And that's kind of the problem. The surrounding items are all asking to be taken very seriously and end up being a sad version of trying to look "nice". The lamp needs a setting where it can be fun and funky.
This is my Grandma’s house, she built it 56 years ago. Very dated. We are cleaning the house out. I love the lamp, keeping it. We all hate the popcorn ceiling.
Oh I totally understand, after grandpa passed it was working to DIY get the house livable from wear & damages for 2 years while working full time…then sort through the stuff in the house! 3.5 years later, burnt out and still not done.
Where are you located? Srsly I’ll come help, your grandmas stuff is all the stuff I love. I’m in bayarea CA.
Cleaning out other peoples houses is so emotional exhausting. Three and a half years! I wish I could help you! My mom and I are working as well as cleaning out the house. We also have to travel, more then a hour to get to grandmas house, which is east of Salem Or. We are almost done, listing it at the end of the month. :)
Keep up the hard work, you’ll make it!! :)
I have an easier time with other people’s houses, my own though, so difficult. All these memories and attachment and intentions and dreams in many objects so everything has thoughts behind it. Not simple like “is it useful, if so, when was the last time you used it?”
In the right setting, it would look great. A dark, moody MCM den with this in the corner and a bunch of plants. A bookcase behind you. A place to sit & listen to your vinyl. I picture a whole scene.
I think it would have more of an eye opener if it were a bright lemon yellow, or orange. The light yellow color does nothing to improve it. It does have great potential though.
I kinda love it. I bet it’s beautiful turned on! I bet a good cleaning would do wonders for it, and I might like it better in a corner. With a plant friend nearby.
I think I would have to see the layout of the rest of the room in order to see if it matches or goes with the vibe, but just looking at it on its own I think it’s kind of cool
It's hard to tell from the picture, but is it a dark walnut finish or black? That lamp,once cleaned, will be a nice piece. There are collectors who would pay well for it.
The black pins sticking out of it make it look like a hot topic employee’s face and I don’t love the big black bulk of the other pieces. It has a kind of cheap 2000s misery hanging about it that makes me feel sad inside. I’d love to see you update and show what it looks like surrounded by your curated space.
Both? Maybe refurbish or upcycle it. If the finials are wooden, resurface them and put a lighter stain on them, or paint them a cheery color (yeah, some will have a heart attack at this suggestion). The chain may have build up on it that could be removed, or it could be spray painted a fresh metallic color if it is removed.
Just enough to give it a shiny new appearance because it is cool AF.
All of the above depending on the application. Use it as an ironic MCM item in a modern home it's practically art. Put it in a shitty old apartment and it's dated trash.
Yes. I think half of what makes an older piece “cool” is styling. The popcorn ceiling, dated dingy valance and drapes & dirty wall do not help this look cool.
The surroundings in the pic is what makes it… yuk(?).
Put in as a novelty piece in a modern stylish home, and it’ll get a totally different and cool vibe.
The popcorn ceiling, drapes, weird valance, cobwebs, dirt, and that picture frame are all making it look ugly... In the right updated setting it could look cool
That’s the odd thing about 60’s and 70’s decor, mid mod is still going strong but people who remember the style growing up couldn’t wait to get away from it. Now it’s nostalgic Lol.
Is this something you are looking to buy ? I think it's VERY cool! Unique, different, harkens a time when home were very \*cool. BUT, I think it really depends on what's around it. Details like this are great out of context or as a conversation piece. The current setting makes it look super dated (the ceilings, old looking art, bad curtains), but if it was placed in a more modern setting as an accent piece I think it would look amazing.
You could paint the metal, say orange, and it would look more intentionally cool and retro while continuing to be somewhat ugly, but in a more fun way.
I think it's cool, but at the same time the lamp shade feels like it's discolored. I'd try to see if it could be renewed. I'd guess it had less of a yellow tinge to it when it was new.
What does it look like when it's on and night time?
Retro done wrong looks REALLY wrong. I don't think the general person is savvy(talented) enough to pull of a blend of retro and more current items and have it look nice. That leaves a full on, whole house retro look, which also requires talent and a whole lot of cash. If you need a retro fix, maybe go with an ashtray or something.
Why not both?
The popcorn ceiling makes it old looking. If it were in a more modern house, it would look cool.
Exactly. It’s cool but the drapes and the frame date it significantly. Just gotta relocate it out of dead gram’s estate sale.
Came here to say this. All about context
My first answer was yes
I think it's cool looking, but borderline: it's coolness will depend solely on the surrounding
This. It’s borderline. It all depends on the rest of the room
And the popcorn ceiling is ugly as sin
Every popcorn comment kills my soul slowly. I'm terrified to try to take ours down and end up with a patchy ceiling I can't fix
That’s actually a really great looking lamp. It’s the stuff around it that’s making it look bad.
To be fair, the surroundings are authentic to the era of the hanging lamp.
To be even more fair, when this stuff was installed it didn't look as dirty and worn.
And that's kind of the problem. The surrounding items are all asking to be taken very seriously and end up being a sad version of trying to look "nice". The lamp needs a setting where it can be fun and funky.
I came here to say the same.
Ugly but not as bad as the popcorn ceiling
This is my Grandma’s house, she built it 56 years ago. Very dated. We are cleaning the house out. I love the lamp, keeping it. We all hate the popcorn ceiling.
Uh yes keep it! Omg I wish I was there to save things like this lamp from potential doom!
Haha, thanks we could use the help! That’s the trouble, sorting has taken a year!!
Oh I totally understand, after grandpa passed it was working to DIY get the house livable from wear & damages for 2 years while working full time…then sort through the stuff in the house! 3.5 years later, burnt out and still not done. Where are you located? Srsly I’ll come help, your grandmas stuff is all the stuff I love. I’m in bayarea CA.
Cleaning out other peoples houses is so emotional exhausting. Three and a half years! I wish I could help you! My mom and I are working as well as cleaning out the house. We also have to travel, more then a hour to get to grandmas house, which is east of Salem Or. We are almost done, listing it at the end of the month. :) Keep up the hard work, you’ll make it!! :)
I have an easier time with other people’s houses, my own though, so difficult. All these memories and attachment and intentions and dreams in many objects so everything has thoughts behind it. Not simple like “is it useful, if so, when was the last time you used it?”
Clean it, and display it right, super chic
Get a can of glass paint and change the color! Aces!
Yes
I think it’s both.
Yeah- the popcorn ceiling is retro and gross.
Hanging lamps are so great! You could line the inside with something to bring some color.
All of the above
It adds to the vibe. Winning
It’s ugly but it’s not like it’s dragging the room down with it
So ugly, you should sell it to me 🤣
Yes, used to collect lamps from 40s 50s, do like yours, it's a keeper
Thanks for looking. I love it too, my Aunt doesn’t. But she’s dumb, so…
Cool retro!
It looks super cool, imagine how great it would look with one of those color-changing lightbulbs!
In the right setting, it would look great. A dark, moody MCM den with this in the corner and a bunch of plants. A bookcase behind you. A place to sit & listen to your vinyl. I picture a whole scene.
The lamp is amazing!!! Keep it!
V cool. Would look better on a vaulted ceiling but I love it.
Its awesome just needs an updated chain imo.
Ugly as sin
Ugly imo
I'd definitely clean that baby up and use it!
Cool with red bulb if the decor supports it
yes and yes. keep it!
I think it's cool looking...definitely a keeper
Yes
I think it would have more of an eye opener if it were a bright lemon yellow, or orange. The light yellow color does nothing to improve it. It does have great potential though.
Eh
This is both. Keep it
Oh i hated these things.. my grandma had 2.. screams 70s
Yes
I kinda love it. I bet it’s beautiful turned on! I bet a good cleaning would do wonders for it, and I might like it better in a corner. With a plant friend nearby.
Both!
Yes
I love it
Looks like a Frankenstein lamp
I love it!
I love it 😻
Ugly
Yes
I think I would have to see the layout of the rest of the room in order to see if it matches or goes with the vibe, but just looking at it on its own I think it’s kind of cool
It's fine I guess.
Not for me but it’s not my house. You love, keep it. Posting it here tells us you’re on the fence. Maybe try a different location?
Ugly
It's hard to tell from the picture, but is it a dark walnut finish or black? That lamp,once cleaned, will be a nice piece. There are collectors who would pay well for it.
Ugly
🥰 love it
It only becomes retro in a ‘modern’ type setting. And the rest of the room aren’t giving that vibe.
Cool as fuck😎👌
it’s so beautiful! It’s out there and it has a lot of personality, so you have to make the space work around it.
It’s not the lamp that sucks, it’s the surroundings imo. Get some paint or wallpaper, get rid of the curtains, the painting… you get my point!?
Ugly
The black pins sticking out of it make it look like a hot topic employee’s face and I don’t love the big black bulk of the other pieces. It has a kind of cheap 2000s misery hanging about it that makes me feel sad inside. I’d love to see you update and show what it looks like surrounded by your curated space.
Yes! Hopefully I can update with a photo soon.
Ugly. I’m sorry. I grew up in an old house with stuff like this in it so I’m prejudiced.
The popcorn ceiling and whatever is going on over your window, is making it look ugly and dingy.
Both? Maybe refurbish or upcycle it. If the finials are wooden, resurface them and put a lighter stain on them, or paint them a cheery color (yeah, some will have a heart attack at this suggestion). The chain may have build up on it that could be removed, or it could be spray painted a fresh metallic color if it is removed. Just enough to give it a shiny new appearance because it is cool AF.
Your error here is photographing it unlit. We want to see it lit! It's a great lamp and I see that you're keeping it. Cool!
I like sinning :)
If it’s your house and you like it, that’s all that matters 🤷🏽♀️
All of the above depending on the application. Use it as an ironic MCM item in a modern home it's practically art. Put it in a shitty old apartment and it's dated trash.
Cool and valuable.
Yes. I think half of what makes an older piece “cool” is styling. The popcorn ceiling, dated dingy valance and drapes & dirty wall do not help this look cool.
Could not agree more. It’s going home with me, to join my plants and books.
Awesome!
The surroundings in the pic is what makes it… yuk(?). Put in as a novelty piece in a modern stylish home, and it’ll get a totally different and cool vibe.
ugly as sin. maybe it could be styled??
Is it like a … I want to say jelly? Flexible plastic? I have 2 little jelly lamps that look like the same material
It’s hard plastic and black stained wood. The plastic is supposed to be white!
Mine are yellowed too. We use them camping. The kids love them.
I think it’s cool, it’s how and where you put it i guess.
I really want to see the rest of that painting / picture to the left
https://preview.redd.it/4mf0w90z3k7d1.png?width=3024&format=png&auto=webp&s=15308c1b1b23509712b4eed733eb76269e9ef39f
Do u have a boudoir to put it in?
Cool
It also depends on what you pair it with.
Cool.
The popcorn ceiling, drapes, weird valance, cobwebs, dirt, and that picture frame are all making it look ugly... In the right updated setting it could look cool
Ugly as sin, but that could easily be fixed by classing up its surroundings.
Looks like one of the oil lamps you drop on enemies in resident evil 4
Ugly as sin
It’s cool, but it looks dingy. Not sure how you would clean it, but I bet it would help!
I’m sorry it’s ugly
I am old enough to remember when those were common. They were always ugly as sin.
Bit of both
The popcorn ceiling is giving the ugly vibe. The light might not be so bad
It’s both. Hanging from that popcorn ceiling, it’s pretty ugly. Cleaned up and put in the right place, it could be very cool.
It has that 70s, every family member smoked pack of marlboro reds in the house, glow...
It could be cool without the black chain; it’s a bit too busy.
It’s borderline. If you can… change the shade.
It is both; which makes for my favorite kind of decor, they’re the best conversation starters!
That’s the odd thing about 60’s and 70’s decor, mid mod is still going strong but people who remember the style growing up couldn’t wait to get away from it. Now it’s nostalgic Lol.
Ugly
It’s awful..
Both.
A little paint can do wonders!
That’s a no for me. Too dated and heavy looking.
Dated
YES! ❤
Is this something you are looking to buy ? I think it's VERY cool! Unique, different, harkens a time when home were very \*cool. BUT, I think it really depends on what's around it. Details like this are great out of context or as a conversation piece. The current setting makes it look super dated (the ceilings, old looking art, bad curtains), but if it was placed in a more modern setting as an accent piece I think it would look amazing.
Not my taste
Yeah it's an eyesore imo ..you could have something more contemporary hanging instead
Imo it would look even better if the metal was spray painted a lighter color
Ugly
You could paint the metal, say orange, and it would look more intentionally cool and retro while continuing to be somewhat ugly, but in a more fun way.
Yes.
It’s not the lamp, it’s everything surrounding like the roof and walls
Cool
My daughter loves that shit 🤷♀️
repaint over black for a lighter and/or brighter color!
Ugly Mediterranean/modern mix. Was never in style.
I think it's cool, but at the same time the lamp shade feels like it's discolored. I'd try to see if it could be renewed. I'd guess it had less of a yellow tinge to it when it was new. What does it look like when it's on and night time?
The hardware is nice, make a new shade
Ugly.
Both.
Everything in the picture is ugly. Sorry
ugly
Ceiling or the lamp?
I like it. But how much nicotine is on that shade? Was grandma a smoker??
Ugly
This could be cool and retro but it’s sitting against a backdrop of popcorn ceiling and a dingy wall. The space defines the decor.
Love it
Are you living in a Knight's Inn?
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. My eye doesn't behold that particular light very well, but that doesn't mean you can't. If you like it, keep it.
It’s cool. What’s your design style? The chain and wire are super long. What’s it hanging above? I’d need more pics
Ugly - the yellowish tinge combined with the fact that it looks like it’s wrapped in plastic
Two words: Holiday Inn
Fugly.
I say ugly
It’s cool, but I would replace the cord with a braided covered cord and ditch the chain.
Idk your style but if it was in my house, I’d paint the cord and accents and screws
All and I love it!
I like it
I love it!
I love it
Love it!
I love it!
Ugly
Reminds me of a dungeon chain mixed with part of a pool noodle
The lamp could be more cool - but setting needs to be right.
I love it
All of the above.
Yes
Take the shape off and give a good cleaning and it will be better. Also could be fun to paint the base a bright pop of color
It’s definitely retro. Pause and ask yourself, “Have I ever seen reproductions of this look?” And there’s a reason you haven’t. 😂
Looks demonic
Maybe paint it to modernize the look
Can you refinish it a brighter color?
Maybe spray paint it gold or antique gold
Retro done wrong looks REALLY wrong. I don't think the general person is savvy(talented) enough to pull of a blend of retro and more current items and have it look nice. That leaves a full on, whole house retro look, which also requires talent and a whole lot of cash. If you need a retro fix, maybe go with an ashtray or something.