Finding The Right Table Lamps Shouldn’t Be This Difficult
I’m still on the hunt for the perfect table lamps to go on our bedside tables in the bedroom, and I’m really getting frustrated with this search. I don’t know if you’ve noticed this lately, but every online store that sells items priced for us regular people seems to carry the same products these days. I can search on Wayfair and find a few I like in my price range, and then I’ll search on Target’s website and find the exact same lamps. Then I’ll head to Home Depot and find the same ones again. And then Lamps Plus, and the same lamps appear again. Same with Amazon. Nothing seems unique about any of these stores.
Anyway, I think I also ruined my search pretty early on because I already had something in mind that I thought was perfect, but it was way out of my price range. It’s the lamp that has been in my bedroom mockup for a while now…
That lamp is this Robert Abbey Tangerine table lamp from Lamps Plus (affiliate link), but at $887.20 each, that’s never going to happen.
It’s so perfect, though. And you know how it is when you find something that’s perfect but way out of your price range and then you try to find something similar in your price range. Nothing will ever compare to the original. And this one would be so perfect. I did this little mockup of it with the drapery fabric and grasscloth.
So I continued my search last night. At one point, I decided to go in a totally different direction and thought it would be beautiful to add a natural element like rattan. I started searching for rattan lamps, and none of them really caught my attention until I came across this rattan gourd table lamp from Lamps Plus (affiliate link). As soon as I saw it, I stopped and thought, “That’s it! That’s the one!” Of course I did. These are $607.20 each. Ugh. Why is everything I love out of my price range?! There’s no way I could bring myself to pay over $1200 for two table lamps.
Once I did my mockup, I realized that rattan probably isn’t the right choice anyway. It’s too much brown with the bedside tables and the shades, but I’m considering replacing the shades with something light, bright, light-filtering, and less eye-catching when they’re open. So I don’t really want to factor those into my selection.
I tried to find something similar in my price range, but of course, nothing like that exists.
The next ones that caught my eye were these dappled beige southwest lamps from Lamps Plus (affiliate link), which are $229.99 for a set of two with $50 off coupon until December 9th.
Now hear me out. Anything like this will have to be painted. I don’t do beige, brown, neutral lamps. But these immediately reminded me of a vase that I have in the music room. See that vase on the top shelf? It started off white, but it has that same dotted texture to it and I used two shades of orange/coral paint to bring out the texture. It’s very subtle, but I love how it looks.
So I could do the same thing with these for a similar look.
The next option I found is this mid century modern table lamp from Target (affiliate link). It’s a set of two on sale for $125.99.
Again, I would paint them. I don’t put white table lamps in the “I would never” category. After all, I have a white lamp in the living room, and two white lamps in the music room. But I don’t want white lamps in here, so you’ll have to imagine them painted an orange/coral color.
This one also caught my eye. I love the shape of this stacked ovoid lamp from Target (affiliate link). It’s a bit more expensive. It’s on sale for $123.99 each.
And once again, you have to imagine it painted.
And finally, this vase base table lamp from Lamps Plus (affiliate link) caught my eye because it’s similar in shape to the original expensive lamp that I wanted. These are $81.59 each, and I could easily achieve a similar look to the expensive lamp with some paint and gold highlights.
It seems a little too skinny, though. The expensive one seems to have a more substantial base, which is one of the things I love about it. This skinnier one won’t have the same impact. And it’s the tallest lamp of them all. I was hoping to find something around 27″ high, and this one is 30.25″ high. But if I go with these, I could just hang the headboard a little higher than I had planned. I just don’t want my headboard and lamps being the same height, and I certainly don’t want the lamps being higher than the headboard.
I don’t think I can look at any more lamps. I’ve looked at hundreds of them (not even exaggerating), and what I’ve learned is that I have expensive taste. Everything I really like is out of my price range, so I’m almost certainly going to have to select something that needs to be painted and customized. Of course, I’m completely fine with that. But at this point, I’ve looked at so many lamps that all of the lamps in my price range seem so boring.
I know it’s just a lamp, but it’s also one of the first things that people (and I) will see when walking into our bedroom, so I want something fun and unique. And lamps are part of the “jewelry” of a room, like adding jewelry to a nice outfit, so I don’t want bland or boring lamps that look like they came from a big box store (even though they will almost certainly be from a big box store).
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Addicted 2 Decorating is where I share my DIY and decorating journey as I remodel and decorate the 1948 fixer upper that my husband, Matt, and I bought in 2013. Matt has M.S. and is unable to do physical work, so I do the majority of the work on the house by myself. You can learn more about me here.
My choice is the MCM set from Target. Happy hunting!K
I personally love the mid-century modern lamps and think it would mimic the lines in the headboard and be beautiful in the orange/coral color with the gold accents already on them. I also really like the last ones that are so close to your original pick. You could replace the harp with a shorter one that would bring the height to the 27”. Just a thought.
I vote for the last lamps from Lamps Plus. You may be able to change the harp for a slightly shorter one to take an inch or two off the height. Once you finish with the paint, you will love them as much as the most expensive pair.
My choice would be the dotted lamps from Lamps
Plus, painted orange
I love the bumpy one. Painted, it would be perfect. Interesting, adds some texture, isn’t too serious, unique, and substantial. Oh, and affordable.
The rattan lamp is interesting but I think the color and texture would blend into the blinds and nightstands. I like all of the other lamps and I think painting them coral would look great and bring a bit more of that color into your room. I measured the lamps in my guest room and they are 29″ high and 5.25″ wide at the base and widest part of the body. The bedside table is 25.5″ wide. They don’t seem too skinny to me but everyone views things differently. Can you build a mock up, maybe just a cardboard silhouette, to see what they would look like on your nightstands? I love the idea of a very tall headboard.
Hi Kristy,
Be sure to check Kirkland’s. I’ve been very satisfied with my lighting purchases from Kirkland’s.
Kristi, My apologies for misspelling your name in my original post. ☹️
I think the white ones from Target painted orange would be a good alternative. When I saw the pot on the shelf in the music 🎶 room, I wondered if you could make lamps out of some pots…🤔
Put this on the back burner for awhile and let the ideas percolate.
Have you tried reverse image searches to see what pops up? Even for small parts of the favorite, to find parts.
Somehow I see the fav lamp and think that can DIY’d but take a ton of time, hunting for parts. Plus there are lamp part stores in my metro area. Another week of assembly (include paining) but still cost over $100 for parts. It’s crazy optimism from too many costuming conventions (no, I don’t dress up, but like to see how its made). But find an urn, build the sq base, find good enough matching sofa/table legs you can chop up and drill…My drill press adds to this confidence. I’ve used for similar purposes and husband tapped threads for an orb chandelier, once. Or likely commission parts to be printed out of a vapor smoothable material (abs-requires a fancier higher heat printer, not PLA-low heat). If you do PLA you can sand t but yet again a week’s more effort. With about a week to model and another to print still.
Two things. What about thinking outside the box (which you’re a pro at!)? Look at other vessels that you like the shape of – vases, vintage pieces, etc – and MAKE a lamp out of them. If you’re not happy with what’s currently on the market and plan to modify it anyway, then you can make literally anything into a lamp with inexpensive parts (as you know from your chandy projects). The other thing is, in your abundance of time and energy (LOL!), comb FB marketplace, estate sales, vintage shops, etc. I have one by one replaced all of my newer store-bought lamps with vintage pieces that have exponentially more character and are basically heirloom pieces, unmatched quality. Vintage and thrift items aren’t quite the bargain they used to be but still cheaper than new junk made overseas with inferior materials.
I think you could make any of them look good except the one that looks like the poop emoji. 🤭
I didn’t want to say it, but I thought the same thing…sorry if this offends you.
If you really want something unique, your best bet may be Facebook Marketplace, yard sales, etc but there’s no telling when something will show up and you’ll likely need new shades which can be a challenge sometimes. I like several of your options and would go for one of those now and keep an eye out for your unicorn lamps to turn up.
I think you found the right ones with the last ones from Lamps Plus. Do Not Worry about size, scale or proportion. Your bedroom suite will pretty much have knocked peoples socks off, that no one will whip out the tape measure and say “Kristi, these lamps a smidge too high for the room”, and if they do, smack them once for me. You loved that shape for a reason, now go forth, get the darn things, and get them painted, they WILL BE PERFECT! I love seeing the jewelry of a room go on, it means all the pretty stuff is here and it is time to move in or move on. You’ve got this, as always.
Cheers to you, Matt and the Fur Team!
I appreciate the need for immediate gratification, but like you my “won’t spend that $” wins.
Please hit some estate sales. The number and quality of lamps I see at the sales is amazing. Yes, you’ll probably make changes to them, but you’ll do that anyway. You may find exactly what you want in a 30+yo set of lamps of better quality. Plus it will get you away from the computer for a few hours and I’ll bet your mom would live to go with you. Estatesales.net lists sales near your zip code and MarketPlace usually has a couple listing
I did a Google image search (because I always do for home furnishings/decor and always find a much better price) and found that someone did a DIY knockoff of those exact lamps. You might look at her blog. https://diyinspired.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Mary-McDonald-knock-Off-Collage.jpg
I honestly would try to find a vintage brass Stiffel Lamps on Marketplace or Ebay and just paint them to match. They have many similar sizes and styles similar to your Robert Abbey Lamps.
Just a thought…
Do you have a Home Goods store in your town. I have always found a lamp there that I loved.
I like all the lamps you’ve shown. One thing to consider is if you want a shiny or matte look. That may dictate which lamp you choose.
Seeing your mockups certainly illustrates how boring a beige/white lamp would look. Glad you like color!
Why not make the lamps yourself? You are so talented, I can imagine you making beautiful lamps like the original ones you found and used for your mockups!
I think the last set, painted like the ones you love would be perfect. I think the scale of them is perfect in your mock-up.
Seems like it’s time for another DIY!
What about one of the simpler lamps with a made by you custom shade😊
Dear Kristi,
You’ve gotten a lot of good suggestions already on your lamp decision. I’m going to throw something completely different out there.
First, total up how much you saved by:
Installing the Crown Molding yourself
Installing the Grass Cloth yourself
Refinishing the Floor yourself
Repurposing the Dresser you previously made instead of purchasing or even buying materials to make a different one…you get the idea.
Sometimes we get stuck on the price of a single item instead of the overall cost of a renovation. Maybe you’ve already saved enough to cover splurging on the lamps you love? Just a different perspective for your to consider.
Have you checked second-hand sources for your lamps?
I Love the birds! Looking forward to the rest of the bedroom coming together. Thanks for sharing your journey!
YHWH Bless You : )
https://www.ebay.com/itm/388006762671
Tangerine lamps, six available, with a make offer option.
I love the way you think about the overall cost of the room and splurging on something you love! Is Matt looking for a Christmas gift for you???
I saw these, but then noticed the dimensions and they sound kind of small, even though they don’t look it. Plus, they’d take some wood filler before painting, so maybe too much work: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1816956346/aidan-gray-wood-lamps?ls=s&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=urn+floor+lamps&ref=sr_gallery-1-14&sr_prefetch=0&pf_from=market&content_source=cc0edb3b-b8d0-41d7-8d33-e3fc76b62a8f%253ALT399c88cd2706eece12bc8bb1fd8173957ccb3bf0&organic_search_click=1&logging_key=cc0edb3b-b8d0-41d7-8d33-e3fc76b62a8f%3ALT399c88cd2706eece12bc8bb1fd8173957ccb3bf0
have you checked restore or a goodwill type store? I found brass lamps years ago that were hideous but I loved the shape of them. A good old coat of paint and new shades and I have gorgeous lamps.
I suggest buying a pair of urn lamps (there are so many on the used market) either online or in a thrift store and painting them to look like the expensive ones you really want. These days everything is from the same Chinese manufacturer if it is new so you’re not going to find unique at a big box store.
Have you searched Anthropologie? If you create an account, they offer (at least once a month)up to 40% off on most home decor, not to mention, they will offer an extra 30% off their marked down price. I have purchased lamps and a dresser from them. Super unique items 🙂
I know it’s not possible for everyone, but this is why I go to antique shops and thrift stores. Look on ebay and etsy. There are amazing Stiffel brass lamps for a steal. New is almost always crap. I like to take my time and find exactly what I want.
The last lamp, with your touch of paint and the raised headboard, will be beautiful. By the time you do that and pull the rest of the room together, I think you will be pleased with your choice and the price.
I agree with you about nearly every store having the same in so many areas of decor.
I swear the same buyers get together every year, someone picks an item, and they all go, “Oh, that’s great, let’s get those as well.” It is frustrating.
Kristi ~ you were so anxious to get things settled in the bedroom so you and Matt could have your room back. It feels like you’re in a different mode and mindset now, and you’re not as enthused about building things. The room is basically ready for you two to move into as soon as you make the bed. All the other things can wait.
I’m currently working on a guest room in our new home and needed a bedside lamp. I went thrifting yesterday and found what I didn’t know I needed – a hammered metal (silver) gourd lamp. Being a thrifter I frequently have to repair or paint my thrifted items but this one was not only brand new, it didnt need a thing. I made a soft flannel cord cover for it and I love the soft shine and sophistication it adds to the room. In your case you could use hammered gold lamps which would add a touch of sparkle and coordinate with your mirror, your foyer light, and your other gold accessories. I spent $7 for a perfect, brand new gorgeous lamp! I know you’re set on orange, but this could also be a nice option.
Mid-century Target for the win! Beautiful room!
I think the last one is perfect! Once it’s painted it will give you the same look and feel as the inspiration lamp and ultimately make you the happiest of all your choices. I would change the finial on the top to something smaller, round clear or gold similar to the inspiration lamp. Other than that it’s pretty perfect! My second choice is the mid century modern from Target.
The rattan and the stacked donuts are a hard no from me. Maybe the dimpled pair when painted. Obviously the original coral/gold lamps are the best option but not for $1600+ per pair. If you found a lamp that was a bit shorter than you want, you could use some 2 x lumber to make a base for it and beef it up. Maybe a dark walnut under the colored lamp?
Have you tried a picture of the expensive lamp and asked AI to find similar lamps? I wouldn’t know how to do that but with your computer skills, I’m betting you can!
Facebook Marketplace
With your talents you could make an exact copy of lamp number one!
Im wondering if you could get a woodworker to make you the first lamps or even just parts of it and you could use moldings and wood blocks to finish it. Dont worry, I think a lot of us have champagne tastes and beer pocketbook. Do you have nice thrift stores in your area? That’s always an option.
Maybe you can find a vintage set of lamps that will work – possibly with some modifications.
For all you have done, treat yourself and buy the Robert Abbey lamps you love!
Have you tried At Home? They have hundreds of lamps very reasonably priced.
I like the shape of the Target midcentury one with your vignette. It feels quite classic, actually, and not as busy as your dream lamp. If you went with the Lamps Plus vase base lamp, you could very easily add another chunky, wider base layer + molding to it at the bottom!
Your inspiration lamp looks like a 4×4 and some picture frame trim stacked on a vase. Since you’ll probably end up painting them if you buy something, could you make them and get closer to what you wanted from the start? We know you know how to wire lamps!
Sorry to be late to post a comment from yesterday’s theme.
A few years ago, we received a Keurig for Christmas, used it for the first time in Jan. And the first of Nov. of that yr, it stopped working, we called Keurig to get a replacement. They claimed from serial number, it had been manufactured in Sept. and their warranty was 1 year from the manufacture date! I had to send the broken one back and they would give us 40% off a new one at full retail price, plus some free coffee pods.
When I used the code they sent, I realized that I was having to pay shipping and handling charges both ways! It equaled the shipping charges! So all we’d be getting was some free coffee! No way!
We just bought another brand & it’s been working fine for 3 years!!
Kristi, I only read your blog, because it’s inspiring and I can trust your recommendations!
Love the lamps!
I’m on team “take your time “. Look for vintage and then do your “Kristi” on it to make it perfect.
Sorry to be late to post a comment from yesterday’s theme.
A few years ago, we received a Keurig for Christmas, used it for the first time in Jan. And the first of Nov. of that yr, it stopped working, we called Keurig to get a replacement. They claimed from serial number, it had been manufactured in Sept. and their warranty was 1 year from the manufacture date! I had to send the broken one back and they would give us 40% off a new one at full retail price, plus some free coffee pods.
When I used the code they sent, I realized that I was having to pay shipping and handling charges both ways! It equaled the shipping charges! So all we’d be getting was some free coffee! No way!
We just bought another brand & it’s been working fine for 3 years!!
Kristi, I only read your blog, because it’s inspiring and I can trust your recommendations!
Love the lamps!
Sorry to be late to post a comment from yesterday’s theme.
A few years ago, we received a Keurig for Christmas, used it for the first time in Jan. And the first of Nov. of that yr, it stopped working, we called Keurig to get a replacement. They claimed from serial number, it had been manufactured in Sept. and their warranty was 1 year from the manufacture date! I had to send the broken one back and they would give us 40% off a new one at full retail price, plus some free coffee pods.
When I used the code they sent, I realized that I was having to pay shipping and handling charges both ways! It equaled the shipping charges! So all we’d be getting was some free coffee! No way!
We just bought another brand & it’s been working fine for 3 years!!
Kristi, I only read your blog, because it’s inspiring and I can trust your recommendations!
Love the idea of painting one of the less expensive lamps!
Have you thought of making a pair of lamps out of turned wooded pieces? Somehow, I think you can put parts together to make the exactly right shape and exactly right height.
And if anyone could do this, it is most certainly you!
Safavieh makes several attractive orange lamps. I would maybe Rub n Buff some of the brass or clear elements. Or a gilded touch, like on the last one?
https://www.homedepot.com/pep/SAFAVIEH-Lola-30-in-Orange-Column-Hourglass-Table-Lamp-with-Off-White-Shade-Set-of-2-LIT4150D-SET2/309611560
https://www.homedepot.com/p/SAFAVIEH-Amy-24-in-Blood-Orange-Gourd-Glass-Table-Lamp-with-White-Shade-Set-of-2-LIT4087D-SET2/204848539
https://www.ebay.com/itm/144653003692
https://www.ebay.com/itm/146560172097
https://www.homedepot.com/p/SAFAVIEH-Iris-30-5-in-Grey-Gold-Curved-Table-Lamp-with-White-Shade-Set-of-2-LIT4513A-SET2/301771973
So I searched Robert Abbey 2600 Annika Tangerine and found as low as $578.10.
You are so talented, I bet you could make lamps to look like the first ones you liked!
I love the dimpled ones that match your vase on the bookshelf. I love that substantial size and painted the coral would make a statement on the nightstands. The ones that are shaped similar to the expensive ones you love seem too dainty in my opinion.
I love the stacked lamp from Target and they will especially look good painted.
my vote goes to the Stacked Ovoid lamp from target!!!
The last two look best to me. The rattan ones, even I could make them. I know they are expensive but look cheap to me.
Did you check bed bath and beyond online. Quite a few available
Could you make your lamp from different pieces from Home Depot? then paint it? I really like the Robert Abbey lamp, too. I know absolutely nothing about making a lamp but thought I’d throw that out there.
Kristy,
You and Matt deserve the orange lamps! They would be the crown jewels of your stunning bedroom. The pleasure they would bring you daily is priceless. (If you divide the days ahead of you by the current cost they would be a steal.)
Treat yourself. You more than deserve this!
Perhaps you could put them on your Christmas list as a lamp fund; imagine looking at them and also be reminded of the love of your family and friends who contributed to their purchase!
I feel like you could make most of those! Especially your favorite one-a block of wood with some turned wood with some holes drilled in the middle with a lamp kit? You could totally do that!
I don’t have the eye you have but I did a quick google search “coral table lamp” and found this one: https://www.lampsplus.com/sfp/99V13/?src=google&mdm=cpc&cmp=20472460039&cnt=&trm=99V13&sourceid=DFGPD99V13&src=google&mdm=cpc&cmp=20472460039&cnt=&trm=&sourceid=SEGND&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20472459799&gbraid=0AAAAAD8GCBA7BpEtJGQQz2cxG8WGExPNo&gclid=Cj0KCQiA_8TJBhDNARIsAPX5qxQYm9FxQ15I1Ss3Nv4oo7g67b2TQ3T689yZ2I7JNOF-Mrvmyn74BoAaAvpbEALw_wcB
What I liked is that there is a coupon and they offer many variations of the color.
I think you could make your lamps. You have the talent and the imagination. They would be unique and something you love. You could use vases or wood turnings from Home depot.
I would love to see you make some. That’s the main thing l love to watch you do.
I love the Dappled beige Southwest from Lamps Plus. So, those get 1st place for me. And then 2nd place would be Mid century modern from Target. Excited to see what you choose! 🙂
Stylecraft Lamps have a good price point especially, if you are thinking of changing the color of the lamps.
https://www.jcpenney.com/p/stylecraft-3225-malta-table-lamp/ppr5008430429?pTmplType=regular&deptId=dept20000011&catId=cat100240024&rrplacementtype=pdp1_jrecs&criteriaName=E0_Seq_Jewelry_%20holiday%20&%20After%20Christmas%202025
What about this pair as a starting point:
https://www.lampsplus.com/sfp/V1854/?src=google&mdm=cpc&cmp=22462677784&cnt=&trm=V1854&sourceid=DFGPDV1854&src=google&mdm=cpc&cmp=22462677784&cnt=&trm=&sourceid=SEGNM&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22459237622&gclid=Cj0KCQiAosrJBhD0ARIsAHebCNrKnxLWtR79oWFEfrGy25N9YZNRswREkyMsHc0ayiNrr7mbZdDUg04aAkG5EALw_wcB
I really like the one with texture like the vase in the living room. I think you could really make that one work.