Buying an antique light? Avoid shabby electrics

I'm so excited about moving in to my new house. And the desire to go on the hunt for beautiful vintage fixtures has become too strong to ignore.

One of the first things I bought when our offer was accepted on the house was a 1950's shabby chic chandelier, accompanied by the original ceiling rose - courtesy of eBay.

Electrical wiring has changed a great deal since the 1950's. And I'm pretty sure electrical safety standards have increased considerably since this piece was made - over 60 years ago.

With this in mind, I fully intend to seek the advice of an electrician before installing it in my home. After all, the cost of a PAT test or re-wiring out-weighs the risk of loosing everything you own.

Electrical equipment and inadequate wiring are two of the most common causes of household fires - and can be easily prevented.

And so, the moral of today's post is: Don't be afraid to buy vintage electrical items, providing you are prepared to take the necessary precautions to ensure they are in keeping with electrical safety regulations.