Friday, March 26, 2010

Marble and Alabaster Lamps



It's funny how collections can sometimes begin. You purchase something because perhaps you got a good deal, or perhaps it's just that you're in a particular mood. Then suddenly, you're out and about again and see another one of similar nature but beautifully different...and your collection begins.

The above marble lamp was the first piece of my new collection. It had been at this particular antique store for awhile and finally, when it was marked down to $36, I thought perhaps I'd give it a try. And so my collection began...


It sits on the dresser in my office and has a wonderful three way light that is able to illuminate the small room. I love its skirted detail.



With this lamp, my collection grew to two. The tag in the antique store said it was marble but it could possibly be alabaster, I can't tell. It rests on the old writing desk in the den, which required a lamp base that was small enough to sit on the folded desk top.


I love the sweet carved detail and its wonderful creamy color.


Marble and alabaster lamps can be hard to find in good shape. I see a lot of them with broken necks that have been glued back together and/or badly chipped bases. Even with damage, prices are usually between $95 to $169.


This one sits on our bedroom dresser upstairs. I like the contrast between the white marble body with the veined marble base.


This one is the latest addition to my collection. It is by far the heaviest, and the tallest. It's waiting for a lamp shade, something I'll need to drive into the city to get. It could also use a good rewire -"Joan, help!!" Or should I say, "Dan, help!"

So what collection did you stumble upon?

Pray tell.

44 comments :

  1. I love these! I too have a collection! Your collection is stunning! Beautiful! ~lulu

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  2. Your collection is beautiful and that painting of the little boy - love that! Just wonderful...

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  3. I have quite an extensive collection of alabaster lamps also. At least 10!. I thought they were marble at first too, but they are actually alabaster. I have the same lamps, except for the first one you feature which is quite unusual. They are so fun to collect and I think they look great in almost any setting. Can you tell I am a fan?

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  4. Beautiful pictures. New lamps are cheap now in Norway, but if I visit someones home, I use 3 seconds to admire a new lamp, but at least 3 minutes checking out and talking about an old one. They are absolutely more interesting.

    My collection?? Well, flee marked are fun places, but I like so many different things. So I have ended up with a little of this and that. You should see my breakfast plate and cup; an old blue plate from Wedgewood and a green dottet cup from Green Gate. And I love them both, but it does NOT look good together!! Have a Happy Easter.

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  5. They are beautiful! They have such an air to them!

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  6. Sweet greetings from Frog Hollow Farm! What exquisite lamps, I don't think I've ever seen lamps with marble bases. The first thing I thought of as far a a collection are small ceramic children's mugs. The first mug was received from a friend of my mother's who was visiting our home. I don't remember receiving it or who the friend was, but I do remember that the mug contained packaged candies. My brother, sister and I all received one of these adorable mugs and after we ate the candy my mother displayed them in her china cabinet -I guess she loved them then as much as I do now. You've given me an idea for my next post! Ciao, bella!

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  7. I have a pair of alabaster lamps on my bedroom dresser which I purchased on EBay. I love them! Your collection of lamps is beautiful.

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  8. Your lamps are very pretty! I collect silver napkin rings. I was originally drawn to some with my initials, but have since grown to appreciate those engraved with other people's initials or names.

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  9. beautiful collection...

    One of the things that we've collected for our home is old English pine chests... We have three so far...one in each of our boys' rooms and one in our family room.

    I would love to add an old English pine Armoir to our master bedroom and then one more chest in our daughter's room. Some things are worth the financial investment!

    Happy weekend!

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  10. It's been a long time since I have paid attention to these lamps. They are just so classic. You've reopened my eyes.

    Joan @ Applejack Lane

    I wish I was the Joan who could give you help!

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  11. A dear friend came in my newly decorated house last month, looked at the halltree and, "Who knew someone could have sooooooooooo many straw beige hats."

    Until that moment I did not know it was a collection.

    Love your marble lamps. I'm only at 2. Thrift stores, $3 & $12.

    And, oh my, how you hung the mirror at the sloping ceiling. Love how its corner meets the ceiling.

    Garden & Be Well, XO Tara

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  12. The lamps are gorgeous. I collect antique furniture. I love old things. Carla

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  13. Beautiful lamps. I think they're subtle but elegant. Maybe I need to start a collection of my own?

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  14. I actually have been eyeing an alabaster lamp for a while at an antique store. Just don't have the right spot for it! Your lamps are ABSOLUTELY just lovely! I can see why you love them so much! They also enhance your home beautifully.

    You have been taking such great photo's! I enjoy looking at your home and the things you love. You live in a magical place...so pretty.

    ~jamilyn

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  15. I began collecting glass wear when I was in junior high. I you wouldn't believe how many odd numbered sets I have!

    Within the last year I've begun to collect white and cream dishes. Growing up, we ate our meals on Federalist everyday. My mother finally gave me the set and I have been adding odd pieces of white and cream in different patterns since.

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  16. Hi Trina,

    Your lamps are beautiful. I have one little alabaster lamp that I found laying in the dirt at a yard sale. It is my favorite lamp and it cost 1 or 2 dollars. Yours are more elaborate in detail. So pretty.

    Also, could not help but notice the nests!

    ~janet

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  17. Milk glass and water pitchers. I've got both everywhere. :-) I love the marble.

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  18. lovely. thanks so much for sharing your home...

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  19. Love your marble lamps. They are gorgeous. So pretty and go with any possible kind of decor. Hugs, Marty

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  20. very pretty! I have one and would LOVE another! they can be quite pricey, so I'm just waiting on another good deal. what do I collect?? pewter and Wedgwood basalt, and I just bought a few real ironstone pieces and I think that's going to start an obsession ... also love blue ceramics of all pedigree.

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  21. My mom and I just adore marble lamps. They are really beautiful.

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  22. What a lovely collection of lamps. They are all so perfectly simple.
    The last one with that painting is a gem.
    Love to see a dark shade against the marble. I love black shades.
    pve

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  23. Your collection is beautiful. I don't think I've ever seen a marble lamp. I have a lamp with a marble base, but that's it.

    My collection is milk glass. It started out with one piece and before I knew it, I had a collection.

    -FringeGirl

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  24. Hi Trina

    You're collection of lamps is divine - they're so elegant and chic. Just perfect for your gorgeous house. Have a lovely weekend. Leigh

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  25. Gorgeous lamp, gorgeous home, gorgeous blog. I'll be following. xo

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  26. Trina, each lamp is prettier than the next! I'd love to have one but am always taken by the prices - even the cracked ones. As pretty as they are...there's nothing prettier than a birds nest.
    Have a great weekend!
    Sarah

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  27. Oh they're fabulous Trina. You have such incredible style - truly! The first lamp is so pretty with the ruffles detail!!

    I'm a bit like you, birds nests everywhere. And shells.I'm bit of a bower bird.

    julesxxx

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  28. beautiful collection, love everything you 'love' to collect. you must have a great time hunting for treasures. thanks for sharing your treasure finds! maryann

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  29. What beautiful treasures your lamps are...so pretty & elegant. They really fit perfectly in your home!
    I absolutely love them.

    My collections have been packed away for so long I'm not sure what they are anymore...it will be fun to find out soon though! And if memory serves, I had a few going...
    ;)

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  30. I'd never considered these lamps before - that's why you're the one with the good eye! They look really gorgeous, particularly in your home. I'm sure I'm starting several different collections of things at once, but I won't know until we finish painting and everything can come out! Rachaelxx

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  31. A couple of decades ago, when I was about your age, I did the same and bought three lovely alabaster bases, one after the other. Two I had to buy shades for and have them either side of the bed in the guest bedroom. They were a 'steal'! The third is rather elaborate and larger, with a lovely shade and that is in the loungeroom.

    Yours are lovely; you'll never tire of them!

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  32. I really love the skirted detail on that first lamp, really special.
    alicia

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  33. Oh, my! I have too many collections to answer your question, BUT perhaps this sums me up: after reading your post and seeing your beautiful marble lamps, I now want a collection of them myself!!!!!!!!!!! :) :)

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  34. Hi Trina! I will send Dan over immediately!! I just "supervise"!!
    I, too, love marble lamps and have a few here and there;)-- yours are wonderful!
    joan

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  35. Trina,
    They are all devine! I have an alabaster vase that is a favorite that I paid $65 for years ago. Might have to call you the goddess of beautiful bargins!!!

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  36. I just found a collection of ironstone plates! There were 60 in the an antique store! I bought them all! You have a fantastic site!!! Best, Connie

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  37. I love those lamps! we just finished a remodel and would love to have one in my house. I live in Lake Oswego and have to admit I don't know any antique shops...any ideas where I can find one?
    LOVE your site!

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  38. I just found your site. I grew up in a farm house in India. I love all the things close to nature. Both of us are avid gardeners.We grow vegetables, fruits and flowers. I think we both have lot of things in common.

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  39. I am silver crazy...it all started with wanting something creative for the base of the centerpieces at my wedding. My mom and I came up with the idea to use antique silver trays, which was a blast because we HAD to find about 40 of them. There is nothing better than trips to the antique stores with a purpose... it's like a treasure hunt! We found so many that we moved onto silver bowls to hold favors, and some tiny silver plates to place candles on. We split the loot after my wedding so I had a kick start to a great collection. Now I am on to finding unique silverware sets, I have 3, and mix them up to make interesting place settings!

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  40. What a great thing to be on the lookout for! Your lamps are so pretty and add much to your rooms.

    came over by way of Lisa Porter...I am going to add you to my list so I can visit often!

    Blessings....

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  41. Beautiful. I got to your blog because I have a google alert on the keyword lamps. I make lampshades and so I'm very interested in different lamp bases. However, my favorite are victorian era lamp bases. I have a large collection in my attic waiting for me to make victorian shades!

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  42. Love these lamps! Now I am noticing them in antique stores and picturing them in my own home. Thanks for the inspiration :)

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  43. I have 2 that I inherited from my Grandmother - I'd like to find out more about them, do you have hints for finding out more about them and their worth?

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Thank you for leaving your thoughts. Kind regards, Catherine

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