Tuesday, April 13, 2010

The Ikea Light Fixture Transformation Revealed

The Large Melodi Pendant Lamp,
on sale for $4.99 at Ikea, underwent a makeover using paint.

Going from this:

To this:





E X P L O R E







It works. The fixture turned out better than my expectations and it is a fun addition to the room. Though my husband asked, "What are you going to do when someone wants to write something else on the shade?" Easy enough, the shade simply snaps off. When Max decides he wants to draw or write on it all I have to do is unscrew the light bulb, snap the shade off the socket and he can begin recreating the fixture.

Next, what to do with these floral green chairs? Having once sat in my grandmother's home I love having them in mine, though they are ready for an update. The estimate from the upholsterer had me choking, so my backup plan is to make slipcovers. I've seen some great tutorials on this project in blogland, so I believe I'm up for trying it...

While I think about that, come back tomorrow to see what I'm giving away for Spring.
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33 comments:

Pam @ Design Fanatic said...

Love it! It is now perfect for the room!

Kare@Trublue2 said...

Amazing transformation!! What a fun room for a boy's imagination to grow. Cannot believe how great the fixture turned out...bravo!!

Kare

Design Esquire said...

The room looks great! I love how Max is taking full advantage of the chalkboard paint. He really is exploring! Can't wait to see what you do with the chairs.

L. Duncan said...

Thats cool! A light fixture that can be reinvented when desire strikes! I think slip covers are a perfect solution for the chairs especially sice they are in a child's room. that way, they can be cleaned easily. Can't wait to see you make them!

1 Funky Woman said...

Oh my goodness you did it again! I love this! I have been trying to convince my son to do a chalkboard border in his room but he isn't jumping on that idea!

Frugal Home Designs said...

Great transformation! I can't believe how affordable stuff is at IKEA. I wish we had one close to us!

Clean Design Fan said...

Really strong - form and function. You must really be pleased how this turned out.

Very affordable to - Nice job.

Linda at Lime in the Coconut! said...

Niiiice! Is it plastic or glass? Yep...slip the chairs. Although upholstering yourself is not as hard as it looks...promise. Sorta.

Tammy@InStitches said...

It looks great, and only $4.99 ! Can't beat that.

Flory said...

really nice...i love it!

MzMannerz said...

I agree with the person above who said you could reupholster them yourself. As talented as you are, you'd be great at it.

Have you heard of the Ikea Hacker blog? This lamp is a shoe in for entry there!

You probably have but just in case: http://ikeahacker.blogspot.com/

Mary said...

If you end up slipcovering the chairs, I hope you document how it's done. I certainly could use some instructions.

Angie said...

The room looks amazing! I just scored 2 chairs similar at Goodwill yesterday for my daughters room make over. They are so comfortable but in need of some serious updating. I'm looking forward to following along while you slipcover!!

Leanne said...

That whole room is amazing. Your little guy looks like he's having so much fun with the chalkboard area. I'm having my very first linky party tomorrow. It's about organizing. I would love for you to join if you have any organizing posts or ideas. Thanks and I love the room.

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

It turned out great, Janell! It's actually bigger than I thought from your last post. That's a great size for the room.

Susie @ Maddie's Nest said...

The room looks awesome. I am sure Max is more than pleased. And, I cannot wait to see you tackle the slipcovers...I am sure you are up to the task....and I could use one of your tutorials! BTW, I passed on a little blogger award to you this morning.

Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia said...

You friend are amazing!
XO
Kristin

HeatherWasHere said...

I am really enjoying your Ikea challenge!! I love seeing people use their creativity to make budget items look unique and high-end. I think sometimes people think Ikea stuff can only look like it does in the catalogue (me) so this is very inspiring.

K said...

As always, love your blog! Thanks for taking the time to post your projects, and I love how the room is taking shape. For the chairs, have you considered painting them? Yes, the fabric. You definitely have the talent to do it (unlike the rest of us!). Here's an example:

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ny/how-to/how-to-refinish-upholstery-using-paint-068266

Struggler said...

The light fixture looks great.
I'm beginning to think I should change careers and re-train as an upholsterer; they do indeed charge tonnes of money!

Wendy @ The Shabby Nest said...

You are one stinkin' clever lady (and yes, that is a compliment) ;-)

I have really enjoyed this room's transformation! You inspire me daily, Janell!

xoxo
Wendy

marty (A Stroll Thru Life) said...

Love the light fixture and the transformation is just stunning. Wow. Hugs, Marty

Ginny said...

I love this room! You have done a fantastic job and I'm sure your 'client' is very pleased. I can't wait to see the transformation of granny's green chairs. Ta ta for now, I'm off to Ikea!

Cristin said...

Brilliant! Wow, can't bet those Ikea prices either.

xo,
cristin

Pink and Polka Dot said...

i heart ikea! great transformation!

Room to Inspire said...

You are so super creative with the chalkboard paint! I would have never thought of this one - love it!

Chelsea

Lynda @ Happenstance Home said...

The light fixture is beyond perfect. Love it!

Tonia {Chic Modern Vintage} said...

I never would have thought of that, very creative. I'm glad that found you.

Kelly said...

So glad that you posted close up shots of this. Looks great (I love that Macadamia shade).

Kelly

Jen of Made By Girl said...

I LOVE it!

Jen Ramos
madebygirl.blogspot.com

pk @ Room Remix said...

That is just too darn cute (and clever!). Love it.

Infarrantly Creative said...

Oh that is just perfect. I can't believe it. For $4.99 and a little imagination you perfected your boys room!

Katie said...

Hi there! This project would go perfect in my son's new big boy room. I went to Ikea today and purchased this lamp, but mine has a plug to plug into!? How did you wire it for the ceiling?? Please help!!!!

bkjohnson24@tx.rr.com