Lamp Anatomy: The Parts of a Lamp and What They Do

Last Updated on June 3, 2023 by Kimberly Crawford

There’s more to a lamp than just the lightbulb. In this blog post, we will take a look at the different parts of a lamp and what they do. We’ll start with the basics – the lightbulb and lampshade – and then move on to more complex parts like the harp and socket.

By understanding the anatomy of a lamp, you’ll be able to troubleshoot problems more easily and even fix them yourself!

Parts of a table lamp

table lamp

1. Locknut

The locknut is a small nut that screws onto the lamp harp. It helps to secure the lightbulb in place.

If the locknut is loose, it can cause the lightbulb to wobble and eventually break. So make sure to check your locknut regularly and tighten it if needed!

2. Lampshade fitting

– The lampshade fitting is the part of the lamp that attaches to the lampshade. It’s usually a metal or plastic ring with screws or tabs that fit into the slots on the lampshade.

– If your lampshade doesn’t fit properly, it can be difficult to attach and may look crooked. So make sure to check the fit of your lampshade before you buy it!

3. Shade

– The shade is the part of the lamp that covers the lightbulb. It’s made of fabric, plastic, or metal and can be any color or style you like.

– A lampshade helps to protect the lightbulb from dust and dirt, and it also helps to direct the light in a certain direction. So be sure to choose a lampshade that suits your needs!

Related: 30+ Different Types Of Lamp Shades (Shapes, Filters, Materials)

4. Bulb

– The lightbulb is the most important part of a lamp. It’s what emits the light that we see.

– There are many different types of lightbulbs, including incandescent bulbs, CFLs, and LEDs. So be sure to choose the right type of bulb for your lamp!

5. Harp

– The harp is the part of the lamp that holds the lightbulb in place. It’s a metal frame with a threaded rod running through it.

– The harp usually comes with a locknut and washer to secure the lightbulb in place.

6. Insulation sleeve

– The insulation sleeve is a small piece of fabric or plastic that goes around the lightbulb socket. It helps to protect the wiring and keep it from getting too hot.

– If the insulation sleeve is damaged or missing, it can cause the lamp to overheat.

7. Socket

– The socket is the part of the lamp that connects to the wiring. It’s a metal housing with two wire terminals sticking out of it.

– The socket is where you plug in the lamp cord.

– If the socket is damaged or corroded, it can cause the lamp to short out.

8. Switch

– The switch is the part of the lamp that turns it on and off. It’s a small plastic or metal button with two wire terminals attached to it.

– The switch is usually located on the cord, near the socket.

9. Base

– The base is the part of the lamp that sits on the floor or table. It’s made of plastic, metal, or wood and has a hole in the center for the lamp cord.

– The base helps to keep the lamp stable and prevents it from sliding around.

10. Harp Holder

– The harp holder is a small metal bracket that attaches to the base of the lamp. It holds the harp in place and helps to keep it from moving around.

11. Threaded Tube

– The threaded tube is a metal rod that runs through the harp and lampshade fitting. It helps to secure the lampshade in place.

– If the threaded tube is loose, it can cause the lampshade to wobble and eventually fall off. So make sure to check it regularly and tighten it if needed!

12. Body

– The body is the part of the lamp that houses the switch, socket, and wiring. It’s made of plastic, metal, or wood and has a hole in the top for the lamp cord.

– The body helps to keep the wiring safe and protected.

13. Plug

A lamp’s plug is its connector to an electrical outlet. It is typically a male plug with two or three prongs that fit into a female outlet. The plug has insulation and a metal casing to protect users from electric shocks.

The plug’s main job is to provide power to the lamp. But it also plays another role: it secures the lamp’s electrical cord in place. The plug has a hole in the middle that allows the cord to go through it. When you push the plug into the outlet, the prongs fit into the holes and hold the cord in place. This prevents the lamp from falling over or becoming unplugged.

The plug is also responsible for starting and stopping the lamp. When you flip a switch on the wall, it sends an electrical current through the plug and into the lamp. This turns on the lamp’s light bulb. When you turn off the switch, the current is cut off and the lamp turns off.

14. Felt

Felt is a soft, absorbent material that’s used to cover lampshades. It helps protect the lampshade from dust and dirt, and it can also make the shade look nicer. Felt comes in a variety of colors and styles, so you can choose one that matches your decor.

Some people also use felt to protect lamp cords. They cut a piece of felt to the same size as the cord, then wrap it around the cord and secure it with tape. This helps keep dust and dirt from getting into the cord and causing problems.

Felt is a great material for lampshades because it’s soft, absorbent, and easy to work with. If you’re looking for a way to add some extra protection to your lamp, consider using felt. It’s a simple and affordable solution!

15. Tube Knot

The tube knot is a type of connector that’s used to attach lamp shades to lamp bases. It consists of a metal ring with two prongs on the inside, and it screws onto the top of the lamp base. The shade then fits over the top of the ring, and the prongs hold it in place.

Parts of Floor lamp

floor lamp

Floor lamps are a great way to add extra light to a room. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and they can be used for both functional and decorative purposes.

As the name suggests, floor lamps are meant to be placed on the floor. They have a tall lampshade that stands above the ground, and a long electrical cord that plugs into an outlet.

There are a few different parts of a floor lamp that you should know about:

1. Shade

The shade of a lamp is typically made out of fabric or paper. It sits on top of the lamp and helps to direct light in a certain direction. The shade can also be used to add color or style to a room. Some shades are designed to be adjustable, so that you can change the amount of light that comes through it.

2. Pole

The pole of a lamp is the part that extends from the base to the shade. It supports the weight of the lamp and helps to position it in a certain spot. The pole can be made out of different materials, like metal or wood, depending on the style of lamp.

3. Swivel

The swivel of a lamp is the part that allows it to be rotated. This is helpful if you want to change the direction of the light, or if you need to move the lamp out of the way. Most lamps have a swivel located near the base, so that it’s easy to adjust them when needed.

4. Adjuster

The adjuster of a lamp is the part that allows you to change the height of the lamp. This is helpful if you want to put the lamp on a different surface, or if you need to adjust it for your own height. The adjuster can usually be found near the base of the lamp.

5. Break

The break of a lamp is the part that holds the lightbulb in place. It’s usually made out of metal or plastic, and it screws onto the top of the lamp. The break can also be used to adjust the brightness of the light, by changing the size of the lightbulb.

6. Base

The base of a lamp is the part that sits on the ground. It’s important for the base to be sturdy, so that the lamp doesn’t fall over. The base can be made out of different materials, like metal or wood, depending on the style of lamp.

7. Husk

The husk of a lamp is the part that covers the lightbulb. It’s usually made out of metal or plastic, and it screws onto the top of the lamp. The husk can also be used to adjust the brightness of the light, by changing the size of the lightbulb.

8. Seating Ring

The seating ring of a lamp is the part that sits on the surface it’s standing on. It’s usually made out of metal or plastic, and it helps to keep the lamp in place. The seating ring can also be used to adjust the height of the lamp.

9. Loader

The loader of a lamp is the part that holds the power cord. It’s usually made out of metal or plastic, and it screws onto the bottom of the lamp. The loader can also be used to adjust the height of the lamp.

Conclusion

So, those are the parts of a lamp and what they do. Lamps can be a great way to add light and style to a room, and knowing the different parts will help you choose the right one for your needs. Thanks for reading!