Lighting...does it all have to be matchy

[mac78]

I have been searching for an affordable set of lamps for my family room. I would like to have a 2 lamps and 1 floor lamp. With the 3 piece sets I have found, I haven't found any that I really liked, they just didn't fit for what I am looking for. My question is......do all the lamps in a room have to match, or is it ok to mix and match lamps. I have seen some singly that I liked, but maybe they didn't have 2, or there was no floor lamp to match.

[shabbychick]

In my house, there are no matching sets of anything. My living room has a floor lamp, a table lamp, and a desk lamp, and none of them match, but they all go together. They all match something in the house in terms of color or style, but they don't match each other. My advice is to buy what you like and what puts good light where you need it. If you really want them to match, you can always make matching fabric shades, or you can paint them all the same color. Remember, nothing needs to end up looking the same as it did when you brought it home. There's almost nothing that can't be painted matching colors or given matching and/or coordinated shades.

[Gigi]

I think it adds interest to a room when things are not all matched. The only thing I try to match is the base i.e. white, brush nickel, gold, etc...

[Breezy]

None of the lamps in here match and I think a place looks more interesting when things aren't matchy-matchy. It has too much of a designer look for my taste. I prefer the eclectic look in decorating - a little bit of everthing.:)

[mac78]

Thanks for the suggestions. I will be on the look out for some lamps...that don't match, but are similar in color and shades. Lord knows my house isn't "designer series". lol With running a daycare out of my home.....sometimes I think I am living in romper room.

[annielinz]

My two end table lamps in the living room do match but thats about it. I picked them up rather inexpensively at Target. I wanted something that was weighty and if they fell wouldn't break. We are like bulls in a china shop in my house. On some things I am very symmetrical and like them to match. However most of my house is done in piecemeal, it all seems to blend.

I had a friend who went to Ethan Allen and had her house completely furnished by them. Altho it looked nice it looked like a showroom, there was just no heart or personality

[adelaide11]

If you able to get a matching lamp than I am sure this will put charm to your room as well. As matching things always make your room beautiful and give some weight as well.

So if you able to get them than this will be really amazing othewise you can also go for the matching of sofa set or other main part of your room.

[drdrip]

I would prefer if you did not get two than use one instead of two and for other table use some different things. Putting other lamp is not at all looks good. That is my personal experience and I think I am right.

[Lisa S]

I've been looking at lamps in magazines lately. I see a lot of vintage 1960's/1970's lamps that are painted a bright or striking color. I found two UGLY lamps at The Salvation Army, but I think they have potential. They're big and gold and have huge barrel shades. My plan is to paint them a buttercup yellow and ad some kind of shade to the trim. I'll take pictures if I ever get started.

Start looking at second hand shops ~ you can usually find something unique and it won't cost an arm and a leg. Find lamps that you really love ~ matching or not.

Doctor Drip: Can you say that again? I didn't follow.

[Gigi]

Hey Lisa--- I have two lights at our beach house (they left them)- that are gold- but I'm planning on spraying them a weathered silver...the sound of your buttercup idea sounds soooo nice.

I found lamp at JPenney that I love- it's all white, base, shade and has a bird on it... it comes on sale 50 percent off here and there- so I'll grab it then.

[rubyslippers]

I think "matchy-matchy" is over-rated. If you already have to exact end tables by a couch, then sure, you might want to look for a "set" -- but the coolest set I have ever seen came from a garage sale. My friend's Mom found them. I believe strongly in unique lighting when it comes to ceiling fixtures. Then, accent lighting can add some gusto. So, sadly it depends on the rooms. Some of your rooms that you have posted pictures of have a cottage flair, but lean a bit more toward the traditional color schemes. So, you might want to go with the advice of the same style in different colors or the same color in different styles. I really love lighting and have to be careful not to buy so much my house gets breakable. Could you give us an idea of where you are looking for lights? End tables? Pendants? Floor lamps? I like to help search. We used to have a thread over at Cottage Living called "Help Me Find" and everyone would go on searches for others ... that was a neat forum. So, we can help you search - - what are you looking for in more detail Marie?

[chyna]

My floor/table lamps don't match but they do have something in common like the shades are the same shape. My problem is the ceiling lamps/lights. I have one in mind for my library/livingroom at Lowes but wonder what to replace the ceiling fan with in the livingroom which will be a dining room/music room. Someday......

[mac78]

I do have a set of lamps I bought from Lowes a couple years ago. They look fine, I just can't find shades that look right on the lamps.

Where have I looked? JC Penney, Target, Lowes, WalMart, Marshalls.
I did find a set at JC Penney at the store for around $80, of coarse they didn't have them in stock. I am looking for 2 lamps for under $80. I have seen a lot I like, but I don't want to spend over $40 per lamp/shade. I think I want white/cream bases, or my daughter likes the silver. I really don't know what color for coastal cottage decor.

I really don't understand why they sell a lamp without a shade.....guess I am getting old.

[chyna]

My best shades came from an estate sale, the estate people found them stuffed away in the attic. :D They are silk and old and can you say sturdy?! I just need to get my vintage floor lamps rewired and get them all shady. I tend to not leave shades alone when I purchase them but instead will paint them with watercolor paint, watered down craft paint, glue on bead fringe.... what ever strikes me at the moment. :p

[cerenageorge2]

So what is the progress on your lamp. Did you start to paint them which you are talking about from army.

Please post photos here before reinnovating them and after reinnovating them as well.

[vintage girl]

I am a lamp fanatic:rolleyes: None of my lamps match except in my master bedroom. I like to get unusual lamps. I use a lot of outdoor hanging lamps that I get at Lowes or Home Depot. Patio hanging lamps are normally larger and more rustic looking and look great hanging in corners or over dining room tables. They are unexpected indoor and come in a variety of sizes and finishes and are normally very inexpensive. I also like to make lamps out of unusual objects. I have made several for friends out of egg baskets. Great for primitive homes and very easy to do. I also love to attach ornate bathroom vanity lights to the walls in halls and living rooms. They don't take up floor or table space, and again are unexpected.