How to Turn a Swag Lamp Into a Table Lamp

Swag lamps often have unusual lampshades usable for table lamps. In most cases, the swag lamp will have a built-in frame with a wire opening at the top that will work equally well as a standard harp-style shade mounting point. Combining the swag lamp with a table lamp kit, along with base materials, you can indeed transform the swag into a table lamp. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Purchase a table lamp kit. These are available at most lamp stores, home improvement stores, craft stores and online. Order the internal threaded pipe 1 inch longer than the height of your base. You can turn almost anything into a lamp base. Select something that works well with the style, size and color of your swag shade. In general, the base should not be taller than the shade is wide.

2

Place your base on the work table. For example, if you are using a simple garden vase as a base and you have chosen a kit for a vase that requires no drilling, you will not have to create no holes in the vase for wires.

3

Place a hex nut, washer and the fiber disc on one end of the threaded pipe. Position a locking washer and hex nut to hold the disc onto the pipe and tighten these together. These are for the base of the pipe. Attach a hex nut, washer, brass neck, bottom of the harp and socket to the top of the pipe.

4

Mix plaster of Paris in a disposable large plastic cup. Insert the lamp screwed post into the vase so the disc is to the bottom. Lean the post to the side and pour plaster of Paris around the post in the bottom of the vase. Stand the post upright and center it in the vase. Hold the post or tape it to the vase so it is level and upright as the plaster hardens. Allow the plaster to cure for 12 hours.

5

Remove the swag lamp shade from the swag lamp. Insert the top part of the harp into the harp arms next to the socket. Lift out the socket and wrap the ends of each wire around the screw post in the socket. The direction in your kit will tell you which wire goes to which post. Screw a light bulb into the socket and press the socket into the socket surround. The wire should exit below the socket.

6

Position the swag lamp shade over the top of the harp and screw the finial to the post on the top of the harp to hold the shade in place. Plug in the lamp. The on-off switch will be on the socket or wire, depending on the kit you are using.