How To: Rewire a Thrift Store Lamp

We noticed recently that we seem to have some kind of lamp addiction. We live in a small space and don't really have a lot of room for a ton of lamps but when we go thrift storing or swap meeting, we swoon for lamps. Over the years we've picked up a couple that don't really work and we've also seen projects (like the one above) that we want to emulate, but we've been intimidated by rewiring or just wiring a lamp. But if it's a single bulb lamp, it's actually not that hard:

We found that teacup lamp on Danny Seo's blog (the lamp is from a display at Anthropologie) and it inspired us: if we just had some glue, some old teacups and the know how for wiring, we could make that lamp ourselves!

So we've rounded up some easy step by step tutorials (with pictures!) to walk us through the process of wiring and rewiring old lamps. A note, please please please, make sure you've unplugged the lamp before you start working. It's obvious, we know, but better safe than sorry!

We like the super simple illustrations of How to wire a lamp.

Wiki-How's How to build a lamp is a good description of step by step instructions.

If you need to rewire a Euro Lamp, check out this post.

And for more of an overview, check out basic wiring explained by a diying new yorker.

Comments (7)

Thanks for this! I just had an old lamp go on the fritz.

I love these practical posts. Thanks, Laure.

I've been so proud of myself- I just rewired my matched pair of Chinoiserie/Hollywood Regency lamps. I was intimidated at first because they're huge and hard to work with (several feet tall, and fragile old ceramic), and they have TWO sockets instead of one.

I shouldn't have worried so much. I was never able to find instruction online for a lamp with two bulbs, so I simply took apart one of the lamps and took pictures of the current wiring (a little tricky since it was perhaps 50 years old and very rusty). A trip to Home Depot got me all the supplies I would need- a wire crimping/stripping tool, two colors of 14 gauge wire, four sockets, two cords with switches, and a little advice.

It took a little patience, but I actually found doing it completely by myself easier than using one of the kits- I was able to measure everything exactly and customize it to the odd shape and size of my lamps.

So, go for it, AT readers- this is a very rewarding project, and PRACTICAL, since old wiring can be a hazard!

KTG I can't comment on code but a wire stripper/crimper is like $7 so if you have the budget I would pick one up simply because they are soooo much easier to use than clippers or knives or other makeshift solutions.

The suggestion about rewiring sounds a little kooky, but once you realise how easy it is, you have to admit its a nice touch.

That should be "rewiring everytime you rearrange"

Losing part of the copper out of a wire is indeed reducing it's rating. Standard lamp cord is usually 14 gauge. Depending on the type of insulation, the wire can carry up to 15 amps* in free air**. This translates to 1500 watts. I defy you to find a light bulb that is going to pull more than 15 amps. You'd melt/catch fire your lamp shade before that. So while losing a strand or two when stripping your ends isn't ideal, it isn't the end of the world.

Much much much much more important is making sure all your connections are absolutely tight. Loose connections spark and that creates heat, which can cause fire. Also, if your connections slip and short out to the lamp body, lamp cord doesn't have a ground wire, so the potential to shock yourself is there.

The above information is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and research. If you use the above information and hurt or kill yourself or others, it's totally not my fault.

*I use what is referred to as paper amps. The actual ampacity is higher, but I work in theater electrics, and we use paper amps both for ease/speed of math and to build in a safety factor. I do not know if "real" electricians use paper amps, but it's standard in my industry.

**Not under a rug or in conduit. Means just what it sounds like.