Customers often ask “Why should I bring my lamps”? We know bringing lamps can be cumbersome and risky, especially floor lamps and fragile glass or porcelain lamps. But it’s almost always best for several reasons.
Suppose you have had the same lampshades for 10 years or more. Do you want the same shades again? We can usually come close to your original shades, but why not update your shade’s style, fabric or color? When you bring your lamps, we can show you several different shade options. We will ask you where you use your lamps – the size, style and color of the room – to determine what shades might complement your lamps and rooms best.
Is it a formal room? Silk shades, pleated or unpleated, provide an elegant look. Silk shades come in a variety of fancy shapes too. In a more casual setting, we usually recommend linen, muslin, burlap or parchment shades. Casual fabrics are now being used to make soft as well as hard-backed shades, giving you many more casual shade options. Seeing different shade colors and textures on your lamps, both lit and unlit, can make a huge difference. You can view several styles of Lampshades in the Products category above.
Ever try black shades on you lamps? Black shades look great on brass, nickel, glass and alabaster lamps. Black parchment shades with white lining are great for reading. They are opaque, so most of the light is shed downward on the reading material or desk. Black shades with gold lining have a warm, soft glow for wonderful ambiance.
With your lamps, we can raise or lower shades simply by changing the “Harp” (the u-shaped wire where the shade rests). Harps come every half inch in height from 6″ to 15″. They also come in two different thicknesses. Different shade styles and sizes can be fitted to lamps with the right harps. If your harps are not removable, we can add “Risers” to your harps to lift shades up. Or our lamp repairman can add a new harp holder to your lamp if needed. Here’s a great looking lamp and shade, but the socket is showing – the shade is too high. A shorter harp will make it look so much better, for the price of a good cup of coffee!
While your lamps are here, try some new “Finials” (decorative lamp tops). You will be surprised at the difference finials can make. We stock hundreds of styles, colors and sizes of finials to complete your lamp’s look. Many of our Finials are shown in the Products category.
We can also access potential electrical problems when you bring your lamps to the shop. Is your lamp flickering? You may need a new socket interior or switch. Is it time to replace the cord or plug? When the cord is no longer pliable, or when it’s cracked, chewed or brittle, we will recommend that the lamp be rewired for your safety. Worn plugs can usually be replaced for a nominal charge. We provide expert lamp repair on site. Lamp repairs typically take 1-2 weeks.
So when you decide to buy new lampshades and finials, please bring your lamps if you can. Wrap fragile lamps in towels or blankets to prevent breakage. To unload your lamps, pull up in the front of the store (in front of the first parking meter) and turn on your flashers. Come in or call us – we will help you unload and show you where to park.
You will receive excellent customer service, understand your options and be much happier with the results. After all, you don’t buy new lampshades often, but you look at them every day for many years. Why not buy shades and finials that you will enjoy for years to come?
Feel free at call, stop by or email us if you need more information. We hope to see you (and your lamps) soon!