COST GUIDES
How much does it cost to rewire a lamp? (2026 price guide)
Updated 07/26
Fast Facts
Table lamp rewire: Around £30
Floor lamp rewire: Around £39
Electrician labour: Typically £45–£60 per hour
If your favourite lamp has started flickering or stopped working altogether, it doesn't necessarily mean it needs replacing.
Many lamps can be safely rewired for far less than the cost of buying a new one. That's particularly worthwhile if it's a quality piece, has sentimental value or simply suits your home perfectly.
This guide explains how much lamp rewiring typically costs, what affects the price and when it's worth calling in a qualified electrician.
How much does it cost to rewire a lamp?
For most lamps, rewiring is a straightforward job that can usually be completed within an hour.
| Cost provided item | Low cost | High cost | Average cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost to rewire table lamp | £27 | £32 | £30 |
| Cost to rewire floor lamp | £36 | £42 | £39 |
| Electrician hourly rate | £45 | £60 | £52.50 |
| Last updated: July 2026 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now | |||
As a guide, expect to pay around £30 to rewire a table lamp or around £39 for a floor lamp.
The final cost will depend on the type of lamp, how straightforward it is to dismantle and whether any replacement parts are needed.
Get a quote for lamp rewiring
The easiest way to find out what your repair is likely to cost is to compare a selection of quotes from qualified electricians working in your area.
If you can tell them what type of lamp you have and describe the fault, they'll usually be able to give a more accurate quotation.
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Table lamp vs floor lamp rewiring
Most table lamps are quick and straightforward to rewire, which is why they're usually the cheaper option.
Floor lamps often take a little longer because of the longer cable run and more complex construction.
Cost to repair a broken lamp
Rewiring is often the most cost-effective repair if the flex, plug or internal wiring has failed.
Many people assume a flickering or non-working lamp needs replacing, but that's not always the case. If it's a lamp you've had for years or one that ties the room together, a relatively inexpensive repair can often give it a new lease of life.
For designer, vintage or sentimental lamps, rewiring is usually much better value than trying to find a replacement that looks the same.
If your electrician identifies a wider electrical issue while they're visiting, it's also worth asking about an electrical safety check. For larger electrical projects, see our guide to the cost of rewiring a house.
What affects the cost to rewire a lamp?
Most lamp rewiring jobs are relatively inexpensive, but a few factors can affect the final quotation.
These include:
The type of lamp
The complexity of the wiring
Whether replacement parts are required
The age and condition of the lamp
Your location
Whether you're combining the repair with other electrical work
Older or unusual lamps can sometimes take longer to dismantle and reassemble, particularly if replacement parts are harder to source.
Antique or vintage lamps may use non-standard parts, which adds time. Some pre-1940s lamps may not be suitable for rewiring at all.
On Checkatrade, you'll only find trades who meet our high standards and pass up to 12 checks.
Electrician hourly rates
If you're only having a lamp rewired, your electrician may charge an hourly rate or a minimum call-out for the visit.
Typical electrician labour rates are around £45–£60 per hour, although many small repair jobs are priced as a fixed task instead.
Lamp rewiring cost calculator
The quickest way to estimate your budget is to think about:
Whether you're rewiring a table lamp or floor lamp
The age and condition of the lamp
Whether any replacement parts are needed
Whether you're combining the repair with other electrical work
Job Estimate Calculator
This calculator provides a guide price only. For an accurate quotation, compare a selection of quotes from qualified electricians working in your area.
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Can I rewire a lamp myself?
Rewiring a lamp is one of the more straightforward electrical DIY jobs, but it's still important to know what you're doing.
The process involves replacing the flex, reconnecting the wiring correctly and making sure the plug, switch and lamp holder are all fitted securely before testing the lamp.
If you're confident with basic electrical work and understand modern wiring colour codes, it can be a manageable project.
However, it's usually worth calling a qualified electrician if:
The lamp is antique or vintage
It has an unusual wiring arrangement
The switch or fitting is built into the lamp
You're unsure whether the fault is simply the wiring
Because professional rewiring is relatively inexpensive, many people decide it's worth paying for the reassurance that everything has been repaired and tested safely.
Lamp rewiring cost checklist
Before requesting quotes:
Find a qualified electrician for lamp rewiring
Finding a qualified electrician through Checkatrade is straightforward.
When requesting quotes, it helps to include:
Whether it's a table lamp or floor lamp
A brief description of the fault
Whether the lamp still switches on
Whether you'd like any switches, plugs or fittings replaced at the same time
Whether you have other small electrical jobs that could be completed during the same visit
If you're already planning other electrical work, combining jobs into a single appointment can often be a convenient way to make the most of your electrician's visit.
Find a qualified electrician near you
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FAQs
Rewiring a table lamp typically costs around £30, while rewiring a floor lamp costs around £39. The final price depends on the type of lamp and how straightforward the repair is.
Most modern lamps can be rewired. Very old lamps (pre-1940s) may have non-standard fittings or materials that make rewiring impractical or unsafe. If you're unsure, ask a qualified electrician to assess the lamp before committing to a repair.
In many cases, yes. If the lamp is well made, has sentimental value or suits your home, rewiring is often much more cost-effective than replacing it.
If you're confident with basic electrical work, it can be a suitable DIY project. However, antique, vintage or more complex lamps are usually best repaired by a qualified electrician.
Most straightforward lamp rewiring jobs take less than an hour, although more complex or antique lamps can take longer.
Common reasons why a lamp might stop working include damaged flex, worn switches, faulty plugs or internal wiring that has deteriorated over time. An electrician can identify the fault and advise whether repair is the most cost-effective option.
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