Purchasing an old lamp requires a leap of faith. Does it need rewired? Will you be able to find a suitable shade?
There is no good reason not to purchase vintage lighting, when it has the potential to transform the interior of any household. The glow of light emanating from a fine ceramic or glass base table lamp topped by a quality shade enhances the beauty of nearby objects, and can be the focal point of any thoughtfully planned décor.
Don’t fret if the original shade is damaged or non-existent. Specialty lamp shops have a vast array of shade choices. Take the lamp with you and let an expert help you choose a new shade which may actually be a better match for your interior than the original shade.
It’s ok to mix old and new. But if you have purchased a very old oil lamp which needs a new glass globe or shade, a local antique mall will probably have what you are looking for.
Many older gas lamps were fitted with electric wire long ago. Any lamp made before the 1960s (ungrounded plug) or with visibly fraying wire should probably be rewired for safety’s sake. Once again, specialists in lamp repair are available to help you make a practical piece of art and history functional again.
Whether you want to adhere to an entirely authentic restoration of period lighting or just want to get a nice mid century modern lamp base outfitted to place in an eclectic-style living room or bedroom, feel free to bring your vision to reality. Your investment in bringing a unique and interesting decorative item to life will be well worth the time and effort.
The following is a sampling of Cincinnati area vendors offering lamp repair and distinctive lamp shades:
A Shade Better, 11341 Montgomery Road, Harper's Station, Cincinnati 45249 Offering a large selection of lampshades and lamp repair: http://www.ashadebettercincinnati.com/
Grand Antique Mall, 9701 Reading Road, Reading, OH 45215. Located inside a large antique mall, sells lamp parts, including oil lamps, glass shades, and offers re-wiring and repair: http://www.grandantiquemall.com/index.php
Johnson's Lamp Shop & Antiques, 8518 E. National Road, S. Vienna, OH 45369. Situated just outside the antique mecca of Springfield, the store has a huge inventory of period lighting, lamp parts, and repair: www.johnsonslampshop.com/Johnsons_Lamp_Shop/Welcome.html
Small's Do It Best Hardware - locations in Cheviot, Roselawn, Lockland, Harrison, and Ft. Mitchell, each offering lamp re-wiring services: http://www.smalls.doitbest.com/home.aspx
Wiebold Studio - multiple locations (In Ohio - Terrace Park, Dayton, Lebanon and in Kentucky - Lexington and Louisville) offers restoration and repair of all types of antiques, as well as chandelier and period-lighting re-wiring and repair: http://www.wiebold.com/lighting_and_chandeliers
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