In general, I don’t really consider myself much of a risk taker. I still cut up grapes and hot dogs for my 5 year old son. There’s no way on Earth you could ever get me on a motorcycle. I freaked out when I saw my neighbor standing on the very tip top of her ladder to hang lights on her home a few Christmas seasons ago.
However, in decorating, it’s okay to take risks. Sometimes, I’m okay taking that risk – such as Zack’s brightly colored, crazy mural-ed bedroom. Other times, I shrink back for fear of it not working out – like the giant turquoise chevron pattern I wanted to paint in my master bedroom that I know will never happen.
When my friend and idol, the Nester, showed off her fur covered ottoman and challenged her readers to pick a risky project, I immediately knew I was game. Or rather, this lamp was game.
I’ve had this lamp for over 10 years. I’ve had it longer than I’ve known my husband. When I told him I was going to transform it, he said, “I was wondering how long we were going to be stuck with that thing.” Well, hmpfh! It’s not that bad.
The lamp itself works just fine. It’s just scrawny. And beat up.
So, with my glue gun and a ball of thick hemp twine in hand, I started wrapping it. And wrapping. And wrapping. And wrapping. I figured if I ruined it, I could just buy another lamp since I hated this one as it was.
I decked it out from head to toe, from top to bottom. It didn’t take very long at all, and there’s no right or wrong way to do this.
Just glue and wrap. Glue and wrap. And then, keep on gluing and wrapping.
In the end, I have a new found love of this lamp. The twine fattened up it’s skinny shape and really highlights the round design just below the shade.
Although I know it wasn’t a huge risk, it was a risk worth taking.
When’s the last time you took a decorating risk? How did it turn out?
P.S. I’m linking up to the Nester’s National Take a Risk Day party. Head over there and see how other folks took a risk.
the Blah Blah Blahger says
I can TOTALLY hear Tom saying that. : )
Jenny D. says
I like the lamp transformation! I am currently painting an old buffet for my dining room in “hail a cab” yellow. The hubs is nervous about that much color, so I am keeping my fingers crossed that this isn’t a told you so moment for me : )
Darcy says
I totally have that lamp and I’m not even kidding.
Also, you have to (HAVE TO) paint a giant turquoise chevron pattern in your room. I will help. It will be amazing.
Lindsay says
Well, I have this new idea of doing something similar on my 2-story wall in the living room. It will likely involve scaffolding. Want to help with that one? 😀
darcy says
Bring it, sister.
Gina @ Temporary Nest says
Very nice job! I would never have thought of that! Great idea Lindsay!! <3
Natalie says
Now I wish I had a beat-up old skinny lamp! {stomping feet!!} Totally gorgeous!! Didn’t hear about this risk party, but that’s so intriguing! Heading over to take a look!
Lana @ ilovemy5kids says
I love when you do things and I leave the site thinking “I could do that!”
Love it!
Blessings to you,
Lana @ ilovemy5kids
Nester says
and that, ladies and gentleman, is how to teach yourself to take a risk!
heart you girl
Emily@remodelingthislife says
love it
Pam says
Awesome job! I never take risks either…. sigh.
Erin says
Looks super fantastic! I’m taking a big risk with our floor stain (could end up too dark). Hopefully I won’t hate it because that is a MAJOR risk!
Fred @ One Project Closer says
Real nice Lindsay. The risk we are thinking about right now is wainscoting in the dining room. I’m a little worried it might over-formalize our otherwise casual style …. but I love the look of box molding wainscoting and several other types (NOT beadboard! – nothing against it, but it just isn’t our look).
So, we are still considering it – and how to find a good balance between casual and slick. Like I said, I don’t want it over-formalized… just want it to look nice. What do you think?
Amanda @ Serenity Now says
I love it!! It looks wonderful, Lindsay. I’d never think of something like that, but that’s why I don’t write a decorating blog. 😉 Stopping by from The Nester’s “Risk Day” party. 🙂
Jessica @ Decor Adventures says
Hi Lindsay,
Well that is just the perfect solution for that lamp! A total makeover, and it looks great. Love the natural texture, and the bulkiness, you’re right about that part.
Risk pays off 🙂
Oona says
Wow, you are patient! I started wrapping some Ikea candlesticks in hemp last year and I got bored and never finished them. lol
It looks super-fun, I love it!
Sarah says
ooooo. very nice! cute idea
Abby says
Love it! It looks so good! And completely different!
Bonita says
Oh honey, I think you just saved my ugly brass floor lamp from the trash pile! I love this idea and it would fit perfectly with the look I’m after for my living room. Thanks for sharing your lovely risk!
Laurel says
What a fun thing to do – and it looks great, too!
Sue says
ah ha! The sisal rope lamp may be the answer to MY beat-up lamp also!!! I LOVE it.
Kristen: Making a House a Home says
I love this lamp makeover! For the past few months I’ve been hating my Walmart floor lamp in both our living room and bedroom and have been trying to decide on a color to spray paint them both. Well, now I have a new option! Great job – it looks great!
I took a risk this weekend as well and painted my first piece of furniture. http://decoratingdiy.blogspot.com/2011/03/new-and-improved-end-tables.html
Gillian @ Letters to Liney says
Your poor little beat-up lamp looks amazing now! Love the wrapped twine look and how you left a little bit of metal exposed at the base. Way to go on taking a risk and saving your lamp from the landfill!
Danielle @ The Sunshine Girl says
What an awesome idea! It looks great!
Nashville Mom says
That’s freakin’ brilliant! Thanks for sharing.
Richella @ Imparting Grace says
Seriously? You covered a lamp with twine? You are amazingly clever! I never, never would have thought to do something like this–but it’s a great idea! What a wonderful way to hide the old finish and bring in a cool texture at the same time. Yes, I’d say that was definitely a worthwhile risk!
Jo-Anna says
This lamp looks amazing! Who would have thought twine! You have inspired me to try this! I have always disliked my living room lamps – they just look so functional! Time to fabulous them up!
Jo-Anna
mandie says
I love it! SUch a great idea! 🙂
Jennifer says
You did a great job! Love how it turned out.
Kimm at REINVENTED says
OMG, that’s my kind of fabulous! Love love love the texture.
Laney says
I love it! I can’t wait to hit the Goodwill to find a lamp and recreate what you have done.
sarah says
Love that!
Claygirlsings says
This is fantastic! I was just looking at our bedside lamps and reminding myself I have to transform them from green to red. This hemp idea is a perfect neutral color to go with the new red lampshades. I’m so inspired! Thanks!
Lindsay says
I too have a lampt that I dont love what a great idea! Maybe I’ll do this to mine. How much just did you use. I did this to a candle and it took a long time. Great blog and a great name my name is Lindsay too! I found you on “nesting place” come check out my blog.
http://www.countrygirlhome.blogspot.com
Thanks for sharing your ideas.
Lindsay
Marie says
I love the lamp! Isn’t it fun to take decorating risks? I love doing that, even though projects don’t always turn out the way I envisioned.
I saw that you are judging this week’s CSI Project submissions & thought I’d check out your blog — now I’m a new follower! I’m looking forward to seeing other new and thifty ideas. 🙂
Rambling Heather says
WoW it turned out so perfect. Great idea, love it and totally worth the risk!
kristin says
I love your lamp treatment. it makes the lamp more current and covers up all the dings. i would suggest you add a trim of jute cord to the shade to tie it in.
Amy says
I think it looks great. I haven’t done it to a lamp, but I did do a lampshade and I love the way it turned out.
Twine is a ladies duct tape, isn’t it?
brandi says
Pure Awesomeness! LOVE IT!!!
emily says
Think you can do something cool with these? Wouldn’t mind sending you samples: http://www.glasswich.com/store/index.php?route=common/home
Cheers!
Liz @ Here's to Handy Andy says
Saw this a while back and LOVED it! I used this as inspiration for my latest project and linked to this here, http://herestohandyandy.blogspot.com/2011/10/dollar-store-candle-holders.html. Thanks for the inspiration!
gwen says
I tried this with one of my cheap target lamps. It looks nice, however, I can never sit close to it because the smell of the twine is awful — kind of like a wet cardboard smell. Did yours have this smell or is it the kind of twine I used? I used a roll of smooth hemp twine from wal-mart. Any suggestions?
Lindsay says
Hi Gwen- No, I didn’t have that issue at all! Was the twine smell before you used it or does it just smell bad when it warms under the light bulb?
leah says
Very nice! I love wrapping things in hemp and twine but i have issues w/ hot glue… it always ends up stringy. any tips?
Lindsay says
Yeah, that’s the problem with glue guns. I call them glue gun hairs. I spend lots of time pulling them off of my projects. I even found myself pulling them off of a friend’s project at her house once purely out of habit. I was horrified that I did that!
lila says
Lindsay, I have a 30 year old oak and brass standing lamp that still worked well but so date ( but then so am I) so I did what you did, took me 2 afternoons topped with a brown pattern shade and I love it! Good to go another 30. The sista rope I used did smell oily for the week but it’s great now.
Jenny says
Thanks for this idea! My mom’s lamp that she’s getting rid of is so mine now!!! I’m a risk taker (just ask my husband), but I never buy anything for more than $50 and lots I’ve gotten free; it’s probably easier to transform it that way.
Robin says
OMG–Lovin this!! I have a vintage lamp that somehow has rusted a bit on the bottom-I was so upset to see this happen–I cannot wait to try this idea to update it–I also want to add some teal color somewhere on it. Love your site!!
Lindsay Ballard says
Oh, yay! That’s a great reason to use this little trick!
Heather says
How much jute did you end up needing? I am about to do this to my old floor lamp but am struggling to estimate how much I need to buy ?