For a while now I have been obsessed with tripod lamps. It all began with one I saw in a "Domayne Design" advert back in the Nov/Dec 2009 issue of "Vogue Living Australia". Scouring the web and interiors stores around Sydney the nicest one I could find was this from "My House"...
The design is really lovely but when I actually saw it in-store I was a bit disappointed with the tripod part itself, it didn't feel like real wood and lacked a real vintage charm which I suppose reproduction pieces rarely have. Also it retails at $229 so even if I had absolutely loved it I don't think I could spend that much on one new piece without thinking of all the amazing vintage pieces I could get for the same price.
So of course, my next idea was to make my own. I have watched tutorials on the web before on turning household objects such as vases etc into lamps simply by using a "lamp kit" which consists of a screw-in fixture, socket and cord, simple!!! All I had to do was find a dreamy vintage tripod...
Easier said than done. But finally last weekend my patience paid off and I picked one up at a market for $10. It's a really lovely brass tripod with long extendable legs, so it can be used as a floor or table lamp. Then I picked up a nice new black lampshade in Target (shock, horror) and I am so, so, so happy with the result...
I also love that unless, by HUGE coincidence, somebody else out there has found the exact same vintage tripod and paired it with the exact same lampshade that I am the only person who has this exact lamp.
It currently resides on top of the bookshelf in the study.
The finer details of the brass legs and fitting really appeal to me.
And the gathered pleat of the shade adds a slightly soft contrast to the industrial edge.
Of course it's not officially a lamp until I attach the light fitting, cord etc but I want to take the time to find a really nice one and in the meantime this is a nice piece of decor.
Tripod: $10. Shade: $20. Not bad!
14 comments:
This is one of my favourite of your find, yet! Looks incredible - can't wait to see it all lamped-up!
oh you are such a clever chicken! you must must start a business one day with this talent for thrifted treasure xx
I can't wait to see it with the lamp kit installed. It looks great already. I think that the practise of thrifting gives us patience and standards that are out of sync with modern retail. We cannot part with cash for something that just is not good enough and we know that something better will turn up. Thrifting also exercises our creativity so that we can see the possibilities of things and get crafty. Well done!
Wow.
Am impressed - what an amazing find.
TT, this is stunning what a clever lady you are. Can't wait to see it in real life, I need to see those details up close for myself.
See you tomorrow night.
Cheers
Engracia
What a great find. It was made for that bookcase. I can't wait to see it with all the lamp fixings.
it looks fabulous! i sincerely admire your patience you always wait for whatever it is you desire and you are more always rewarded with truly beautiful pieces. i wish i had that trait. well done : )
It looks great! So much like your inspiration but I like your base much better.
So cool, and that is the prettiest tri-pod I've ever seen!
Wow your tripod lamp is super cool (the retro brass is way nicer than the new one), and you totally rocked it by glamming it up on the shade - love it!
You are clever, looks great if not better than the $300 version.
hello... hapi blogging... have a nice day! just visiting here....
I absolutely love it! So creative & gorgeous. Great job.
This is really cool! Very creative!
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