How to Make a Swag Lamp Out of a Light Fixture
- 1). Select an appropriate glass torchiere-style floor lamp shade. A cone shape or bell shape works best.
- 2). Remove the shade from the floor lamp, detaching any wiring or light bulb connectors.
- 3). Measure the size of the hole at the bottom of the shade that will now be used as the top of the swag lamp.
- 4). Purchase a swag lamp kit at a hardware or home improvement store appropriate for the size of the floor lamp shade.
- 5). Purchase a heat cap in a size that will cover the hole and extend at least a quarter of an inch into the top of the inverted floor lamp shade. Heat caps are available at hardware, home improvement, and lamp supply stores, or online.
- 6). Attach the heat cap over the hole in the lampshade with a strong two-part epoxy and allow the epoxy to cure overnight.
- 7). Press the rubber sizing-nipple from the swag lamp kit firmly into the small hole on the top of the heat cap.
- 8). Attach the bulb unit underneath and run the swag wire up through the nipple.
- 9). Choose a spot to place the first swag ceiling hook near the wall and outlet and mark the spot with a pencil.
- 10
Chose a spot for the second swag ceiling hook about two or three feet into the room with the aim of placing the second hook over the spot you want the light to hang. Mark the spot with a pencil. - 11
Install the ceiling hooks according to the swag lamp kit directions. - 12
Plug the end of the swag wire and chain into the wall outlet. - 13
Pull the attached lampshade and wire up and over the first ceiling hook and then the second. The graceful drape of the chain and wire between the two hooks is the swag in a swag lamp. - 14
Adjust the lampshade to extend down at least two or three feet from the ceiling into the room. - 15
Create a dramatic effect by installing a set of three or four swag lamps in the same part of the room, hanging down into the room at varying lengths.
