bonanos's Profile

Could try this: Install three hooks, one at the center and one at each end of the arch. Then drape a piece of translucent fabric, like mosquito netting or light muslin, from the center one, and catch it loosely on the two end hooks.

This isn't my style either, though I don't quite understand why all the haters are piling on.

But you know what would make it quite a bit better? Vintage hub caps. Nineteen-sixties and earlier. I'm thinking especially of the smooth dome-shaped chrome ones, maybe with script reading PACKARD or DE SOTO or whatever.

Also, if you're doing this, they'd have to be spotless, so run 'em through the dishwasher.

A product called Novus plastic polish is EXACTLY what you need. It comes in three grades of abrasiveness, and you'd probably get the most benefit out of No. 2. I use it on flea-market finds all the time, and it transforms them.

I think some hardware stores carry it; I order it by mail. Google "Novus plastic polish" and you'll find many sources.

If the white metal really bothers you, and you are willing to dismantle the drum shade and turn this into a project, you can spray the aluminum frame with transparent gold lacquer. (I've tried this, and it works.) The product you want to look for is called "toning lacquer," available in rattle cans from a company called Mohawk. It's hard to find in stores, but Google will give you some mail-order options.

You'd probably want to scuff up the metal a little with medium steel wool before lacquering, so the coating doesn't run off or pool. Several thin coats, and the metal will come out looking remarkably like brass. Probably best to practice on a piece of scrap aluminum, like a takeout container, before you spray the real thing.

Many goldtone metal items from the fifties and sixties, like clock faces and TV knobs, were finished this way, with toning lacquer sprayed over silver-colored metal.

Julianna is right, and this needs a master switch (yes, there's one on the power strip, but it's not very accessible).

Those transformers are active even when nothing's plugged into them, and when you're not charging your phone they are still drawing current, converting it to nothing but heat. Very wasteful. Unplug 'em or turn off the power strip.

Choose an inconspicuous spot, maybe in a closet or somewhere, and try rubbing the finish down with extra-fine (0000) steel wool. If that produces a finish you like, you could wrap a pad of it around a Swiffer or something, and do the whole room.

daykinimade--

I've seen these around now and then. They were made by either Goodform or Shaw-Walker--I forget which--and will show up eventually if you search for those names regularly on eBay. They're usually less expensive than the earlier Goodform/Shaw-Walker chairs (the ones that look like the Emeco Navy model).

The legs are aluminum, so they'll polish up nicely even if they look a little rough.

Good luck.