I recently inherited this beautiful 1950s lamp from my grandma, and the shade and base are perfect, but the wiring is totally shot. I’m handy enough to do simple repairs, but I want to keep the original plug and switch since they have that classic look. So far, I’ve tried replacing the cord with a modern one, but it just looks off and bulky compared to the delicate original. Plus, I’m a bit nervous about safely rewiring without messing up the lamp’s charm or causing a fire hazard. Has anyone successfully rewired vintage lamps while preserving their original parts? What’s the best way to source vintage-style cords and plugs that meet current safety standards? Would it be better to keep the original switch and just replace the wiring inside, or swap everything except the base? I’d love to hear about your experiences or any trusted suppliers for authentic-looking vintage electrical parts.

On 01/30/2026 at 4:15 AM, SunnyStone192 said:

I recently inherited this beautiful 1950s lamp from my grandma, and the shade and base are perfect, but the wiring is totally shot. I’m handy enough to do simple repairs, but I want to keep the original plug and switch since they have that classic look. So far, I’ve tried replacing the cord with a modern one, but it just looks off and bulky compared to the delicate original. Plus, I’m a bit nervous about safely rewiring without messing up the lamp’s charm or causing a fire hazard. Has anyone successfully rewired vintage lamps while preserving their original parts? What’s the best way to source vintage-style cords and plugs that meet current safety standards? Would it be better to keep the original switch and just replace the wiring inside, or swap everything except the base? I’d love to hear about your experiences or any trusted suppliers for authentic-looking vintage electrical parts.

That lamp sounds like a real gem! I’ve done a couple of vintage lamp rewires myself, and what really helped was finding cloth-covered cords that look authentic but are UL-listed for safety. They’re thinner and way less bulky than modern plastic cords. Etsy and specialty lighting shops often carry them, and some even have vintage-style plugs and switches that meet today’s codes.

As for the original switch, if it’s still functional and safe, keeping it is a great way to preserve the charm. Just carefully replace the internal wiring with new, properly rated wire. If you’re unsure, a local electrician who’s comfortable with vintage fixtures can double-check your work without stripping the lamp of its character.

One last tip: take detailed photos before you start, so you have a clear reference for reassembly. It makes the whole process less stressful and keeps the lamp looking just like grandma’s original. Good luck with the project!