Antiques -> Decorative Arts -> Lamps
Whether you are trying to restore an older home and would like to keep it in the period style, or you just appreciate older light fixtures, antique lighting has much to offer. There are many different styles from Victorian, to Art Deco to Modern that can adorn any home, working or non, and give it a certain special charm. Before you buy antique lighting however, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, you will need to make sure whether or not the antique lighting is operational. There is a risk for electrocution or fire whenever you are dealing with older lamps, and it is vital to have it properly checked out before you plug it in. If there are any loose wires, or the cord appears to be frayed, you should have it repaired immediately. Failing to do so could result in serious injury and lose of property.
Although antique lighting is beautiful, there are few issues that are present with older shades. Some of the material that was used back many years ago was quite flammable. Add that to a dried out and old shade, and you have a very serious fire risk. Consider replacing the shade, or look for antique lighting that has a glass shade so that you don’t have to worry about it.
Another thing to think about when you are buying antique lighting is the bulb that will be needed. Many very old lamps will have used bulbs that are no longer available and converting them may be impossible. While they make great display pieces, they won’t be able to be used. Always think about the type of bulb and make sure that replacements are easily available.
If you are buying a chandelier, it will be necessary to make sure that the cables are intact and not frayed, for safety reasons. You may also need to dip the crystal in an ammonia solution if it is very dirty. Chandeliers made of other materials will need to be cleaned as well. Always test the chandelier to make sure it works before you actually install it. Some antique lighting may not be operational and it’s best to find this out before you go to the trouble of installing it in your ceiling.
Lastly, if you are interested in Tiffany style antique lighting, it is important to make sure you are getting an authentic piece. There are many different styles of lamps that look very similar to the ones popularized by Louis Comfort Tiffany, but they are not as valuable as his original creations. Read up about this style of lamp before you go shopping to ensure that you are getting the best deal. With a little extra care, you can be assured that your lamp will be the valuable collectible you think it is.
Antique lighting is a unique decorative collectible and it’s one that is easy to find. If your home décor needs a bit of a boost, consider adding an antique lamp for a special touch.
Originally posted 2008-10-06 14:16:13. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
Related Posts -
Antique Chinese Parrot Antiques -> Asian -> Chinese If you are interested in a unique Asian collectible that is sure to get plenty of discussions going, antique Chinese parrots are an excellent choice. These delightful decorative collectibles come in many different shapes and styles and many are vibrantly colored and well designed. Most...... - Antique Goblet Antiques -> Decorative Arts -> Stemware How do you tell an antique goblet from an antique cup or mug? Goblets are stemware, with the earliest goblets made from earthenware and then expanding to other stronger materials as the years passed. The use of goblets pre-dates the Roman Empire, though the......
- Antique Books Antiques -> Books and Manuscripts -> American If you are interested in finding a collectible that has a true story to tell, antique books are the ideal choice. These offer the ability to collect something that has value, not only in the actual worth of the item, but in the......
-
Guide to Buying and Selling Antiques If you're looking for something unique to adorn the rooms of your home, then a hobby that you may want to delve into is buying and selling antiques. There are a couple of different things that you are going to need to consider when it comes to buying and selling...... - Antique Wedding Dress Antiques -> Textiles, Linens -> Lace, Crochet, Doilies Wedding dresses are a big business today, but many people prefer the look of an antique wedding dress to the more modern gowns. Choosing a vintage dress is certainly one way to make your wedding unique, as it's highly unlikely that any......
Related Websites -
Replacing Your Smoke Alarms If you have an older home, or if you aren’t quite sure how old your smoke alarms are, it’s a good time to think about replacing them. Even if you have regularly replaced your batteries in your smoke alarms, they may become less effective as they get older. Some of...... - Work at Home Being an Online Guide and Earning an Income Have you managed to make a success of your work from home scheme? Have the long hours finally paid off? Is it satisfying working according to your terms and not someone else’s? After several months or maybe even years you have finally made your venture a success. Have you ever......
-
Birthday Gifts for Men A birthday is truly special since it represents the day a person was brought to this world. What better way to celebrate than to give your loved one a birthday gift as a surprise? His birthday may be around the corner and you just don't know exactly what to...... - 10 things to do before listing your home I've moved too many times to remember off hand growing up, and toured literally hundreds of houses in my lifetime. I've also bought 4 properties of my own, and sold 3. Every time I've gone house hunting, either for myself or for someone else, I've been struck by just how......
-
Big Bear Marina, Big Bear Lake, CA Big Bear Marina is located on: Big Bear Lake in Big Bear Lake, CA Phone: 909.866.3218 Average Water Depth: Big Bear Lake does change quite a bit throughout the year. It's a good idea to contact the marina management for exact lake levels before you arrive. Is there a marine......
