Project 1 : Part 2

OK. First, be sure to unplug the lamp. (Yeah, I know...duh)

Start at the top and work your way down. Just look at it. How is it put together? Do the parts even detach? Sometimes lamp parts are glued in place or molded, and can't be detached or replaced. If that's the case, you'll need to get a new lamp. Most lamps though, are put together in parts that at their most basic components are completely standardized. This is a wonderful thing, because it means you can go to a hardware store and get replacements. 

Here are the basic tools/equipment/parts you'll need, with the possible addition of some strong tape and maybe some scissors or wire clippers (if you're uncomfortable using a box-cutter type tool).

Start by taking out the bulb, and pinching the bulb socket just above the base. You've just removed the outer socket shell and insulating sleeve. 

Use a screwdriver to loosen the screw heads holding the metal wire ends of the split cord in place. Once loosened remove the socket completely. 

 You should be able to unscrew the rounded, bowl-like socket cap. If there is a nut or washer involved, be sure to save them. Once loosened, you should be able to slip it off. If your lamp requires a harp to hold the shade in place, you should see the 2 prongs of the harp saddle beneath the socket cap. Unless you’re completely disassembling your lamp, you don’t need to remove this.

Now you should have a just a wire coming out of the top of the lamp. You shouldn't need to disassemble the rest of the lamp, although I have, to show the way a lamp is constructed. 

Good to know: Using these basic instructions, you can change out bases, bodies or tops of lamps to freshen up or update the look of a favorite lamp. The pieces are sold in lamp supply stores or parts websites, or you can cannibalize other lamps you find in thrift stores for special parts! 

NEXT: Part 3 - the Finale!

Project 1: Let's rewire a lamp!

The Background:

I found this great lamp on Ebay, and fell completely in love with it. While doing some research, I found another auction selling a pair of the exact same lamps, and gobbled those up as well! The lamps are primarily carved Italian alabaster, with teak wood details at the top and mid-base. I will probably do an entire entry on alabaster alone (Love it). The addition of teak in the lamp design clearly marks them as mid-century, if the design didn’t give it away already. 

That’s actually a good general rule of thumb. When you’re looking at a thrift store piece of furniture and it’s made of teak or includes teak, it’s probably Danish Modern or at least Danish Modern inspired. One of the great things about vintage teak wood items is the fact that you’re getting pieces made from old-growth teak. The amazing and dramatic grain of the wood is impossible to get in farmed teak pieces. While I would never condone cutting old-growth teak forest down to make bowls, the fact is, buying vintage pieces is very “green”. Reuse & restore, people! There are also a lot of vintage Southeast Asian teak wood products on the thrift market. Some of these can be great: 

• Teak bowls - if they’re solid teak and in good condition, they’re a great addition to the kitchen, and you will pay tons more for new copies.
• Occasionally, interesting boxes or platters - sometimes these have really nice designs and can be great additions to a modern interior.
• Oversized fork and spoon wall decoration - eh...they are everywhere…what were people thinking?

These tend to round out what you normally see around in thrift and resale stores. If you love it, get it. That is the cardinal rule of thrift shopping. 

Well, one of the lamps has started to flicker when I turn it on, which means either the bulb is going to die, or the lamp needs to be rewired. I’ve tried a new bulb and had the same problem, so it’s definitely the wiring. 

NEXT: Lamp disassembly and parts identification.