One morning a few weeks ago, I woke up at 4 a.m.
That is not normal, by the way. I am the furthest thing from a morning person. I usually try to get up a little before Henry so I can actually shower before going to work. (Novel idea.) But, 4 a.m. is not a time I often see intentionally.
But on this day, my mind was racing. For some reason, I kept thinking about how I should move the vintage sewing machine table into the living room. At 4 a.m. on a Tuesday.
Normal.
So, I actually got my hiney out of bed and moved furniture around. It’s sort of amazing what I can finish before work if I get up at 4 a.m.
By the way. Hasn’t happened since.
All this is build up for a simple living room adjustment that is just plain better. The vintage sewing machine and table is something we found on Craigslist several years ago. I don’t know why I never thought of it, but it fits perfectly next to the sofa in the living room and the iron details camouflage all the cords that hide behind it. (Those cords are a necessity for the laptops and guitar, but are also the bane of my existence.)
This actually fills the space out a lot better than the small end table that was there before. (The small end table moved to the other end of the sofa and now holds part of Henry’s book collection.)
Making this small change also gave me an opportunity to try out new lighting. I had to nix to the IKEA lamp in this space because it was more of a task light. We never used it because it just pointed light right into our eyes – not ideal for relaxing on the couch. We needed something that was more general lighting, so I was thrilled to be given the opportunity to try out a lamp from Lamps.com. I chose the Natural Cork HGTV lamp and am thrilled with the texture and light it brings to the space.
The textured shade it my favorite, and it’s ultra narrow which is perfect for this space.
And the cork is also a neat accessory for the room – perfect for fall, I think.
I took the opportunity to pull out a few of my favorite seasonal items – a ceramic white owl, a pitcher with faux pussy willows and a twiggy pumpkin. It’s not much, but it feels more like fall, now. (The basket it where we store my laptop and other uglies that need to be around.)
The entire room is just feeling cozy, I think. Small changes at 4 a.m. can make such a difference. But that doesn’t mean I plan to do it again.
What do you think?
Pssst… today is the first day of the Pumpkin Parade. Check out today’s pumpkin projects by Shift Ctrl Art, Primitive & Proper and Decor and the Dog.
Disclosure: I was provided with a lamp from Lamps.com at no charge. But, all opinions, as always, (and much to the dismay of many who know me), are all my own.
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Amber @ Wills Casa says
4 AM!!! Are you crazy!! When I wake up that early I just find multiple reasons to continue to stay in bed. This is probably why nothing gets done around here because I play that game even when it’s a reasonable time to wake up.
Kelly @ Corner of Main says
I think you are hilarious! 4 AM?! Well, it was definitely worth it because it looks so cute in there and I love the new lamp.
daisy says
I’m up often at 4 a.m. Guess that’s me getting ready for farm life. I do relish my 2 p.m. naps though.
Love the sewing machine table! So gorgeous! The room looks like a great place to curl up with a good book and a second cup of coffee. Enjoy!
Sara @ Russet Street Reno says
That is a beautiful corner of your room. I love that lamp!
Molly says
It looks very cozy! Love your mantel 🙂 Where did you get your coffee table? Thinking I need something similar
Erin says
Oh it is most certainly looking cozy! You’re right, it fits the space perfectly! And I woke up at 4am the other day, too, but didn’t do anything nearly as productive as you…it was merely the 3rd bathroom run of the night. 😛
Gabbi @ Retro Ranch Reno says
Sometimes the smallest changes make the biggest impact! I think that is a perfect space for the table…it looks great there. Although, I’m not sure I would have been able to pull myself out of bed that early. Often, my mind is zooming with decorating ideas and DIY projects as I’m laying in bed trying to fall asleep.
Anu says
The sewing table looks perfect there! I just moved my grandmother’s mid century modern sewing table into our living room a few weeks ago and love it there. I had planned to post about it this week…must be a sewing table kind of week! 🙂
Amanda S. says
Love it! I’m not awake at 4 am… ever. But if I was, this would totally be a worthwhile reason to be up 😉 And cords are the bane of my existence in the living room too. If only they could charge wirelessly like they get internet…. wouldn’t that be amazing?! 😉
Jess @ Little House. Big Heart. says
I think the last time I saw 4am was because the cat decided to use my head as a scratching post. Otherwise, I’m lucky to roll out by 6:45.
The sewing table looks great there, though!
Denise Z says
Maybe if you’d been up at 4 a.m. LAST week, I would have had second thoughts and NOT sold my sewing machine! AACK!
Kenz @ Interiors by Kenz says
I love it so hard. It’s so warm and cozy. I’ll be right over, and I expect you to make me some hot chocolate while I play with Henry and sit next to that lamp 🙂
Amy says
4am brain works for you. 🙂
Trina @ Let's Just Build a House says
loving it. i love my old sewing table too (we currently have our in the entry) yours looks fab there.
Gretchen@BoxyColonial says
looks great! I think I have the same twiggy pumpkin (although, come to think of it, I haven’t come across it this year. Hmm….) Imagine what I could accomplish at 4 AM! Imagining it is as far as it’s going to go, though 😉
Kelly @ A Swell Place to Dwell says
I think we have the same sewing machine table. Do you love yours so much? I can’t get enough of mine. It’s my favorite table to do vignettes on. Your room is looking super cozy!
cassie says
i love the simple tablescape- it’s just right! and the room is so cozy and inviting!
Julia @ Cuckoo4Design says
It looks cozy and pretty I agree! And the table was meant to be for that corner!
Emily says
Love the table and the lamp!! Nice work at 4am!!
michelle@decorandthedog says
I like that sewing table was meant to live there. Who knew? I’m pretty sure I would die if I was to get up at 4am. Seriously. I’d just collapse as I got out of bed.
K says
I dig it! I always think those old sewing tables look so cute but they sort of baffle me as to what you DO with them. I think the end table setup works well!
Katja @ Shift Ctrl Art says
4 am changes just might be the best thing since sliced bread 🙂 Love your new vignette 🙂