Bespoke Light Fittings

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Lamps and Lights’ customer Bruce Stanley, Light fitting maker from Scotland sent us a great short article about his experience and design in converting bespoke light fittings. Here’s Bruce’s message:

“Over the years, I have made numerous light fittings for friends and family members. My “appointment” as “light fitting maker” comes from the fact that I am very much against drilling holes in vases and other such pieces to be converted into a lamp and the simple fact I have quite a comprehensive workshop…and yes, I can drill holes in porcelain, glass, etc..

Essentially, I can make these fittings in any shape, size  or style depending on the wishes of the owner/recipient, however there does seem a preference for the older styles. Over the years, I have collected quite an array of old brass fittings but, unfortunately, although nicely made, most of them are unusable because they no longer comply with the latest regulations or, in some cases, are just too expensive to repair.

Excellent components, meeting all specifications, can be obtained from the Lamps & Lights Design & Restoration Hardware Company who market a comprehensive range of fittings and materials.

My basic design to meet most applications entails the making of a wood (or any other material come to that) holder will can be inserted in to the neck of the vessel being converted into a lamp. Following machining and soothing the wood is stained and polished or painted to obtain the desired finish and effect.

As seen on the photographs, the main feature of my design is the fact that the electrical cable comes out of the side of the lamp fitting insert and not through a hole in the lower vessel.

Following assembly, the holder insert in place by wrapping the shaft with thin bubble foam so that it is a firm in the neck of the vessel. It is very important to note that, when completed , some lamps can be top heavy and require a certain amount of ballast – washed pea gravel, lead shot, etc. inside the base of the vessel to ensure adequate stability.

All electrical work should be done by a qualified electrician.”

Thanks Bruce for sharing your experience with us! If you are thinking of converting a bottle and/or a vase into a table lamp, we have various table lamp kits to choose from and for more help how see our useful information page.

Death of the Incandescent bulb, not as painful as many predicted?

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Incandescent lights are being phased out around the world, and being replaced by LEDs. They served their purpose in the past, but are no longer able to fill the shoes of their LED successors. There are those who still argue for their colour and quality of light, in-spite of their fast burn out but let’s say goodbye to the Incandescent light bulb on a positive note.

 

Cost

Incandescent bulbs did cost a lot less than their energy-efficient alternatives although only in the short run.

The problem with incandescent bulbs is you end up paying more in electricity costs. Incandescent light bulbs are inefficient – 90% of the energy goes toward heat and only 10% toward light.

Colour

Incandescent bulbs are known for their warm light, which looks particularly good against skin tones. Today you can have LEDs that match these favourable hues. Light bulb manufacturers are required to include on their label the color temperature of their bulbs, so consumers can know exactly what they’re purchasing.

Dimming

Another complaint against LED’s is flickering and buzzing when trying to dim them. You have to watch out for non-dimmable or poor quality LEDs and make sure you pair your choice with the right dimming switches. See Our Helpful Guide for some great tips. All our LED’s have been carefully chosen and tested in house.

Habits

Part of what’s driven the use of cheap, inefficient incandescent bulbs is simply that they are familiar. Incandescent bulbs were loved for what they had once represented: utility, economy and simplicity, as well as light.

LED bulbs increasing popularity is also driven by consumers’ increasing familiarity with LED’s in other products such as TVs and computers. The price of LED bulbs has also come down significantly. As the cost continues to drop, the LED bulbs are becoming “the default light source.” If we still haven’t persuaded you or you just fancy a real bargain check out our Special offers page as we are hugely reducing prices on our last few ranges of incandescent bulbs.

 

Restoring Historic Buildings

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Since 1965 the Landmark Trust has been saving historic buildings that are at risk, and giving them a new and secure future. This charity restores castles, forts, towers and cottages for self-catering breaks, which they appropriately describe as – Holidays in History.

The Trust renovates old buildings and keeps them in good repair. They in turn depend on the survival of traditional craft skills and sympathetic restoration materials.

Their latest restoration project, visited by Lamps and Lights founder Denise Hatherly on a private open day in Devon, is the Winsford Cottage Hospital. The building was designed by notable Arts and Crafts architect, C F A Voysey who was a leading professional in the Arts and Crafts movement. The hospital was a gift to the local community by the wealthy philanthropist Maria Medley. From 1900 it served as a healthcare facility and enabled ordinary people to receive affordable medical treatment near to their homes for the very first time.

The architect strongly believed in designing all aspects and characteristics of the interior and exterior of the building. From the outside, Voysey’s approach vcan be recognised by the bespoke long horizontal runs of stone mullioned windows, which allowed fresh air to circulate through the rooms. The facade of the building has a definitive style of wide swept steep slate roof, and white roughcast walls, the former of which now requires urgent care and renovation.

Inside the cottage, decorative elements reflect the grace of the era; fireplaces and latches feature Voysey’s favorite element – the slightly elongated heart. The beautiful and notable architectural motif – his signature cast iron “Bird” and “Tree” can be seen on the ventilation grilles and play a significant part in producing a welcoming and friendly atmosphere. Another clear result of the amount of dedication the architect has bestowed upon forming these thoughtful details is Voysey’s careful layout.

Voysey indicated the purpose of every room with areas of men and women facing the sunny, south-facing garden, and the children’s ward with its view of the steam trains passing the nearby junction. Warm accents for example, Voysey’s original mosaic floor, laid throughout in tiny golden tiles, will require a lot of time and funds to restore as well as an expert craftsman.  Winsford Cottage Hospital is a true reflection of the amount of work and dedication Voysey bestowed upon

planning and forming his buildings. The hospital served the community until 1999, and during the Great War it became a haven for convalescing soldiers. After 1999 the building passed to a small local trust who became overwhelmed by the need for maintenance and viable use.

The Cottage Hospital now in desperate need of restoration will, with the Landmark’s skill, Lottery seed funding and further donations be returned to its former glory.

 

For more information please visit Landmark trust page:

Happy English Wine Week!

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Have you ever heard about English Wine Week?

Yesterday was National Wine Day, 25 May (National Drink Wine Day was 18 Feb) and English Wine Week is taking place Saturday 27 May until Sunday 4 June 2017.

English Wine Week is a national campaign, organised to increase awareness of English wine across the country. To celebrate English Wine Week, wide range of activities will be taking place across the country, involving both retail and leisure outlets, and at the vineyards themselves.

English Wine Week starts over Spring Bank Holiday which is also half term holiday for most schools. It marks the start of the tourist season, and the vineyards themselves are waking up to the new growing season – there is plenty to see and enjoy,I’ve put some links down below, if you fancy a trip to a vineyard or visit your local event during English Wine Week!

Let us know in the comments below, which type of wine you prefer? Red, white, Chardonnay or Merlot ?

If you have a stash of wine bottles you would like to convert visit our previous blog post for more information!

Cheers!

For forthcoming English Wine Week events and news visit www.englishwineproducers.co.uk

How to make a trumpet table lamp

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Lamps and Lights’ customer Mike Wyn Davies, proprietor of Unique Trophies from Wales sent us this fab story of his journey recycling an old battered brass trumpet, found lying around in his attic for years, into a stunningly unique table lamp. Here’s Mike’s story…

“The plan was to mount the trumpet vertically on a hardwood base, this meant that 3 core cable had to be fed through the trumpet from the bell, through the three valves, around the pipes and up through the pipe holding the mouthpiece.
Feeding the three core cable though the trumpet was the biggest challenge as cable is flexible and it just kept doubling up on itself inside the trumpet.

A fine steel wire was used to feed through the trumpet, but the three valves still posed a problem. This was solved by removing and cutting them down, so that the wire did not have to go through them.

After successfully feeding the steel wire through the trumpet, the three core cable was warmed up in an oven to 70°C for 30 minutes and then secured to the end of the wire. Silicone spray was used down the pipes and on the cable to lubricate it.
It took some effort to pull the cable through, but it was completed successfully.

The photo shows the cable running through the three valve housings.

The base was cut from a hardwood kitchen worktop off cut using a band saw, and a router was used to give a bevel edge. The base was sanded and stained using a solvent based walnut stain, and finished with four coats of acrylic varnish.(Alternatively you could use a Lamps and Lights’ ready-turned and sanded hardwood Pattress).

A cork was used to seal inside the battered bell of the trumpet. Silicone spray was used as a mould release. This end was then filled with a fast setting modelling plaster. When set, it was removed and then this was used as a template and former to produce a close fitting wood cone on a lathe to fit into the trumpet bell to attach it to the hardwood base. The cone was screwed and glued to the wood base and drilled to take the three core electric flex. The trumpet was then secured to the cone using a silicone adhesive.
I used a Brass BC Lamp Holder with shade Rings (Ref: LHbrass04-BC) and Brass Reducer (Ref: BBbrass01:1) I modified the reducer and soldered into the end of the trumpet where the mouthpiece fits.

The photo on the right shows what lies hidden underneath the shade ;
the brass lamp holder with shade rings, shade carrier, light bulb and lampshade.

This lamp looks very effective and has proved to be quite a conversation piece. Using a very battered old trumpet that was going to be thrown out has now been recycled. With a matching shade, I think you’ll agree it makes a unique and attractive table lamp.

Spotted at an Antiques Flea Market, this is another take on using a brass instrument converted into an unusual lamp. Musical instruments can form the basis of very unique and high quality lighting and lamp projects”.
Mike Wyn Davies
www.uniquetrophies.co.uk

Thank you Mike, this shows there’s so much you can upcycle to create a stunning lamp!

How to hang a rimmed lightshade

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We often get asked how to use our products so one of our videos shows you just how easy it is to hang a lampshade with a rim …

For hanging a rimmed lampshade, you will need one of each of the following:
Lamp Shade
Light Bulb
Light Gallery
Lamp Holder
Lighting Flex

Firstly choose your lampshade
The size of your shade’s entry hole dictates the size of gallery required.
Also choose your bulb at this stage to ensure it fits inside your chosen shade. Decide if your chosen bulb is to be an Edison Screw fitting or Bayonet Cap as this dictates the top hole entry size of your light gallery and also the bulbholder fitting required.

We used our own antique lampshade along with an aged brass bayonet cord-grip threaded bulbholder wired up using 3 core braided sage green light flex and a matching antique brass bayonet fitting 2¼ inch light gallery.

The first step is to wire up your lampholder with your chosen flex.

Next attach the gallery to the lampholder:
1. Unscrew and remove the shade ring from your lampholder
2. Place your lampholder through the top hole of your light gallery
3. Screw the shade ring back onto your lampholder, firmly securing the gallery.

Place the light gallery complete with lampholder over the rim of your light shade and tighten using the gallery’s small screws that come attached.

Hey Presto! Your lampshade is now ready to hang.

All that’s left to do is to select whether to choose a cord grip ceiling plate or hooked ceiling rose with chain to suspend your shade from the ceiling.You can find loads of helpful product tips & more on our website’s
Useful Information pages 
with further videos on our You Tube Channel
 

What’s coming in 2017

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The New Year is upon us and as ever we are sourcing our next new product lines.

Due to regular customer requests we intend to extend our range of bottle bungs, the larger the better you say,
so watch this space!!

What would you like to see in 2017?
Our stunning coloured decorative fabric covered lighting cable has always been popular and adding MORE NEW FLEX COLOURS is on our agenda for this year, but what colours to choose??? Have your say!

Please take part in our Survey to vote for your favourite new flex colour.
Answering just 6 quick questions will really help tell us what you would like to see added to our regular product range for the coming year.

To house all these lovely new products intended for 2017 we are busy making space on the shelves.

Our fantastic new range of filament LED bulbs have knocked the old styles off the shelf,  you can find our last remaining stock of the early generation bulbs at fantastic discounted prices!

Check out our Special Offers page for great deals.

The gold halogen crown top bulb is now only £3.75! a bargain so what are you waiting for? Go on and pick one up today.

Remember once they’re gone …
… they’re gone for good!

www.lampsandlights.co.uk

Lighting your way into Winter

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Getting festive? So what’s your style this Christmas?
vintage-wall-lampsAre you fancying nostalgia with a hint of rustic charm or are you going all out to make a bold statement with a punchy zing?

Wall lights really are the way to go for the vintage touch, creating evocative moods and intimate spaces. Cosying up, reading a good book by the subtle light of a traditional lamp, by a roaring winter fire as the twinkling Norway spruce emits a heady scent, who could want for more in a festive scene.the-stove-ceiling-pendant-02

home-made-simpe-bulb-flex-pendantMaybe Victorian charm is not your cup of tea?
(or even a glass of mulled wine 🙂 )

Perhaps a more contemporary look is your seasonal inspiration. Add a shimmering prismatic glass lamp shade in front of a brightly painted chimney breast and watch the lights dance. Hanging pendant bulbs on our stunningly bright coloured fabric light flex against a funky wall will add charm to the gloomiest of dark winter days.

contemporary-tripod-lamp

Upcycled standard lamps add a touch of modernity for that shabby chic characteristic.

Lighting can completely lead the way to setting the scene and evoking differing moods.

hg-lighting-made-simpleHomes and Gardens‘ recent Lighting Made Simple feature focuses on the latest trends, inspiration and shopping advice; with a lighting design masterclass from the wonderful Sally Storey and ‘How to introduce decorative flair through carefully selected lighting.’

led-giant-elips-colesseum

From pendants and wall lights to floor and table lamps their gallery of great schemes is packed full of classic and contemporary bright ideas …

Plus our very own Director of Lamps and Lights Denise Hatherly is featured, in very good company alongside some of the top leading interior and lighting designers, to help shine some light on the new world of LED bulbs and the mystery of light rating myths; brightness comparisons; what colour temperature bulb to buy and how to make them work for you.

www.lampsandlights.co.uk

Buying your LED bulb – How to make the right choice

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Unsure what is the right choice when buying your new LED bulb?
led-giant-globeHere at Lamps and Lights we have been busy working on collating all the information required for how to choose the right LED lamp bulb. When Homes and Gardens magazine requested our contribution to their Lighting Feature Special to help answer all those LED queries we decided to help make your life easier too, here’s all the info.

With the latest additions in the new dimmable filament LED range now available from our Webshop it is a good time to consider switching from your old incandescent bulb to these cost effective, seriously stylish LED bulbs. With a lifespan ranging from 15,000 hours to a whopping 25,000 hours and an average of 4 Watts energy consumption, they truly are an ultra-low energy bulb.

You no longer need to compromise on design as with many of the CFL bulbs; the pleasingly warm glow from an incandescent filament is now fully replicated in these new filament LEDs and nearly all are now fully dimmable

So what do you need to know before choosing your LED comparison?

Well it’s all about the Lumens, not Watts. Previously you chose your bulb brightness by the level of Watts i.e a 40, 60 or 100 watt bulb.
But, wattage is not actually the measure of a bulb’s brightness, but is its energy usage. There is then, a direct correlation between watts and the bulb’s brightness in incandescent bulbs but not with an ultra low consumption 4 Watt LED bulb.

LEDs work differently and so the way in which we measure the brightness is completely different. As LEDs use far less energy, the amount of watts used is no longer an indicator as to the brightness of the bulb.

Sadly there is no exact conversion from Watts to LEDs for example, a traditional 60 watt incandescent bulb can compare to anywhere between 2 and 12 watts in a LED bulb, but don’t panic, it’s just a case of knowing your required Lumen rating.

bulb-brightness-comparisonLumens are the ‘brightness’ measurement provided by a light bulb, and this is what you need to look for when choosing your new LED.
Our comparison guide is an approximation of Watts to Lumens for our bulbs. An old 40 watt bulb would on average be between 300 to 500 Lumens. (Remember, with new technology being regularly released, energy efficiency is constantly improving, so we will maintain the current information on our  Lamps and Lights’ Information Pages on our website).

bulb-colour-tempSo, now we know where previously we looked at a 40 watt incandescent bulb we may now choose perhaps a 4 watt LED, we may also want to choose our bulb based on the colour emitted.

This is referred to as ‘colour temperature’ and is measured in Kelvins – with the higher the number, the whiter and cooler the light given off i.e. anything under 4000K tends to produce a warmer, more gently light and anything over produces a cooler, brighter white light mostly used for task areas such as kitchens and work areas.
The average of an old style incandescent was between 2,700 and 3,500 Kelvin. So if colour rendering is your deciding factor then choose your LED bulb by its Kelvin rating.

bulb-led-watts-conversion-infoSo what happens when you have a multi-ceiling plate with a collection of new dimmable LED bulbs?

Dimmer switches have a minimum and maximum rating (measured in Watts). LED loading cannot however be calculated in the same way as a traditional incandescent or halogen bulb.led-giant-trio-stairwell-02
A good rule of thumb to apply, (one that is used by most manufacturers) is to take the maximum rating of the dimmer switch and divide it by 10. For example, a dimmer switch which has a maximum rating of 200W if you apply the rule of thumb this translates to 20W in LEDs and therefore will run x5 of our 4W dimmable vintage LED light bulbs.

bulb-sizing-fitting-imageSo now you know all you need to about the specs, so next choose your style, size and fitting. Our range is growing fast from mini globes and candles, standard sized traditional bulbs to medium globes, vintage squirrels and large globes ALL available in the new stylish dimmable filament LEDs PLUS now are our fantastic new enormous GIANT LED BULBS, just perfect for that statement piece, but be warned, there’s no subtley here!!!

So, whether you’re designing your lighting for a large venue, office space or in the home, you can be sure we will have something for you!room-design-triowww.lampsandlights.co.uk

 

Our guide to Lampholders

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With our lovely new ceramic additions we now have 90 Lampholders available, choosing the right bulbholder can be daunting, so here’s a little help …lampholdersWhat is your source wiring; Three core cable or Two core cable ?
Class I: is 3-core which has an earth connection and any type of lampholder can be used.
Class II: does not have an earth connection so use non-metal lampholders only with our 2-core flex .

multi-cordgrip-hook-kit-aged#01How is your lamp holder going to be fixed ?kits-ceiling-pendant-chain-brass-lightshade-globe-white-gold-flex


Pendant Cord Griplampholder-china-black-ceiling-plate-bulb-jewel-led-flex-ironstyle
Pendant Hooked
Screwed Table lamp
Batten Table lamp
Switched lampholder
Without a shade (plain holder)
With a shade (shade ring holder)table-lamp-kits-02

lampholder-chrome-closeupWhat is your design theme and/or colour scheme ?
We currently have 7 different lampholder finishes:

  1. Brass
  2. Antique (aged brass)
  3. Chrome (chromed brass)
  4. White Ceramic (glossy glaze)
  5. Linen Ceramic (matt cream)
  6. Black Ceramic (glossy glaze)
  7. Black Plastic (Bakelite look)finishes… and with matching ceiling plates to complete the look, what more could you need?ceramic-white-ceiling-plate-lampholder-teal-flex

Which type of fitting do you need?
We have five different sizes/style of bulb fitting to choose from:

bulb-image

 

 

 

 

GES Giant Edison Screw or E40 has a 40mm diameter.
ES Edison Screw or E27 has a 27mm diameter.
BC Bayonet Cap or B22d has a 22mm diameter.
SES Small Edison Screw or E14 has a 14mm diameter.
SBC Small Bayonet Cap or B15d has a 15mm diameter.

lampholder-selector

On the lampholders webpage you will find our online lampholder selector tool – handy to help you choose the right one!

We have a bulb selector tool too, for helping you to select the right lamp bulbs!

 

lightbulb-selectorSo what bulb do you choose?
Bulbs are no longer an after thought. Our vast array of light bulbs, with the majority now available in the latest stylish filament LED and being dimmable, are a popular design statement in their own right!bulb-group-mix-cal

 

 

All of our lampholders have been tested and certified to the current British (BS) and European (EN) standards. A range of our certification sheets can be found on our  Information pages.