When out antiquing I always keep my eyes open for lamps.
This alabaster lamp is one of my recent finds but it didn't come with a shade.
I searched for a good while and finally found this crewel lampshade at TJ Maxx.
I think it's perfect!
I searched for a good while and finally found this crewel lampshade at TJ Maxx.
I think it's perfect!
I had been searching for an alabaster lamp for a while,
but they usually have a price tag that is higher than I am willing to pay.
When I found this one with flower details cut into the marble,
and at a reasonable price...I jumped on it!
The finial is unique...
and has quite a few parts.
but they usually have a price tag that is higher than I am willing to pay.
When I found this one with flower details cut into the marble,
and at a reasonable price...I jumped on it!
The finial is unique...
and has quite a few parts.
This ceramic lamp was also purchased without a shade.
I am still searching for one but with no luck so far, this one will have to do for now…
I am still searching for one but with no luck so far, this one will have to do for now…
I really liked the shape, crackle finish, and it also has a unique finial...
Old lamps have many great qualities but often the electrical cords and sockets are scary!
This was the plug on the alabaster lamp…
This was the plug on the alabaster lamp…
And this was the plug on the crackle finish lamp…
and the sockets were full of dust and dirt…
Rewiring these lamps has been on my to-do list for a LONG time,
and I have been leaving them unplugged ~ for safety’s sake.
So I got busy and rewired them, starting with the crackle lamp.
and I have been leaving them unplugged ~ for safety’s sake.
So I got busy and rewired them, starting with the crackle lamp.
First I removed the felt bottom…
Then loosened the bolt on the bottom…
Once the bolt was loosened all the lamp parts began to separate into different sections…
None of the electrical parts could be reused, so I cut the cord…
You’ll notice there are no UL markings on the old socket because it is OLD…
I purchased a complete lamp rewire kit from Lowes…
It has the UL listing…
First I inserted the wires into the side of the lamp base…
and then fed the wires through the metal tubing that goes up through the lamp to stabilize all the lamp pieces…
the metal tubing was then fed up through each part of the lamp…
once the wire and tubing was up through the top section of the lamp…
the harp bottom was then placed on the metal tubing at the top of the lamp…
the bottom part of the socket was placed on top of the harp bottom
and screwed tightly to the metal tubing which tightens all the parts of the lamp back together again....
and screwed tightly to the metal tubing which tightens all the parts of the lamp back together again....
Using a wire cutter to remove approximately an inch of the insulation from each wire,
I then tied the split cords into a underwriter's knot …
I then tied the split cords into a underwriter's knot …
Then I connected the wires by using a screw driver to loosen the screws on either side of the new socket,
wrapped each exposed wire around one screw on the socket (one is gold and one is silver),
and then use the screwdriver to tighten the screws to hold the wires in place.
wrapped each exposed wire around one screw on the socket (one is gold and one is silver),
and then use the screwdriver to tighten the screws to hold the wires in place.
Attached the top of the socket housing…
Tightened the screw on the socket…
Attached the harp and then added a light bulb…
Placed the pretty shade on top so I could plug her in!
It really felt good throwing those old cords and sockets in the trash.
Now I can leave these lamps plugged in without worrying.
Now I can leave these lamps plugged in without worrying.
Have any old lamps that need rewiring? It's easy-peasy!
I have lots of lamps, here's a peek at Little Lamps that Light the Way.
I have lots of lamps, here's a peek at Little Lamps that Light the Way.
Blessings,
Cindy
Hop over every Monday for…AMAZE ME MONDAY!
Cindy I'm so impressed! I often see lamps in antique shops that I like but I've been intimidated to re-wire them. Thanks for such a great tutorial!
ReplyDeleteLeslie (Gwen Moss)
Your lamps are wonderful, and you've motivated me to redo a pretty old alabaster lamp that I have. I've needed to do it for years! thanks for the walk-thru!
ReplyDeleteGreat job Cindy !!!!!
ReplyDeleteOh, I really needed this tutorial!!! Thanks for sharing! You new lamp is so pretty. I LOVE your shade!!!
ReplyDeleteAs a matter of fact, I have an old lamp that belonged to my hubby's grandmother. Are you available? They don't even need complete rewiring, just the switch.
ReplyDeleteBy the way... EXCELLENT TUTORIAL!
ReplyDeleteYou know I have never rewired a lamp before but with your easy tutorial I believe I can do it! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE that you posted this tutorial!!!!! My cousin has been rewiring my lamps for me for YEARS and I finally starting doing my own! But it's SO nice to make sure I'm doing it right! I usually call her (she lives in a different state) and drive her nuts! LOL Now I can look here! :)
ReplyDeleteKristi
Thank you soo much for the tutorial. I've had a lamp for some time that I've been intimated to rewire. Is it the same for a floor lamp? I bought one at an antique sale and have had it over a year. I'm going to try it now. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteCindy, I LOVE the toile lamp shade. Is it an oldie? Oh, how I would love one if you could tell me where to find it??
ReplyDeleteWow! I'm impressed! Not only do I like the lamps, but I can't believe you know how to rewire them. IMPRESSIVE! You go, girl!
ReplyDeleteXO,
Sheila
I have two very old lamps that need rewiring so thanks for your clear informative tutorial. I think you have helped many of us who felt intimidated about the process. Hope you have a fantastic weekend!
ReplyDeleteThe lamps are so pretty, I wish I knew how to rewire some of mine, maybe I need to try soem day.
ReplyDeleteThat is such a pretty lamp Cindy! Great tutorial on how to rewire too. My Mom does it all the time. I never have tackled one myself. Have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteWe buy and sell lamps so we rewire many of them. Your alabaster one is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI need to do this with a lamp I love but that is about 25 years old. Thank you so much for the detailed instructions and great pictures. I am set to go now!
ReplyDeleteI just took apart my Grandma's bowl and pitcher lamps (2) and threw the wiring away because I was not sure about them. I could feel the current through the posts.
ReplyDeleteI was just going to let them sit on a book shelf. Now I know I can go and rewire them with no problem.
Thanks for the how-to. I think my Grandma would be proud.
Wow! I think I could do this! I love your lamps. I have a thing for vintage too, but I always pay somebody to rewire. Looks pretty simple!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I need to rewire a bunch of old lamps and your tutorial is perfection!
ReplyDeleteI won't be so afraid to try this now that you've made it look so easy. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE that you posted this tutorial!!!!! My cousin has been rewiring my lamps for me for YEARS and I finally starting doing my own! But it's SO nice to make sure I'm doing it right! I usually call her (she lives in a different state) and drive her nuts! LOL Now I can look here! :)
ReplyDelete