Components Of Interior Floor Lamps

Interior floor lamps require a variety of components.

Although their designs, shapes, colors and materials vary greatly, interior floor lamps share a number of components. Decorative floor lamps provide functionality because people can move them, adjust them to the appropriate height and select an aesthetically appealing design. Whether you're taking apart a pole lamp, assembling a lamp from a few vintage pieces you have salvaged or drawing one as an illustration, recognize that a lamp becomes the sum of its parts. Master lamp craftsman Z. G. Crawford, with over forty years in the lamp making business, takes numerous components into consideration when he creates an interior floor lamp.

Vertical Pole

Interior floor lamps usually have some type of vertical pole or mast that runs down the center and attaches to a base that sits on the floor. Types of fabrication materials of this pole include wrought iron, wood, glass and metal; the chosen material is suspended on a sturdy metal inner pole.

Base

A floor lamp's base enables it to stand up vertically. It needs to be heavy enough so that it will not tip. A base also requires some symmetrical placement of casters so that the lamp rests securely on the floor without rocking.

Arm and Oil Pot

The arm extends from the lamp's upper mast or pole and usually adjusts so that a user can position the light head just over his head, whether he is sitting down or standing. The oil pot derives its name from its history as an oil container that burned real oil. Today's oil pots are decorative and consist of a rounded brass or glass piece that holds the lamp's switch, socket and harp holders.

Weight

Usually a rounded ball that screws onto the base, the weight helps a lighter lamp, such as a wrought iron pole lamp, stand up. The weight balances the lamp and prevents it from toppling over.

Cap

A metal or brass cap fits over the oil pot and covers wires extending from the socket and down the lamp.

Socket and Switch

The socket of a lamp is part of the light head. It provides a holding place for the lamp's bulb to screw into. It also connects to the switch and electrical cord, and allows electrical current to flow from its source to the light bulb.

Finial

Finials are decorative pieces that screw onto the pipe and hold the harp and lamp shade. When tightened, a finial keeps the lamp shade on straight. Finials come in a myriad of styles and colors. Designers incorporate porcelain, ceramics, glass, brass and other metals in crafting finials.

Neck

Also called a "riser," a neck is a hollow, decorative piece of metal that helps raise a lamp's finial higher. Necks come in various lengths.

Harp

The harp, usually brass or metal, slips into two grooves alongside the socket and holds the shade in place via the metal wires inside the shade. Harps come in various sizes so that the lamp and shade appeal aesthetically to the eye.

Shade

The crowning touch to any lamp, shades come in all sizes, shapes and styles. Some of the finest ones are silk or handmade paper. Fabric, leathers and synthetic materials find their way as lamp shades, as do glass and porcelains.

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