An antique porcelain lamp can add charm to any room. Before you make a purchase, look at the cord to see if it is frayed. Plug the unit in so you can be sure it works properly. Inspect the base of the lamp for chips or cracks. Look at the lampshade to make sure it does not have any rips or tears that could be difficult to repair.
Decide where you would like to place a vintage porcelain lamp before you go shopping. That way, you will know what style and size you are in the market for. Try to look at a number of fixtures so you can find the one that will best suit your decor and needs.
You should make sure the porcelain lamp you are considering is undamaged and fully operable. In order to do this, you may need to plug the unit in. Before doing so, inspect the cord to see that it is in good condition. Do not plug a vintage lamp in if the cord is frayed, the prongs on the plug are missing or bent, or if the wires are exposed. It is a good idea to carry a light bulb with you in case the vendor does not have one to test the antique lamp with.
Porcelain can be very susceptible to breaking and cracking. For this reason, you should look the base of the antique lamp over very carefully to see what condition it is in. If it appears to have been glued, make sure the adhesive bonded tightly. Look for chips in the porcelain and discard any lamps that appear to have large chunks missing from them.
It can be difficult to find lampshades to fit antique porcelain lamps. If the vintage lamp you are considering already has a shade, this can be an added bonus. You should carefully inspect the shade for holes, rips, or tears. If it is extremely stained or yellowed, you may need to replace the shade, as shades are usually very difficult to clean.
Compare prices on several different models. That way, you can determine if the antique porcelain lamp is reasonably priced. Remember that the manufacturer, size, and condition of the lamp can all play a role in determining the value of the piece. It can be helpful to do some research beforehand so you will know if certain models are more valuable than others.
