Saving Lamps

When I moved into my apartment, I was desperately lacking in light sources and my mother graciously donated an antique lamp that had been sitting in my parents' garage. My plan at first was to make it white and glossy to emulate the Jonathan Adler Capri lamp, but after noticing the frayed cord, I decided to rewire it as well. 

For anyone as petrified of rewiring lamps as I was: don't be scared! It's a piece of cake, it's cheap and it doesn't require any tools. A standard lamp kit costs about $11 and comes with everything you need, including simple directions. Lamp kits are available with or without the harp (the curved piece that holds a lamp shade up if the lamp shade has spokes that meet at the top of the shade). You may not need the harp, as many lamp shades such as the ones sold at Ikea and Target attach at the base of the socket.

1. Take the old lamp apart and remove the old cord. I took mine apart by unscrewing the top socket portion first, which allowed the gold base (which turned out to be two glass portions) to slide off of the internal metal rod. Then I cut off and removed the old wiring. 

1a. I spray painted the glass portions with a multi-surface primer, and then two coats of spray paint in glossy white, letting each coat dry overnight in a well ventilated room.

Now for the wiring: 2. Thread the new cord up through the base of the lamp and into the base of the socket.  

3. Tie a UL (underwriter's) knot as instructed with the two wires that make up the cord. This prevents the wiring from getting pulled out of the socket.

4. Attach each end of the wire to the screws at each side of the socket as instructed. 

5. Push the top part of the socket securely into the bottom. When you're all done, if the light doesn't turn on, it's likely that the top of the socket isn't in all the way. 

Enjoy your saved lamp!

Disclaimer: While I remain unharmed by the projects I undertake, I cannot ensure your safety. Please use caution and common sense when undertaking any project, and always follow the manufacturer instructions for any product being installed or assembled.