Most of the time, I am a dedicated IKEA shopper. I like things cheap, simple, easy to transport, and easy to assemble. I don't pay a lot of money for expensive furniture, I avoid antiques unless they are extremely cheap and practical, and in general I don't put a lot of thought into setting up my house. I just let things sort of fall together. They almost always do. The only problem I have had, in fact, is with floor lamps. All of the standing lamps that I have bought at IKEA, Target, and similar stores have given me nothing but trouble. You see, plastic is great for most things, but it doesn't really work for lamps. They will sit unevenly, leaning off to one side or another. They will fall over easily, shattering light bulbs. They will bend or break in the long run, no matter how careful I am with them. It drives me crazy. They cost enough that they should work!
Eventually, I decided to get a wrought iron floor lamp. In general, I don't really like classical design, but wrought iron floor lamps are an exception. The great thing about a wrought iron lamp is that it combines functionality with style. They are well made, sturdy, and decorative in a way that is not ostentatious. They stand there looking solid and stoic, giving light year after year. I knew a wrought iron floor lamp was exactly what I needed, but where would I get such a thing?
For the first time in my life, I went to a lighting store a few weeks ago. I was so dazzled that I forgot I was looking for a wrought iron floor lamp. I am a feast or famine kind of guy. In general, I don't really care very much about household goods, but when I am in the mood to shop, you had better look out. Anything that sparkles, looks new and improved, or flashes is off the shelf and into my cart before I can even argue with myself. In the end, I put back most of the items, but it was about half an hour before I even remembered the wrought iron floor lamp. I had forgotten why I have come there! Still, after some further searching, I found the perfect wrought iron lamp. It has stood there stoically for two weeks now, and shows no sign of toppling over.
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