Deciding Between Antique Floor Lamp vs. More Modern Ones
Ann Triune
Having an antique floor lamp in your house is a sure way to strike a conversation with houseguests. Because of its history, intricate design and romantic elegance, it is hard not to see it as a conversational piece. And with its brass finish, stained-glass lampshades, and elaborate patterns, who could resist talking about it?
In choosing a floor lamp, one of the primary questions you ask yourself is finding out what type of floor lamp suits your needs - whether you should buy an antique floor lamp or a contemporary floor lamp.
Having an antique floor lamp as opposed to more modern ones has its corresponding advantages and disadvantages.
First of all, there is always a touch of class and elegance brought upon by an antique piece, in this case an antique floor lamp. Its mystery and unknown past is always very appealing, and could serve as an enchanting conversation topic when friends, family, and guests visit.
But then again, genuine antique floor lamps are very expensive. This is because they are very rare. In fact, French antique lamps are being sold up to a thousand dollars or more in some auctions. To make it more available to the budget-conscious public, manufacturers seek to mimic the antique look by applying different features found in original lamps like gilded bases, ornate cloths, and stained-glass lampshades. Others even imitate the hue or color of the finish.
Moreover, an antique floor lamp is used only for aesthetics and decoration. It does not serve as an adequate lighting supply. Rather than focusing on performance and function, it focuses on visuals and beauty. However, you can always improve the function and safety of the lamp. You can do this by replacing the electrical wirings with more contemporary and modern parts. You can also choose to convert an old floor lamp into halogen or compressed fluorescent floor lamp so you can enjoy both worlds - ageless, timeless design and benefits of modern lighting.
But then, replacing the wirings is not enough to ensure safety. You should also consider how stable the base of your floor lamp is. Nowadays, floor lamps go under inspection to pass the UL standards which gauge how easily a lamp can be tipped over. Antique floor lamps do not follow these standards, leading to a higher chance of it being tipped over and causing unwanted fires. All it takes is an unruly child to knock the lamp over and cause accidents. This is why it is very important to look for an antique floor lamp with a sturdy base.
As a whole, an antique floor map has its pros and cons. Although it does add a touch of refinement, flair, and class to any home, it is costly and not very functional. It is suitable only for decoration purposes and is not reliable as a good source of illumination. However, if you're really after the aesthetics, then by all means, get an antique floor lamp. Just remember to apply necessary improvements to its wirings and base to ensure your safety.
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