Project 20: Finished lamps

This photo officially ends bedroom month. This evening I finished wiring my lights and got them hung up over our nightstands. Just three projects have completely transformed my master bedroom. None of them were too difficult, either, especially with help from my friends. Along the way I learned all sorts of things about paneling, painting, sewing, and electrical work. I tried techniques I’d wanted to try for years and bought some useful new equipment. I spent more than my budget, but less than you’d think on a transformation of this kind. All in all I’m pleased with how it turned out.

Remember where we started?

I’m taking next week off from the blog to celebrate my anniversary, but I’ve lined up a fun guest project. Check back tomorrow to see what we have in store for you!

Project 20: First lamp

This is my brave husband plugging in the lamp I’d just finished wiring amidst fears of electrocution and/or fire. It worked, and no husbands were harmed in the making of this photo.

Have you ever seen someone do something on tv and are amazed by how easy they made it look? That’s me and these lamps. Back when Trading Spaces was still on (the internet tells me it may still be on tv. Weird) there was a designer who specialized in custom lamps. She built them out of random things, wired them up, and presto! had lamps. Ever since then I have had a vague idea that this was possible for me, but I’d never tried it… until now.

Last night I removed the old fabric-wrapped wiring from my beautiful sconces, replaced it with the wire from the extra set of sconces I bought, and spliced it all together with a regular extension cord. It’s a Frankenstein’s monster held together with electrical tape, but, as you can see in the photo, it has the audacity to work. I am amazed.

I need to run to the hardware store for another extension cord and to Target for lampshades, but sometime tonight I should have two functional lights hung next to my bed and bedroom month will be complete. Stay tuned.

Project 20: Finding lights

As far as I’m concerned, the best place to find used housing fixtures and building materials is the Habitat for Humanity ReStore. They always have an eclectic selection so be sure to shop with an open mind. Since I had no set idea of what kind of light I was looking for I figured this would be a good place to start.

After a long browse I selected two sets of matching brass sconces. One is better quality but has more decoration than the other set, which is very plain. I decided that having a backup set will prevent me from needing to go back to the store if the better pair either doesn’t meet my husband’s approval or won’t work in the room. When we select a set I’ll rewire them and hang them on the wall. Easy, right?

Project 20: Lamps

Remember this picture? My room still looks just like this. I’d hoped to have new drapes and roman shades up by now, but I’ve been too busy to finish them. I’m going to push to get them done this week and start project 20 in the process.

This week I hope to make lamps to replace the mismatched ones next to the bed. I’m not sure exactly what they’ll look like yet but my hope is that they’ll attach to the wall to free up table space.

Check back throughout the week as I finish all of these bedroom projects!