What Reborn Relics Restoration & Repair Does With Vintage Lighting

Reborn Relics specializes in restoring and repairing vintage and antique lighting fixtures

Reborn Relics Restoration & Repair takes old lighting fixtures—chandeliers, sconces, table lamps, floor lamps, and period-specific pieces—and returns them to working condition. The shop handles both the mechanical repair (rewiring, socket replacement, switch fixes) and the cosmetic restoration (cleaning, polishing, refinishing, replacing missing parts like shades or crystals). They work on fixtures from different eras and styles, from Victorian gas-converted pieces to mid-century modern designs.

The business operates in South Carolina and serves people who own vintage lighting they want to keep rather than replace. This matters if you have inherited a chandelier, found a fixture at an estate sale, or own a home with original lighting you want restored to its original appearance and function.

Key Takeaways

• Reborn Relics handles both electrical repair and cosmetic restoration, so a fixture can work safely and look authentic after service.
• The shop works on multiple lighting types—chandeliers, sconces, lamps, and period pieces—rather than specializing in one category.
• Restoration includes rewiring, socket and switch replacement, cleaning, polishing, refinishing, and replacement of missing components like shades or crystals.
• Bringing a fixture to Reborn Relics makes sense when you want to preserve a piece with sentimental or historical value rather than discard it.

What kinds of lighting fixtures they restore

Reborn Relics works on chandeliers of all sizes—from small dining room pieces to large foyer installations. They restore hanging fixtures, wall-mounted sconces, table and floor lamps, and pendant lights. The shop also handles period-specific pieces: gas-converted fixtures from the 1800s, Art Deco lamps, mid-century modern designs, and Victorian-era pieces.

If you have a fixture that is broken, corroded, missing parts, or simply no longer works, the shop can assess whether restoration is practical. Some pieces are too damaged or the cost of restoration exceeds replacement value, but most vintage lighting can be brought back to function.

The restoration and repair process

Restoration typically involves several steps. First, the fixture is cleaned and inspected to identify what needs repair. Electrical work comes next: rewiring with modern, safe materials; replacing sockets, switches, and cord; and testing to ensure the piece meets current safety standards. This step is critical because old wiring can be a fire hazard.

Cosmetic restoration follows. This may include polishing metal (brass, bronze, copper, or steel), refinishing wood or painted surfaces, replacing or repairing glass shades, re-stringing beaded or crystal components, and sourcing missing parts. If the original shade is gone, the shop can help you find or commission a replacement that matches the fixture's era and style.

The timeline and cost depend on the fixture's condition, size, and complexity. A simple lamp rewire takes less time and money than a large chandelier with multiple broken crystals and corroded metalwork. Reborn Relics can give you an estimate once they see the piece in person.

When to consider restoration instead of replacement

Restoration makes sense when the fixture has sentimental value (a family heirloom, a piece from a significant time in your life) or historical importance (original to your home, a known designer piece, or part of a collection). It also makes sense if you love the design and cannot find a modern equivalent that matches your home's character.

Restoration also preserves authenticity. If you own a historic home or are restoring it to a particular period, using original or period-appropriate lighting is often part of that work. A restored 1920s chandelier in a 1920s home looks and feels right in a way a reproduction cannot.

The trade-off is cost and time. Restoration is usually more expensive than buying a new fixture and takes longer. If you need lighting quickly or are working with a tight budget, replacement may be the practical choice. But if the piece matters to you, restoration is worth the investment.

How to prepare a fixture for service

Before bringing a fixture to Reborn Relics, do not attempt to repair or rewire it yourself. Electrical work on lighting is a safety issue, and improper repair can create fire or shock hazards. Instead, bring the fixture as-is, even if it is broken or looks fragile.

If the fixture came with documentation—a maker's mark, patent date, designer name, or historical information—bring that too. It helps the shop understand the piece and source appropriate replacement parts. If you have photos of the fixture in its original setting or in historical catalogs, those are useful as well.

For large fixtures like chandeliers, ask about pickup and delivery options. Some pieces are too fragile or large to transport safely yourself, and the shop may offer this service or recommend a professional mover.

Finding Reborn Relics and getting started

Reborn Relics operates in South Carolina. You can contact them directly to describe your fixture and ask whether they take on your type of piece. Most restoration shops want to see the fixture in person before giving a firm estimate, so expect an initial consultation either at their location or at your home if they offer that service.

When you contact them, have details ready: the type of fixture (chandelier, sconce, lamp), its approximate age or era if you know it, what is broken or not working, and what you want the end result to be (fully functional, cosmetically restored, both). This helps them understand the scope of work.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to restore a vintage light fixture?

Cost varies widely depending on the fixture's size, condition, and complexity. A simple lamp rewire might cost less than a large chandelier with multiple broken crystals and corroded metal. Reborn Relics provides estimates after seeing the piece in person, so contact them with photos and a description to get a sense of the price range for your fixture.

Can they fix a fixture that no longer turns on?

Yes. Non-functioning fixtures are often fixable through rewiring, socket replacement, or switch repair. The shop will diagnose the problem during inspection and let you know whether repair is practical and what it will cost.

What if my fixture is missing a shade or crystal components?

Reborn Relics can source replacement shades and crystals that match the fixture's original design and era. If exact matches are not available, they can help you find period-appropriate alternatives or commission custom pieces. This is part of the restoration process.

Do they work on fixtures from a specific time period?

Reborn Relics restores lighting from multiple eras—Victorian, Art Deco, mid-century modern, and others. If you are unsure whether your fixture falls within their scope, contact them with a photo and description. Most vintage and antique lighting is restorable.

How long does restoration typically take?

Timeline depends on the fixture and the shop's current workload. Simple repairs may take a few weeks, while complex restorations of large pieces can take longer. Ask for an estimated completion date when you drop off or ship your fixture.