What is a lamp or luminaire

A lamp is any device or artifact that allows the illumination of a room or space. For this illumination to be possible, a light source is necessary. This light source (bulb or LED module) is installed somewhere in that lamp. Lamps are also called luminaires. A luminaire is composed of multiple lamp accessories.

In the past and still today, a lamp was called a light bulb or light source. Currently, a lamp is understood as the device that holds the bulb, and the bulb is called by that name.

Types of lamps

There are many formats of lamps. The main way to classify them is according to the surface on which they are installed or where they will perform their function. In this way, we will have:

- Ceiling lamps
- Floor or standing lamps
- Wall lamps or sconces
- Table or desk lamps

If we look at the place where these lamps will work, we can also classify them as "indoor lamps" and "outdoor lamps," although it is common to refer to them according to the initial classification. Outdoor lamps require a higher level of safety than indoor lamps. This factor is the IP or Protection Index.

Parts of a lamp

Depending on the type of lamp we want to create, we will need different accessories. For example, for a floor lamp, the use of a base is necessary, which is not needed for a wall sconce or a pendant lamp.

However, we are going to detail all the main parts of a lamp, distinguishing for which lamps each accessory may be useful.

1- The lamp holder:

This accessory is perhaps the most important part of our lamp. It is the piece that allows the connection of the bulb to the electrical current. There are many types of lamp holders that can be classified by material, color, or functionality, but normally we will differentiate them by the type of bulb socket they have. Thus, we will find E14, E27, GU10, G9, S14d, E40 lamp holders, among others. In this link, you can see all our lamp holders for lamp making.

It is also possible to use a simple lamp holder and cover it with a decorative sleeve. Check out all the options in decorative sleeves for lamp holders.

2- The bulb:

Undoubtedly the most visible and prominent part of a lamp. Bulbs have evolved a lot since their beginnings. Now we have bulbs of all kinds. White bulbs, LED bulbs, decorative bulbs, and original bulbs. Bulbs have a part through which they can be connected to the lamp holder. For that reason, we will find E27, E14, GU10 bulbs, etc. Check out all our decorative bulbs to create lamps.

3- The decorative electrical cable:

Decorative cables are responsible for carrying the electrical current from one part of the lamp to another. There are many options such as braided cables, tubular cables, colored cables, or cables of different sections and thicknesses. We recommend reading this article that discusses the section of the electrical cable.

4- Ceiling Canopy or Rosette:

This accessory has multiple functions. It is a housing that can have round or square shapes and is mainly used to attach a luminaire to the wall or ceiling.

In addition, ceiling and wall canopies will conceal the electrical connections inside them, allowing us to safely and aesthetically connect the lamp. There are many types of rosettes and ceiling canopies for lamps. Visit this link to see all our ceiling canopies for creating lamps

5- Metal, Glass, or Fabric Lampshades:

Lampshades are decorative and functional elements for our new lamp or for restoring an old lamp. Their main function is to focus or diffuse the light, especially in the case of fabric shades. Another function of lampshades is purely aesthetic.

Metal and ceramic shades, as well as fabric shades, have two assembly systems with the lamp holders: the first is through a prisoner; the second is through a fixation with the lamp holder itself

6- Lamp Bases, Stands, and Counterweights:

Lamp bases and stands provide stability and safety to our lighting fixture. They are usually circular accessories installed at the bottom of floor lamps or table lamps. For added weight and stability, counterweights, metal plates placed inside the bases, are available

7- Tubes, Rods, Arms, and Extensions:

These accessories are commonly used when making a wall sconce or a floor lamp. When combined with swivel joints and sleeves, they allow our lamp to be articulated. If articulation is not desired, the arms and tubes provide firmness to our lamp

8- Connections, Switches, and Plugs:

For a lamp to function, in addition to the bulb and lamp holder, an on/off switch and a plug (or socket) are necessary. Alternatively, if you prefer not to assemble an electrical connection, you can opt for a pre-made connection. These are available in a variety of finishes, sizes, and colors

9- Glass Globes and Globe Holders or Decorative Caps:

Glass globes, along with shades and tulips, serve similar functions to the metal and ceramic shades mentioned earlier. Globes can be transparent or white, and in all cases, they help to diffuse and soften the light from the bulb, creating a pleasant effect

To install a globe or a tulip, a securing cap or a globe holder is required. In our online lamp accessories store, you will find all kinds of metal covers and caps

10- Cable Clamps or Cable Grips:

Cable clamps, also known as cable grips, are often overlooked, yet they are one of the most important pieces when assembling a lamp. The main function of a prisoner is to securely fasten the electrical cable, preventing it from disconnecting from the power source

Cable clamps are placed on ceiling canopies and lamp holders, as these are the two accessories where electrical connections are typically made

11- Swivel Joints and Sleeves:

Swivel joints and sleeves for lamps are ideal for creating shapes and extending tubes. Swivel joints are accessories that allow articulation between two arms or two tubes; sleeves allow two tubes to be joined, thereby extending their length

12- Small electrical materials for lamps:

Finally, we talk about the small accessories for lamps, essential elements for connecting pieces, holding, hanging, or branching. We refer to lamp chains, distributors, threaded rods, or decorative elements.

Creating a lamp is an extraordinary entertaining and fun task. If you need advice or help to create your lamp or to buy the right accessories, contact our free advisory service