You should be aware of these things before buying a new floor lamp. First, you should know that these lamps used to be considered more dangerous than other types of lamps until the last decade, when technology and good design improved on the problem. On http://www.eyelighting.co.uk you can learn more.
In the past, floor lamps were known to tip over. Contemporary floor lamps must now meet the UL “tipability”, standard. This means that the lamp you’re buying has a heavier base so that it can be thrown over on to a cushion, or set on fire, and is therefore safer.
Cords were another danger factor in these lamps for many years. The cords were made out of cloth and caught fire quickly with the slightest surge of power. The floor lamps of today are now made with a zip cord instead of the old cloth ones. The old cloth cords were also prone to fraying and could be easily chewed through by animals or children.
Because antique lamps don’t have a standard non-tippable base and an electrical cord, it is probably better to purchase a new one than one you find in an antique store. It will be easier to use.
You are safer. Another reason is that floorstanding lamps had lampshades attached through wire clamps that were attached to the shade. This clamp is used for attaching lightbulbs.
obsolete.
But if you do manage to find the lamp that you love, you should not hesitate to take it to an electrical or antique dealer to learn what they can do to make it work again. This is a great way to recycle old floor lamps. It’s probably best to not attempt to rewire an older lamp yourself unless your are an expert electrician. It is simple to rewire an old floorlamp, but it is hard to make sure the base stays in place. It takes only one wild child, or unruly dog to tip it upside down and you can have a great fire going.