One of the most important tools in our rooms is a lamp, and it is essential for the demands of work and study. It plays a central role in the lighting of the room. Also, it provides unique visual aesthetics to the room and makes it look more sophisticated and alive. It affords the room a comfortable brightness and gives it a cozy feel. In this post, we’ll discuss the factors we should consider before buying lamps, how to choose different types of lamps from materials & bulbs, and how to rewire a lamp.
Considerations before Purchase
There is a vast variety of lamps available and the choice can be difficult.
1. Before setting out on a shopping spree, determine the function a lamp will serve in each room.
- Is the lamp going to be used to make a room look bigger?
- Will it be used to highlight a specific area of the room?
- Is it required for nighttime reading?
2. Determining the need of each person in the household will guide you towards the right choices. It will also ensure that everyone’s requirements are fulfilled.
3. Décor of the room is the next important consideration after needs have been determined. Lamps used in the bedroom should follow the style of the room.
4. Placement and size are the next most important considerations. The lamp height is determined by room size and how the light is going to be used. There should be a balance between lamp size and the surrounding furniture.
Lamps that will be placed on bedside tables need to be proportional to the table. A simple rule is that they should rise 19 to 21 inches above the high of the mattress. Once all these details have been studied, you are ready to look at the lamps.
Which Light Source to Choose
Selecting the right lamp is only half the story. The type of light source used in a lamp is equally important. It adds to the ambiance of the room and will actually determine the day-to-day running cost. Most importantly, choosing the correct light source is essential to your eye health.
Generally, there are four prevalent light bulb types: incandescent, compact fluorescent (CFL), halogen, and light-emitting diode (LED).
Cost and Eco-friendly
The incandescent bulbs are not energy efficient. The compact fluorescent is cheaper than LED and lasts longer compared to incandescent lights. However, they contain mercury hence, they are a health hazard.
Halogen light bulbs have a short lifespan and get hot quickly. That warm light is very similar to the sunlight. As such, they can be a fire hazard and need to be kept away from anything that catches fire easily.
The LED type is most flavored as it is the most environment-friendly of all. It is also the most energy-efficient and longest-lasting. While LED bulbs are typically expensive upfront. In the long run, they more than pay off for themselves. They provide 50,000 hours of light, so once used, they last a few years. They are also very energy efficient and reduce your monthly electricity bills.
Health
According to the Study of Harward Health,
To children, readers, long-time night shift workers, you should choose halogen light bulbs to reduce the adverse effect of blue light. LED lighting produces more blue light and strobe light than the other three types. Blue light can affect your eye health and sleep quality. However, it also depends on how long you use it.
If you just need a night light for the bedrooms, you can choose a dim red light. Red light is less likely to shift circadian rhythm and suppress melatonin.
Say No To Strobe
Strobe lights can cause various symptoms which are not only harmful but uncomfortable for the eyes in general. The strobe is known to cause eye fatigue, dizziness, and uncomfortable sensation in the eyes. In extreme cases can lead to a very adverse effect like loss of vision and headaches.
Types of Lamps
You can choose from three main styles of lamps and each one is designed to satisfy specific needs.
Table Lamps
Table lamps serve a dual function, they provide light for reading as well as decorative purposes. And, they are ideally placed on a desktop, side table, or nightstand. Usually, they are less than thirty-two inches tall. Being compact means you can fit them in the smallest of spaces. There is a large variety of colors, shapes, and materials to choose from. Many styles are discussed above. The only issue with table lamps is they only brighten a small area. They are not intended for illuminating large spaces.
Acrylic Table Lamp
Source: modishstore
This lamp is known for its characteristics of high transparency and high gloss. It also has a bright color and can be used indoors or outdoors, depending on the person’s demands.
It has the advantage of good transparency, chemical stability, and good abrasion resistance. Because of this and its dyeing characteristics, it is commonly used in the construction industry and in-home indoor lighting. Some of its other advantages include its small size and low price. Acrylic lamps are rather versatile as they look good in lots of different settings.
Leather Table Lamp
Source: Timeforaclock
Leather is the emerging material in fashionable table lamps. Leather lambs tend to give off a very business-like aura. They are most suitable for professionals and want to decorate their home offices or places of business. Advantages of leather lamps include durability, low maintenance, and style. They provide a high-end look that goes well with any home office environment. The real leather lamps tend to be costly however, faux leather ones are more economical.
Source: TheRusticFurnitureStore
Crystal Table Lamp
This type of lamp is made out of crystal and appears very graceful, luxurious, and eloquent to the eye. However, it is pricey and is mostly used for luxurious spaces such as your formal drawing-room. These lamps are available in European or American styles. Crystal tends to be heavy so the point of placement needs to be strong enough to carry the weight. They are also fragile and easy to break.
Source: Vermilton
Resin Table Lamp
Resin lamps are very sturdy and can withstand rough handling found in most family rooms. They are generally moderately priced but vary with designs. The more complex designs are typically more costly.
People like them due to their durability and the fact that they fit well in multiple rooms. The more basic designs look good in the bedroom, while the more intricate ones can go in the more formal spaces of the house.
Source: Etsy ancutahandmade
Ceramic Table Lamp
This type of lamp is made out of ceramic and gives a vintage look. The designs can look very appealing. Many ceramic lamps are equipped with patterns on the lampshade also. When the light is on, it shines on the porcelain base highlighting the delicate artwork.
Ceramic lamps can be heavy, so placing them on glass tables is not recommended. The delicate porcelain ones, while not as heavy, can be fragile.
Source: Lampsplus
Desk Lamps
Desk lamps are similar to table lamps in terms of function. They focus light on a small area and are compact. As the name suggests they are intended to be placed on desks. Different styles offer different features like adjustable swing or gooseneck arms. This allows you to direct light exactly where you need it. If buying a desk lamp, consider the amount of desk space you are willing to give to the lamp. You don’t want to buy one that takes up most of the desk space, leaving little workspace!
Metal Desk Lamp
Metal lamps are available in many designs and for different purposes. You can purchase a metal lamp for bedside tables, family room or to put on a study table. Models intended for bedroom or desktop reading purposes offer swivel heads and swing arms. They are readily available and relatively inexpensive. They tend to be sturdy enough to last a long time.
Source: pier1
Wooden Desk Lamp
A wooden lamp provides a rustic and classic look. Wooden lamps tend to be rather versatile as they easily fit with every décor. It is also very affordable and easily available. However, the wood is not very conducive to moisture and can easily break if not maintained properly. Over time, the color will change so periodic polishing may be needed. In cases of cheap versions, the glue used to hold the pieces may come apart.
Source: Walmart
Floor Lamps
Floor lamps can add to the décor of the room but also serve a functional purpose. They are best when placed next to a large piece of furniture, especially in corners. They give depth to empty corners and serve as surplus lighting. Different models come with different features to provide extra functionality.
Source: Hawkinswoodshop
Quick Recap
Choose the lamp that best suits the needs of the person that you are buying it for. Select a source of lighting that is energy efficient and environmentally beneficial.
Additionally, select a style that goes with the décor of the room. Does the room have a rustic look, casual or formal? Is the theme leaning towards basic or glitzy?
And lastly, keep in mind the space that you are buying the lamp for. The lamp size should be according to the space it will occupy. The mentioned tips should help you choose the perfect lamp for each family member.
How To Rewire A Lamp?
Got an antique lamp as an exquisite addition to your room? These vintage products often need a bit of work for them to operate. So, you need to learn how to rewire a lamp. You may need to need to rewire a lamp for other reasons as well. Maybe, you simply need a longer cord for your working lamp.
With our step-by-step guide, you can easily rewire your lamp in a few hours. You will only need a few cheap supplies and the knowledge of doing the proper connections to make that old lamp glow again and light up your room.
Supplies Required
- Wire stripper
- Screwdriver
- Wrench
- Lamp wire
- Plug
Check The Condition Of The Lamp
Before you start rewiring a lamp, you have to find out which parts need to be replaced and the supplies you need for the project. After an extensive duration of usage, the jacket covering the wires present inside the cable can become cracked. There can be problems with the switch too and even the pin, especially the prongs inside it could be eroded.
You need to visit a hardware store to determine the type of plug and cord that will be most suitable for the lamp. The electrical cord you choose can be round or flat. For a flat chord, you need a flat cord plug that comes in a clamp style. It comes in two pieces: a shell and a core with prongs attached.
And, if you are using a round cord, you will need a round cord plug that comes with two prongs. It comes in several parts: the plug, the cord-clam, and the shell. A socket is also easily available in any electrical store. They can come in various finishes and you can easily find one that matches the color of the existing socket.
How Much Cord Is Needed?
Deciding how much cord is needed can be a little confusing and you don’t want to buy an insufficient length of cord. One simple way to figure it out is to calculate the length of the cord. Some portion of the lamp will be concealed within the lamp so be sure to add that to your total length.
You will need one foot extra for the attachments to sockets and plug. Having a bit of extra cord is better than going short later on.
Procedure
Once you have collected all the supplies, it’s time to get to work!
1. Disconnect The Power Supply
Before you start working on the lamp, switch off the lamp and unplug it. Do not work on any electrical equipment while it is connected to electricity.
2. Remove the bulb
First, remove the lampshade, and then remove the harp supporting the lampshade. You can easily remove it by squeezing the retainers while moving it upwards. The harp will come off.
Now, you have got the lamp base exposed to work on. The lamp base holds the bulb and has got all the wiring and the terminals inside. Remove the light bulb so that it does not pose the risk of being broken.
3. Do The Underwriters Knot
Loosen the set screw. Pull the cord and unscrew the terminals of the lamp base. Now the bare wires are exposed to work on. Check out the underwriters’ knot. It should be intact, if it’s not then tighten it. You can refer to the diagram provided in the package or look up one on the internet to figure out how to do the underwriter’s knot.
The purpose of the knot is to prevent any strain on the terminal screws and direct it towards the lamp holder. Thus, it is a very important step in your rewiring process to ensure your terminal screws are safe.
4. Connect The Wires
Do these steps very carefully. Check out the terminal screws. You will notice that the terminal screws are of different colors. One of the colors will be brass. According to the standard protocol, the energy will flow into the device through the brass-colored screw. If you look at the bottom portion, you’ll notice the threads will be going into the receptacle. You will only attach the black or hot wire to the brass screw.
On the other side, you’ll find a silver screw. This is where you are going to connect the neutral wire. Electricity passes through the neutral screw, completes the circuit, and lights up the bulb. Getting the polarity right is very important for your safety.
Tightly wrap the wires to the terminals. Wrap it around the terminal screws for at least three quarters. Wrap in a clockwise manner which will help to secure it when you will tighten the screw. Firmly, tighten the terminals with a screwdriver. This will push the wire in it more tightly securing the circuit. If there is any surplus left, chop off with diagonal cutters.
Before you start reassembling the lamp, make sure all the bare electrical cords are under the terminals. Any leftover cord can mess up your work and you have to redo it. Also, make sure that there is enough length of wire wrapped around the terminal screws.
5. Reassemble The Lamp
Once you finish the main work it’s time for reassembling the lamp. Make sure all the cords and the underwriter’s knot fit in properly at the bottom. Once you make sure everything is in place, reinsert the light bulb. And there you have your DIY-rewired electrical lamp!
Finally, we hope you have understood how to rewire a lamp. Rewiring a lamp is a very straightforward process that you can do promptly. However, it is important to remember that your safety should be the top concern. Do not try out any uninformed experiments while fixing the lamp. Always research more and take advice, if you need to. Take extra care of the polarity of the wires and screws.
It is important to pay attention to which wire goes where. The rigged wire should be attached to the silver screw and the smooth wire should be attached to the brass screw. You need to pay attention to some details. Once you do all the steps carefully, you will get a perfectly working lamp.
