A false start on an end table, but possibilities abound. Nice lamp, eh?
Let me ask you this: How can my simple quest for an end table for my living room turn into my husband measuring for a flat screen TV in the den?
For those of you who have any interest in following my little design dilemma, here is the latest: So, I’ve been a bit obsessive lately about finding an end table as a perch to add more lighting in my small living room. And I had the idea that it would be a stylish little thing, maybe channeling a little retro Kelly Wearstler. Well, after a jaunt last weekend to Move it Elsewhere in San Jose, a huge warehouse that bills itself as a giant estate sale, I brought something home. It’s a 1960s-era solid walnut credenza, with geometric carve-outs. It was one of two matching pieces, both with removable book cases on top. I hemmed and hawed for more than an hour before I loaded the solo piece into the station wagon. I took the legs off so it wouldn’t be too tall to sit next to the couch. I swapped my grandmother’s lamp from my parent’s attic with the cool silver one from the den that I actually spent money on and set it on top. (I took designer Kathi Mann’s comments from my last story to heart, adding a little shimmer to the dark living room…)
Looks better with legs, doesn't it? Could this whole thing go in the den?
I waited anxiously to see Chris’ reaction. Boy, can the truth hurt. “Too big for the space. Too clunky,” he said. Now, I’m not that unreasonable. And I acknowlege that it lost a fair amount of its grace without the legs. But I really like it! And it was a bargain. Did I have to take it back? Was there another spot in our 1,900-square-foot house for it?
Well, in the span of a few minutes, Chris was measuring the wall of our tiny den, not only for the credenza and its mate, plus the bookcases, but a flat screen TV to span them both. Do we need a flat screen TV? No. Do we need a credenza for the den? That wasn’t on my priority list. (The Ikea cabinetry holding the old TV isn’t that great, but it’s not a focal point for the rest of the house.)
Still, would I love to have both credenzas and book cases? Yes. Would that add style to the frumpy den? I think so. And would I concede to a new TV to make that happen? Quite possibly.
There’s only one problem. I still don’t have an end table.
If you missed it, here was my first post about my lighting dilemma:
Light My Living Room: On A Mission for Style
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I love the move it elsewhere piece, it’s great, I love the idea of it in the den even with a flat screen in the room. The lamp is fabulous(very wearsleresque
). Have you seen the new Lonny mag out today. Photos of Kelly’s redo of the Avalon in Beverly Hills. I may have to rethink my overrated comments.
As for your end table, be patient, it will turn up. Did you go to Alameda on Sunday? It was a great show and fabulous weather!!!
I love your lamp. The scale is just right for the room and the silver adds just that little touch of sparkle. Good luck with your hunt for the perfect end table. I look forward to seeing what you find.
Just love the eclectic direction of your space. I think keeping the pieces together in the same room (ie Den) gives your space a sense of balance. Also, even tho the pieces are in the manner of Dorthy Draper’s, and are oh so fabulous, I think it is too bulky for an end table anchoring your sofa and Asian chair. You need a lighter piece to since you already have several pieces/case goods that are larger scale; flanking your doorway. As far as the side table goes, something two-tiered, perhaps with a nice leg detail, and glass topped would open up the space and compliment your lamp!
Cool wood chair (next to the fireplace in the picture above); and even cooler painting over the fireplace. Way to go! I like the funky silver lamp – and oh yeah your husband is right about the oversize on the matching table and credenza, but I can see how you would have been attracted to them. Kudos to your husband on using the table-credenza as a base for the flat tv; practical and interesting! Go back to Move It Elsewhere for an end table; bet you’ll find something!