I have been on the hunt for fun lighting for, honestly, years. I wanted something that could be mounted to the wall, was semi adjustable, and looked cool.
Vintage lighting is so hard to find. If it’s already been rewired, it’s a million dollars. If it’s cool looking, it’s a million dollars. If it’s close to garbage, it’s a million dollars.
I finally found this vintage Hansa darkroom safe light at an antique shop for not a million dollars ($46), but still kinda too much money. The tag said it worked, but the the cord was only 3′ long/gross, and it was missing the glass.
I took it home, removed the wiring, cleaned it with WD-40 and then began searching for a new wire ($22.10). Since it was going to be exposed, I figured a cloth covered wire would look the best. I also wanted to use a dimmable bulb. Next, I went to TAP Plastics and bought some mystery scrap for the screen ($2.50).
Rewiring this was HARD. The twisted cloth wire was much stiffer than the original, so I really had to muscle it into the housing. I wish the dimmer switch was closer to the light instead of the plug, but it’s fine. I am so pleased with this $70-ish light! It’s a good reminder to wait to find cool old things. I think it’s suits the knitting nook perfectly.