Tip: install dimmer switches on all overhead light fixtures.

A task light provides illumination for reading or working. Spot lights highlight artwork, dark corners or the front of your house.

The biggest mistake many people make is depending on a ceiling fixture as their only source of light. In a living or family room, it’s fine as a back up, but never as the primary light source.

A ceiling light is also fine in a bedroom or bathroom, provided you have other lamps too. In our bedroom remodel, we will definitely need lamps.

Goodwill is a great place to look for used lamps. If you find one that doesn’t work, you can get a repair kit at the hardware store for a couple of dollars. Anyone can rewire a lamp.

The ginger jar lamp has been around for decades. Why someone thought a clear jar would make a beautiful lamp is a mystery! You see the pole that covers the cord. But it was only $2.99 and had great potential.

The polished brass base is not only tarnished, but dates the lamp too. I simply unscrewed the bottom and painted it with a bronze spray paint.

Use a plastic grocery store bag to protect the glass jar and cord from overspray.

You can fill the jar with almost anything. I chose newspaper ripped into strips. I like the simplicity of black and white (and it was free!). Experiment with whatever you have around the house. Pebbles, shells, marbles, ribbon. I might try something more industrial like nuts and bolts or paper clips next time.

Lighting Tip: changing the lamp shade on your existing lamps is a fast and economical way to instantly update your room.

I found a barrel shade in good condition also at Goodwill for $4.99. The shade should always cover the switch and bottom of the harp.

Shade Tip: Take the lamp with you when shade shopping. You need to “try-on” different shades to find one that’s just right with your lamp.

A plain old white shade is too boring. Since I’m using purple as an accent color in the bedroom makeover, I found satin and grosgrain ribbons in two lavender tones.

Workroom Tip: Use paper clips from your office to hold the ribbon in place while you work. Your hands are free to manipulate ribbon as necessary.

I like how the ribbon creates shadows when the lamp is turned on. It’s a different look.

Everyone has seen bulletin boards covered in fabric and wrapped in ribbon. An idea that has been done over and over. I decided to take that idea to another level. My ribbon-wrapped lamp shade will give the room a changeable photo display. Who wouldn’t want to wake up each morning to the smiling faces of your family and friends?

Email me at askmerri@goodwillsew.com or post a comment on our Facebook page.