-704-6607 - The Woodlands, TX
Home Staging -The Woodlands, TX

Julie, fun and inexpensive idea. I also like that you didn't choose some neutral color and went with the accent one. Very trendy.

Apr 15, 2012 03:01 AM
Wendy Tomm
Beyond the Walls - East St Paul, MB
CCSP, RESA-PRO, BBB - Wpg Realtors
Agreed Julia. We have also paint the rims of light fixtures..inexpensive way to freshen things up.
Apr 15, 2012 07:39 AM
Sharon Tara
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

I just gave this tip to a client last week....a real nightmare living room lamp that is rusted brass....told them to spray it black.  Can't wait to see how it comes out. 

Apr 16, 2012 11:45 PM