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By Mitchell Chapman

There are many very nice new lamps. You can find them at specialty lighting and traditional furniture stores, Target, Home Goods and Lamps Plus.

I personally prefer vintage lamps. They usually are quite unique and can be more appropriately scaled for today’s “great rooms.” Another benefit is they usually cost less than new lamps.

Because vintage can be inexpensive, it’s fun to rotate out table lamps when the seasons change, or in anticipation of the holidays. For instance, brightly colored ceramic table lamps are fun from late winter into spring. It can be so dark that time of year, and a little punch of color can really uplift the room.

As the holidays approach, I like to use brass table lamps. Brass usually is complementary to a variety of holiday decorating schemes, and I like the shine.

The key to being able to easily change out table lamps is a good “universally sized” lampshade. Just rotate out the base and keep the shade. Lamps with shades on them take up storage space. You also risk damaging the shades when they are stored.

You may need to change the harp height when moving a shade from one lamp to another. Harps (the inverted U-shaped metal piece that attaches to the socket) can be easily found online or at the big-box home improvement stores.

The magic dimension I have found for a shade to be considered “universal” is a bell-shaped or “Bell Empire” style. The top opening is 12 inches across, the bottom opening is 16 inches across and the height (not the slant measurement) is 13.5 inches. Deviating an inch or two from these dimensions is probably acceptable.

Goodwill, Salvation Army, eBay and local auctions are great places to shop for unique vintage lamps. Always be on the lookout for these well-made brands:

• Frederick Cooper

• Marbro

• Paul Hanson

• Stiffel

• Rembrandt

• Martz

Be sure to have your vintage lamp checked by a professional restorer, electrician or handyman for safety before you plug it in at home.

Mitchell Chapman lives in Montesano and enjoys DIY renovations, interior design and home furnishings. He’s been an “armchair” interior designer for more than 25 years. He can be reached at GraysHarborHome@outlook.com.