Since posting about the boys’ new Lego table, I’ve spray painted the library lamps on the bookcases. {I told you I have a serious problem leaving store bought furniture and accessories alone.} Even though the bookcases aren’t done, the gold lamps are a huge improvement so I thought I’d share a picture and sources. Many of you are very curious about those bookcases!
1 – The best thing about these woven baskets is that they have felt strips on the bottoms to protect the bookcase shelves. Three of them are a perfect fit for one shelf. Mixing the lighter rattan in with the darker finish of the bookcase adds color and texture. They hold toys, costumes and puzzles yet many are still empty!
2 – I originally bought a pair of these gray task lamps for our bedroom but they didn’t work out. On a “make ’em work” whim, I threw them on top of the boys’ bookcases and, behold!, library lamps. They are bottom heavy and very sturdy so there’s no fear of them toppling over even when adjusted all the way down. The cords are too short to reach our wall outlets so I added extension cords which are hidden behind the baskets.
3 – These industrial bookcases look more expensive than they really are. I bought two of them on sale months ago and they are currently marked down to $82! They aren’t the best quality {they feel much lighter than they look like they should – hence the drastic price cut} so you can’t display very heavy items on them but they are sufficient for what we need in the boys’ room. HH attached them to the wall for added support and safety.
4 – The gray library lamps were getting lost against the taupe walls. A few coats of this gold spray paint were all they needed to make them pop and add a little luxe to the kid space. If it seems like I’ve been spray painting everything gold, it’s because I have been. I wouldn’t be surprised if you can see a cloud of gold spray paint coming up from behind our house.
I’m working on styling the two higher shelves. Some of you chuckled when I mentioned styling the boys’ shelves but don’t worry, they will be kid-friendly. Like I said, the lower shelves with the baskets hold things that get used frequently – toys, games, costumes, etc. I’m thinking the higher shelves would be a good place to store less popular items and display art for personality and COLOR. We need some color in this room!
images: Dana Miller for House*Tweaking
budget decor, DIY, kid-friendly, organization