Can You Add Finials to a Lamp?

Considerations

• If you want a finial, you must have a lamp that supports this decorative element. Examine the top of the lamp closely, looking for a small bolt at the top of the lamp. The bolt resembles a screw with groves around the sides, but has a flat top. Inside the finial are groves facing the opposite direction. When you place the finial on top of the bolt, it screws into place. Check the lamp closely, as the original bolt may sit below the top of the lampshade. If the lamp has lost its original bolt, then purchase an extender from a lamp supply store.

Making Your Own Finials

• As long as you have a small object that fits on top of the lamp, you can make your own finial. Buy a finial from a hardware store or use the finial that came with the lamp. If you buy a finial, look for a simple, undecorated piece with a flat bottom. Squeeze a small dab of hot glue onto the base of the finial and press the object against the base. Miniature doll furniture or accessories, jewelry, a small tree branch or even a pinecone will work as a finial.

Adding a Finial

• Adding a finial to a lamp that lacks one is possible, but it takes a lot of work on your part. You must measure the size of the metal piece -- the harp -- that holds the lampshade in place. Cut the piece down the exact middle, creating two separate pieces. Attach a small dab of epoxy to one end of the piece and press a threader or upside-down bolt against the side. Hold the pieces until the epoxy dries or place inside a vise. Glue the second piece to the threader with more epoxy and wait until it dries. File down the excess epoxy with fine-grit sandpaper. Paint over the top of the epoxy and bolt with acrylic paint that matches the original color of the lamp’s hardware. Once the paint dries, apply a coat of clear varnish and wait until all layers dry before attaching a finial.

Warning

• Finials only work on lamps with a lampshade that fits over the top of the lamp and light bulb. If your lamp lacks a shade or has a design that cradles the light bulb, then you cannot add a finial. For example, floor lamps with a shade that lets light glow above the bulb cannot have a finial.