Monday, August 18, 2014

Making A Sconce From an Architectural Element

I have searched for several years for a tiny floor lamp to fit in a tight spot. Since I haven’t found one yet, I decided to try a wall sconce. I decided that I could make one from an architectural element so my switch searched to one for an appropriate element. Here is what I came up with.

new shade- close up 

It started with this element that I found at Scott’s for $15.

architectural fragment

Let’s take a closer look. I’m not sure what this is made of. I don’t think it is solid wood but it worked great for my purpose. I’m calling this Julius Caesar.

Julius Caesar

Since I don’t have any gold tones in this room, I spray painted it silver then added stain to age it.

architectural fragment with new paint

I drilled one hole from the top and another from the back and was careful not to drill all the way through.  I used lamp parts from a thrifted lamp.

painted fragment with drilled holes for lamp wires

I assembled the lamp and added a hanger to the back for mounting it to the wall. I was able to find a half shade at a lamp shop.

rear hanger

I used a Cree light bulb that I got in my swag bag at the Haven conference. The bulb uses very low wattage and is always cool to the touch, even after being on for a long time. This bulb is especially great to use here since it is so close to the wall I don’t have to worry about any damage to the wall or possible fire.

cree light bulb

Let’s see how it looks in the room.

room view

I really liked it but I decided to paint the shade black for a little more pop.

new shade

Now I like it even more!

I hope you are having a great end of summer. I have been away for a couple of weeks and had big plans to catch up on some blog posts but had the worst internet service I have ever had in America! So much for plans!

I will be linking this post to Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch, to the Scoop at Worthing Court, to Inspire Me Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life and to Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style and to Best of the Nest at Simple Details. Click the links for lots of inspiration!

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6 comments:

  1. Love it, Pat! What a clever idea! The shade looks awesome in black, as well! You did a great job!

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  2. That is one of the best looking decoration I've seen on the web in
    in a long time. Also love the black shade.

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  3. I love it. Great way to make a sconce and love those bulbs!

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  4. What a handsome lamp you created! Very classical!!!

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  5. I hopped over from Savvy Southern Style, what an innovative idea especially space saving. Actually my post I linked up is about small spaces and a designer who lives in 69 square apartment, its gorgeous.

    I really think this is a clever idea and I am going to look for a sconce for my living area that might go beside my mirror over the mantel. I have a side table with a lamp but a standing lamp takes up space and mine is a little annoying. This would be wonderful at the end of a hallway too where it could be a focal point if you had a large sconce.

    Thanks.

    Lee :)

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  6. Wow Pat, are you creative!! The sconce came out great!!!! What a fabulous idea.

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