Splurges v. Savings...Task Lights

Sometimes I'm out shopping for something totally practical and get distracted by beautiful things that I really don't need. This problem becomes even more pronounced when I get myself into IKEA. 

I have plenty of lamps in my house, but this one caught my eye and I've seriously been thinking about it all week.

Meet the Savings 

Image Source: Ikea.com

I have such a crush on this task light...it's becoming a problem. 

Why am I making such a big deal about this? Well, look at it! It's beautiful! The perfect mix of traditional, practical, a little industrial with a hint of nautical! And it's from IKEA, which means it's affordable!

If you're crushing, too...

This is the Barometer Work Lamp from IKEA in nickel (also available in red)

It's yours from only $49.99

Also check out the Barometer Floor Lamp for $10 more. 

Meet the Splurges

This is Splurges v. Savings, right? Allow me to introduce you to the exact same styling, but for at least three times the price. There is definitely an upgrade in quality of materials when you decide to splurge, but when it comes to style...the lamp from IKEA packs as good of a punch as it's expensive cousins.

Image Source: RestorationHardware.com

Restoration Hardware

Franklin Pharmacy Task Lamp

Antique Nickel

$229

Image Source: PotteryBarn.com

Pottery Barn

Cole Task Table Lamp

Antique Silver 

$149

The Moral of the Story

You don't have to spend a lot of money to get great style! You just have to look in the right places. IKEA is always one of the right places.

Have you found a great deal for the next Splurges v. Savings? Share it at helloroost@gmail.com!

Sources:

Barometer Work Lamp from IKEA. $49.99. See it here: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/70089584/#/70089584

Barometer Floor Lamp from IKEA. $59.99. See it here: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/30089576/

Franklin Pharmacy Task Lamp from Restoration Hardware. $229. See it here: http://www.potterybarn.com/products/cole-boom-task-table-lamp/?pkey=ctable-floor-lamps

Cole Task Table Lamp from Pottery Barn. $149. See it here: http://www.potterybarn.com/products/cole-boom-task-table-lamp/?pkey=ctable-floor-lamps

Eye Candy: French Bathroom

It's Friday. Sit back, prop your feet up, have a glass of wine and enjoy some eye candy.

These images are from a collection on House Beautiful.

See the whole slideshow here.

How sweet are the his and hers vanities with tile mats? So chic.

 

Ohh...to enjoy a nice soak in that tub! If you want to splurge (and boy do I mean splurge, we're talking $12,000 to $16,000 here) on it, it's available at your local Waterworks showroom.

Here's the kicker: this is a guest bathroom. Oh, to see the master!

This week wasn't scheduled to be dedicated to French inspiration. But, what can I say? Sometimes I get wrapped up in pretty things.

Au Revoir  for the weekend! 

Source: 

Slideshow and images: "A Grand, Parisian Hotel-Inspired Guest Bathroom" by Julie Lewis on House Beautiful.com. See the rest here: http://www.housebeautiful.com/decorating/house-pictures/french-bathroom-style-0311?click=img_sr#slide-1

Splurge v Savings

Now for some actual savings! 

This light from Anthropologie is gorgeous.

Buy It Here

It's only going to cost you $698! 

In case you don't have QUITE that much to blow on one light, here are some other great options with the same aesthetic:

Buy It Here

Above: Allen + Roth 12" Mission Bronze Pendant Light with Clear Shade

$118 at Lowes

Buy It Here

Above: 1-Light Bronze Saucer Pendant Light 

$89.97 at Home Depot

 A Note about Edison Bulbs

If Edison Bulb are your current obsession, don't limit yourself to shopping exclusively for lights that are displayed with them. Edison Bulbs come in standard sizes most of the time and can usually be put into any light with a standard sized socket. So if you find a clear glass light, or any light with exposed bulbs, that you just love...you can probably find an Edison bulb for in it!

Souces:

Anthropologie Light from   http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/home-lighting/20413134.jsp

Lowes: http://www.lowes.com/ProductDisplay?partNumber=339928-82850-34535&langId=-1&storeId=10151&productId=3388918&catalogId=10051&cmRelshp=rel&rel=nofollow&cId=PDIO1

Home Depot::  http://www.homedepot.com/Lighting-Fans/Home-Decorators-Collection/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ4vrZbvn5/R-202786142/h_d2/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&storeId=10051

Splurge v Savings

Sometimes savings aren't in the places that you might expect. Don't count out stores that seem more designer oriented.

I'm a designer and this surprised even me. 

The backstory

My lovely sister suggested I feature some furniture that is a less expensive version of pricey Restoration Hardware dining furniture.

She was shopping at Thomasville, and maybe their stuff was less expensive. But, I found a set comparable to a style that's available at Restoration Hardware at Raymour and Flanigan (assuming it'd be less expensive).  What I found shocked me. 

Top: Raymour and Flanigan, Monterey Dining Chair
Bottom: Restoration Hardware, Nailhead Upholstered Chair

The sticker shock:

Monterey Chair: $420
Nailhead Upholstered Chair: $399-479 depending on your fabric choice.


Suprised? I was. 

Moral of the story:

Do some research before you go buying furniture willy nilly. You might be able to get something a little nicer for the same price. You might be limiting yourself to certain stores for the wrong reasons, I know I was!

Sources: Raymour & Flanigan Chair from http://www.raymourflanigan.com/monterey-dining-chair-712032109.aspx
Restoration Hardware Chair from http://www.restorationhardware.com/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod1633005&categoryId=cat1677014