Whether you want to create an intimate mood for an evening or add practical lighting to your workspace, adjusting your Pipistrello lamp is essential. The height of the lamp changes the way light spreads over the table, the wall and your face.

Follow this guide to handle the lamp correctly and safely, and to get the most out of this functional work of art. Each step is explained simply, with no special tools and no technical knowledge.

Before you begin: preparations and precautions

Before touching the lamp, take a few minutes to prepare the place where you will work. Clear the table or piece of furniture it sits on, move fragile objects away and make sure you have enough room to hold the lamp with both hands. A stable, flat surface that is well lit by the room's light will save you from many clumsy moments.

The most important point is safety: turn the lamp off and unplug it from the outlet before any handling. If the lamp has just been on, let it cool down, because the bulb and the diffuser can stay hot for a while. Preferably use clean, dry hands, which also limits fingerprints on shiny surfaces.

Then take a moment to look at your lamp: identify the base, the stem, the part that carries the diffuser and the cable. Check that the cable is not pinched, stretched or damaged. If you notice a bare wire, a split sheath or a damaged plug, do not use the lamp and do not try to repair it yourself.

Finally, a word about electricity. Adjusting the height of a lamp that stands on a surface does not require any work on your home's electrical installation. However, if your project involves changing a connection, moving a power point or wiring a light fixture directly to the mains, this work must be entrusted to a qualified electrician. They will switch off the power at the circuit breaker and comply with the NF C 15-100 standard.

Step-by-step guide to adjusting the height

The adjustment takes four steps. Take your time: a gentle, gradual adjustment protects the mechanism and the finish of the lamp, and lets you find exactly the height that suits you.

1. Unplug and prepare

Start by turning the lamp off, then pull the plug out of the wall outlet by holding the plug body, never by pulling on the cable. Lay the cable to one side so that it does not get in the way and so that nobody can trip over it.

Then wipe the lamp with a soft, dry cloth. Dust, especially on the stem, can hinder the sliding and leave marks on the moving parts. Do not use any abrasive product, which could scratch the finish.

Place the lamp on the cleared surface, within easy reach, and stand facing it. You should be able to hold the base with one hand and operate the stem or the diffuser with the other without effort.

2. Understand the adjustment mechanism

Before moving anything, look at how the lamp is designed. On this type of light fixture, the height is adjusted by sliding a part of the stem, or by turning an element that releases it and then holds it in place. The exact principle may vary depending on the model and the year of manufacture.

So locate the adjustment area: a clamping point, a ring, a joint or simply a section of stem that slides. If your lamp came with instructions, read them again: they are the most reliable reference for your lamp. If you are unsure how it works, do not insist and do not use any force.

Remember one simple rule: a well-adjusted mechanism moves without excessive resistance and without unusual noise. If something sticks, do not force it. It is better to look for what is holding the movement back than to risk bending the stem or damaging the coating.

3. The adjustment

Hold the base of the lamp firmly with one hand so that it does not tip over. With the other hand, loosen the locking element if needed, then slowly raise or lower the moving part, keeping a steady movement in line with the stem. Avoid jerks and sudden twisting.

Proceed in small steps. Stop regularly, step back and look at the result. For reading or work at a table, a height that lights your work surface well without dazzling you is preferable. For an evening mood, a lower lamp gives a softer, more enveloping light.

Once you have chosen the height, tighten the lock or let the mechanism lock, depending on your model, but without overtightening. Keep one hand on the lamp until you are sure that it stays up on its own.

4. Test and secure

Once the adjustment is finished, check the stability before plugging the lamp back in. Press very lightly on the upper part: it must not go down, move or tilt. If the lamp slips, go back to the adjustment and secure the lock more carefully.

Also check the cable. It should come out cleanly, without being stretched by the new height, and leave a little slack so that the lamp is not pulled if someone touches it. Place it so that it does not lie across a walkway.

Finally, plug the lamp back in and switch it on. Observe the lighting at different times of the day, then adjust again if necessary. A few trials are better than a final setting made too quickly.

Choosing the right height for how you use it

The ideal height depends mostly on where the lamp stands and on what you do nearby. On a desk, the light source should not be in your direct line of sight, to avoid eye strain. On a console or a sideboard, it can be higher in order to light the wall and make the space feel wider.

In a living room or a bedroom, a lamp set lower creates a warm circle of light around it. If you have guests, this setting gives the room a soft, cozy feel. For reading in an armchair, bring the lamp closer to your shoulder and aim it so that the light falls on the page without dazzling you.

Do not hesitate to change the height with the seasons or with how you use the room. This freedom of adjustment is precisely one of the strengths of this light fixture: it can go from a discreet accent light to a real source of light for the room, without moving.

Care and good habits for everyday use

A light fixture with an adjustable height needs a little attention to stay pleasant to use. Wipe the stem and the base regularly with a soft, dry cloth, with the lamp off and unplugged. Avoid harsh household products, which can dull the finish.

Never force the mechanism and do not hang any object on the lamp. When you move it, lift it by the base rather than by the stem or the diffuser, and coil the cable without bending it sharply. If the sliding becomes stiff or if the lamp starts to sink down on its own, stop using it until you understand the cause of the problem.

If you have any question about your lamp or about choosing a light fixture suited to your home, our team remains at your disposal to advise you.

In short

Adjusting the height of your Pipistrello lamp is simple if you follow the order of the steps: unplug and prepare, understand the mechanism, adjust gently, then test the stability before switching on again. Patience and a gentle touch are your best tools.

Remember that any work on the electrical connection of a light fixture is a job for a qualified electrician, who will switch off the power at the circuit breaker and comply with the NF C 15-100 standard. For simply adjusting the height, a few minutes are enough to get the lighting that suits you.