Contrary to popular belief, Lamp Finials are not a thing of the past. They may seem to be a collector’s item but people who want a traditional look for their home prefer this type of lighting. For those who have been using modern lamps, finials are screws that hold the lamp to its shade. A harp is attached below the bulb socket that has a screw hole on top. This screw holds the lamp shade via a metal ring that is placed between the finial and the socket.

Types of Lamp Finials: Based on Materials

If you put in a simple yet appealing lamp finial to a desk lamp, it looks professional. With a pine tree shaped finial, your lamp is ready for a Christmassy look, while adding a cartoon figure makes it fit for a child’s side table. Just by changing the finial, the look of the lamp can be entirely altered. These add-ons are available in various materials, to serve different purposes.

  1. Metal: Traditional and strong, metal Lamp Finials were used by influential families. They were generally put on big and bright lamps emitting yellow light. Made out of precious metals like gold and silver, it made them look classier. Another use of the metal finials is to achieve a contemporary look. They were made in brass to have that old and rusty, yet a royal feel to them. Though sturdy, they need a yearly polishing
  2. Wood: Wooden screws are generally handcrafted and go well with desk lamps that are placed on contemporary tables. Designers also use this type of finial on maple table tops to achieve a country-side look. These screws have very fine hand crafted sculpture and detailing that makes them appealing to the eye. The color ranges from mahogany to dark brown or rattan.
  3. Crystal and Glass: Available in various shapes, ranging from geometrical to animal figures like swans; these screws can be transparent or colored. They are chosen because of their cut and reflective surfaces. Big oval crystals become even more attractive and eye catching once the lamp is switched on.
  4. Ivory, Porcelain and Ceramic: Since this type of screw is mass produced, replacing a broken piece is easy. Their white color and shiny surface complements the lamp shade. However, they need regular cleaning.

Lamp Finials are chosen depending on the purpose of the lamp rather than any advantages that a particular material might offer. If you know how a lamp is going to be used, then it would become easier to select the right finial.





Lamp Finials in all shapes and sizes are available at www.lampsusa.com. This online store stocks standardized sizes and measurement, so that their products fit most lamps.