Parts of a Swag Lamp
When you think about a decorative and practical household lighting fixture, it's hard not to think about swag lamps. The swag lamp is the essence of simplicity. It can be installed anywhere, takes up no floor or tabletop space and does not need to be controlled by a wall switch. Does this Spark an idea?
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Swag Lamp Parts
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Disassembled, a swag lamp has relatively few parts. It consists of a 12 to 15-foot electrical cord, hanging chain, two swag hooks, a lamp socket and a shade. Most are equipped with an in-line switch and plug directly into a wall outlet. Other variations exist, though. Some swag lamps are equipped with a pull chain light socket or a ceiling plate that can also house a pull chain switch. Swag lamps of this type are typically mounted over a dining table. Probably a swag lamp's best attribute is the ease with which it can be installed.
Making A Comeback
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According to the Hoylelamps.com, swag lamps were a decorating essential in the '60s and '70s. But by the late '80s, their popularity waned. These days the swag lamp is enjoying a reprise as folks rediscover their space-saving characteristics and ease of installation.
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Installation
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After you decide where to hang your swag lamp, you must first secure the hooks to the ceiling. Some are equipped with a lag screw on the end and must be twisted into a rafter. Others are equipped with spring-loaded wing fasteners that open when inserted through a hole. Either way, swag hooks are designed to bear the weight of the lamp and chain attached to them. The first hook should be mounted where the lamp will hang, and the second very close to the wall where the power outlet is located.
After the hooks are installed, hang the lamp at the desired height from the swag hook directly overhead and then drape the chain to the second one. Plug the cord into the wall outlet, screw in a light bulb, flick the switch and you're in business. If the wall outlet happens to be controlled by a switch, that's even better. Most swag lamps are equipped with standard Edison bases and accept one or more regular-sized bulbs.
Flexibility
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Although the swag lamp was originally intended to be a lamp for all places, it does not have to be. They may be direct wired and controlled by a wall switch or dimmer switch. In many homes, the small lightweight chandeliers gracing entryways and foyers are direct-wired swag lamps.
Build Your Own
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If your swag lamp is beginning to show signs of age or if you would like to update the shade style to match a new decor, replacement swag lampshades are available. If you'd rather build your own swag lamp from scratch, kits are also available. Swag lamp kits typically include an 11-gauge chain, gold colored cord with a molded on wall plug, in-line switch, two swag hooks, wing fasteners, lag screws, wire nuts and set of installation instructions---everything you need. The only tool you may require is a drill to bore pilot holes into a ceiling rafter/joist for the lag screws or to create holes where you will insert the wing fasteners. Follow the enclosed directions to assemble the parts in the kit. Then attach your brand new swag shade, flick the switch and curl up with a good book.
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