Lamp Hardware Basics

When it comes to lamp hardware, there are a lot of different components that can keep your lamp functioning properly. Some of these are necessary for keeping your lamp safe, while others serve a more decorative purpose. Whether you’re upgrading your lighting or fixing a broken lampshade, understanding how these pieces work can help you choose the right parts and build your ideal lamp.

The socket is the connection point between the light bulb and the rest of the lamp’s electrical system. This part is usually made from a hard, durable material to protect the wires inside. It has an opening or socket cap that screws onto the base of the lamp, a metal ring to fit around a lightbulb and a plug.

A socket’s color and texture can be important to its appearance. For example, antique brass is an attractive material for a lamp socket that gives it a vintage look. Lamp sockets can also be made of black plastic, which is less expensive and works just as well.

Lamps are typically designed to be plugged into standard US outlets, which have a round pin-shaped protrusion that fits into the socket opening. Most newer sockets are compatible with this type of plug, but older models may not be. For this reason, it’s a good idea to use a universal plug adapter if you want to change the connector type of your lamp.

The lamp’s switch controls the way a light is turned on and off. Some switches are built into the sockets while others require a separate component to function. It’s important to know what kind of switch your lamp uses in order to choose the right bulb, especially when you’re replacing an existing light fixture.

A lampshade’s fitter connects to a lamp’s socket by attaching to a harp or sitting directly on top of the socket. It can be a spider, uno or French style fitter, and it is sometimes possible to convert these styles by using an adapter.

While the fitter of a lampshade is important, it’s also critical to find a shade that fits properly on the harp. If the harp is too large or small, it won’t hold a lampshade.

The height of a lamp is important for creating the desired atmosphere in a room. Most table and bedside lamps should be between 58” – 64” inches up from the floor, as this creates a more uniform flow of lighting throughout a space. Ambient mood lighting, such as what you’d find on a bedside table, is generally best achieved with lower wattage bulbs. Higher wattage bulbs are more suited to task and reading lights that provide more focused light. For this reason, it’s advisable to use 3 way switches that can dim your lights in a more controlled manner. Having a local, UL certified shop check out your wiring and assembly can be a good idea to reduce the risk of faulty installation. They can make sure your lamp meets UL safety standards and is up to code.