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Shedding Light On Lamps

TIPical Mary Ellen : Episode TIP-738 -- More Projects »
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The harp and finial secure the lampshade.

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Oh, what a difference a shade makes! A softer, lighter shade gives a lamp a more feminine look.

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Put on a darker shade, and now the same lamp looks right at home in a den or study.

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There are a wide variety of finials available to complement nearly any decor. Try to choose one that matches the color of the lamp base.

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A half-chromed bulb can cut down on glare.
Lamp expert Peter Grande points out ways to renovate old lamps and use them in decorating a home.
  • First you should learn the anatomy of a lamp:

    • The finial is the decorative item that secures the shade to the harp.
    • The harp connects at the socket of the lamp and holds the lampshade to the base.
    • The socket is the cylindrical item at the top of the base of the lamp. It contains the switch and the lamp bulb.
    • The base is the actual body of the lamp.

  • The size of the harp on your lamp really makes a big difference on the overall look of the lamp. A simple adjustment can give your lamp a new lease on life.

  • Make sure the lamp is sound. The cord should not be stiff, cracked or have exposed copper wires. A worn cord can result in electrocution. Have the lamp repaired, or purchase a new one.

  • Changing the lampshade itself is one of the most common ways to give a lamp a new look. Always bring the lamp along when shopping for a new lampshade. Trying to find a lampshade without your lamp is like looking for a hat without your head.

  • Harmony is the key for a great-looking lamp. The base and the shade should complement each other rather than compete for attention. A roundish base should be topped with a roundish shade, while a boxier shade would look better on an angular lamp base. Match elegant shades with elegant lamps, top whimsical lamps with cute shades and so on.

  • A low-wattage bulb is best for displaying a colorful new lamp. The higher the wattage in a bulb, the more heat it produces, making it more damaging to the delicate interior of the shade. A bulb in the 60- to 75-watt range provides a more ambient light and is less harmful to the shade. If more light is your goal, try adding more lamps to a room rather than going with a brighter bulb.

  • Various types of light bulbs put out different types of light. Full-spectrum bulbs are great near a painting or picture, while colored bulbs are festive, and half-chromed bulbs cut down on the glare.

  • Top a crystal lamp base with a white shade and crystal finial.

  • Always remove the plastic on new lampshades because the plastic will shrink and cause damage to the shade. Leaving the plastic on is also a fire hazard.
Also in this Episode
TIPical Mary Ellen : Episode TIP-738
•Basic Cooking Terms
•Displaying Single Flowers
•Shedding Light On Lamps
•Tip of the Day
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