Milk Glass Lamp Shade

Shades of Victoriana

Many years ago now, I was fortunate to find a Milk Glass Lamp Shade in the recycle center - I never got to use it, and it unfortunately met its demise in the collapse of the greenhouse under a snow load it wasn't designed for.

But while I had it, the milk glass lamp shade was part of my greenhouse displays and decor, while I waited for inspiration to strike. I could have made it into a planter, or put it upside down to form a place to put sticks or other supplies.

The design of the lampshade is called popcorn, with hobnail polka dots all over it. It makes a lovely soft light, even with a strong light bulb in it, as the bumps diffuse it.

This one is original, and shows a few flaws, mainly a small chip out of the edge. Being glass, they need to be carefully handled so they aren't damaged.

If I had a beautiful house, with all kinds of eclectic decor and furnishings, the lamp shade might have had pride of place over a table, maybe a side table or even to read by.

I'm not sure how you would hang it, but maybe if you had one of those lamps that look like an oil lamp, as long as it was sturdy enough, that would be a good place for it. It was pretty heavy, so I would have needed to be careful where I put it.

One day, if I get lucky, I'll maybe snatch up one of these lovely pieces at an auction or thrift store. Estate sales are good places to get antique pieces, but it's essential to act quickly and get them first.