What is the shape of the shade on a lamp?
The shape of the shade— bell, coolie, drum, empire, hexagon , square (see diagram)—is usually determined by the size and shape of the lamp base. While there is no simple formula for fitting shades to floor lamps, there is one for table lamps:
What is the best shade for a lamp base?
A drum shade is well suited to a lamp base with wide proportions. Being open-ended allows a maximum amount of light to be released through both ends of the shade. Floor lamps typically require a slightly larger shade than table lamps. Also due to the height of the lamp, they tend to look better with a drum or floor-style shade.
What is a scalloped lamp shade?
The variegated contour of the top and/or bottom edge of a lamp shade. The shape of the scallop suggests the shade material is draped and hanging. Scalloped edges are often offset by fancy trims, tassels, and beads. A heavy lamp shade fabric with a rough nubby surface, made of spun wild silk, rayon or cotton.
What is a dome lamp shade?
Dome lamp shades are typically used on overhead light fixtures or on large floor lamps for general lighting. They are a semi-sphere shape that emits most of their light downward. Dome shades look great with classic or traditional decor.
What are the parts of a lampshade called?
A lamp harp is the component of a lamp to which the lamp shade is attached. It typically comes in two separate parts, a saddle which is fastened under the lamp socket, and the harp itself which consist of a lightweight frame attached to the saddle at its lower end and extending upwards to a point above the bulb.
What are the 3 parts of a lamp?
Lampshade: Softens the light. Bulb: Provide the light. Harp: Vertical shade support and shade attachment into the socket. Socket shell: light socket for bulb.
What is the head of a lamp called?
A headlamp is a lamp attached to the front of a vehicle to illuminate the road ahead. Headlamps are also often called headlights, but in the most precise usage, headlamp is the term for the device itself and headlight is the term for the beam of light produced and distributed by the device.
What is the ball at the top of a lamp called?
Lamp FinialsLamp Finials - Lamp Parts - The Home Depot.
What are the different parts of a light fixture?
Light Fixture (Luminaire) ComponentsWiring. Electrical wiring, which provides power to the luminaire. ... Junction Box. The junction box provides a location to connect the wiring that comes from the power source with the internal wiring for the light fixture. ... Lamp Holder. ... Lamp. ... Reflector. ... Lens. ... Trim.
What is the part of the lamp that holds the bulb called?
lightbulb socketA lightbulb socket, lightbulb holder, light socket, lamp socket or lamp holder is a device which mechanically supports and provides electrical connections for a compatible electric lamp.
What is a finial for a lamp?
A finial is an ornament that helps to secure the lampshade in place. Though functional, finials come in many unique varieties, doubling as a decorative feature and adding the finishing touch to your look.
What are the different types of lamp shade attachments?
There are three basic types of lamp shade fittings: spider fittings, uno fittings, and clip-on fittings: Spider Fittings: Spider fittings are the most common type of fitting for table and floor lamps and are used with harps.
What is a clip-on shade?
As the name suggests, clip-on lamp shades are designed to clip directly onto a standard or flame type light bulb. They consist of a wire assembly secured snugly around the light bulb. Clip-on shades come with an adapter that makes each lamp shade easy to remove.
What are the things at top of lamps called?
Finials are decorative caps that fit over shades at the top of a lamp. They help secure the lampshade in place and complete the lamp aesthetics. Finials come in a variety of colors, materials and shapes and are most often used with spider fitters.
What size is a lamp finial?
approximately 3/8"Most lamp finials have a ¼-27 thread and screw onto a lamp harp. Some lamps do require a finial with a larger hole. This is usually a 1/8-ip thread and measures approximately 3/8" in diameter.
What are the 3 types of lampshades?
The three most common types of lampshade assemblies are: Spider, Uno and Clip-on (see diagram).
What are the parts of a lampshade?
Lampshade parts include a spider, fitter and a harp and finial. These parts work together to affix the lampshade to the lamp base. The outside of a lampshade can be made of fabric, glass, metal or paper. Advertisement.
Where does the spider attach to a lamp?
The spider attaches to the inside top rim of the lamp shade and connects to the lamp base either with a harp and finial, a clip that slides directly over the light bulb, or an uno fitter, which screws onto threads on the lamp's socket.
What is the fun part of choosing a lamp shade?
The fun part is choosing your lamp shade that matches your taste. Because lamp shades come in all shapes, sizes, styles, colors, materials and textures, picking the right one can be a bit of a challenge. There’s a lot more that goes into lamp shades than you might think at first. So we put this guide together to help you through the process.
How wide is a lamp shade?
The height of the shade = 2/3 the height of the base; width of the shade = 1/2 inch wider on each side than the widest point in the base. Shade surface—the material the lamp shade is made of—is a little trickier, as that decision is based on both function and room decor.
How to tell if a lamp shade is large enough?
The crucial information you need to obtain in order to determine if the shade is large enough for the bulb strength you are going to use is the “critical radius” or measurement taken from the middle of the light bulb to the inside edge of the lamp shade (see diagram).
Why is the shade on a lamp longer?
on an upper shelf), the longer the shade must be because otherwise the bulb and assembly will be in view.
Why use dark colored shade for lamp?
For example, if the purpose of the lamp is to provide accent lighting or to create a diffused effect, then a dark-colored shade of a dense material is ideal because it will project light from the top and bottom but not much through the shade itself.
What is the cardinal rule for lamp shade size?
The cardinal rule of lamp shade size and placement, according to our own Ron Leddusire, Senior Designer at Destination Lighting, is, “Never let the hardware show at eye-level.”.
How to determine the shape of a lamp shade?
The shape of the shade— bell, coolie, drum, empire, hexagon , square (see diagram)—is usually determined by the size and shape of the lamp base . While there is no simple formula for fitting shades to floor lamps, there is one for table lamps: The height of the shade = 2/3 the height of the base; width of the shade = 1/2 inch wider on each side ...
What is a floor lamp shade?
Floor-Lamp lamp shades. Floor lamps typically require a slightly larger shade than table lamps. Also due to the height of the lamp, they tend to look better with a drum or floor-style shade. A floor shade is almost a drum shade, except the sides are slightly slanted.
What shade has steep sides?
Slope-sided shades of varying degrees. Floor shades feature steep sides. Empire shades feature a medium slope and are typically in proportion for table lamps. Coolie shades feature the most gradual slope with a smaller top diameter and wider base, ideal for particular styles of lamps.
How does the shade of a lamp affect the light?
The correct shade greatly affects the kind of light the lamp gives off, as well as where that light is directed . Different types of lamp shades correlate to different functions for practical purposes, be it sitting nearby, at a distance, or as an ambient light source.
How big should a lamp shade be for a floor lamp?
Measuring lamp shades for floor lamps. Floor lamps take a shade with a bottom diameter of 16" or 18" or larger . Similar rules apply as for table lamp shades, where the shade needs to be tall enough to cover the hardware so that you don't see the lamp socket or fitter from the side.
How high should a lamp shade be?
A good height for lamp shades for table lamps is about 3/4 of the width of the shade, or 3/4 the height of the base up to the socket.
What is reflective lining?
A reflective lining such as gold or silver helps to reflect light away from the shade surface and focuses it out of the top and bottom. This keeps the outer appearance of the shade the same color and tone as when the light is off. This is useful for dark or black shades that you want to stay dark-looking even when the lamp is on. It also prevents the shade from absorbing some of the light, increasing overall light output. A reflective lining also hides the appearance of a bright-spot from the light bulb, as seen through the shade. Other types of lining include plastic, linen and other fabrics, each with its own degree of diffusing and reflecting light. Some linings allow some light through while also increasing the output through the top and bottom of the shade.
What is the difference between a cylinder shade and a drum shade?
Drum shades tend to be wider and cylinder shades tend to be taller. In some cases the difference between them is hard to distinguish - a tall drum shade may be similar to a short cylinder shade.
What to consider when choosing a lamp shade?
What to Consider. Shape: When choosing a lamp shade, we recommend picking one that mimics the shape of your lamp’s base. Keep it traditional with a bell shade or empire shade, or switch things up with a more modern option like oval or rectangular.
What is a drum shade?
Drum: A drum shade has a wide cylindrical shape with tall sides and wide rims of equal size, allowing light to flow upward and downward equally. Shop Drum Lamp Shades. Novelty: Novelty lamp shades come in a variety of unique shapes, sizes, and designs. They are eccentric in nature and sure to catch your eye!
What is a fitter in a lamp?
The fitter is the part of the shade that attaches directly to the lightbulb. In most cases, the type of fitter is not interchangeable, so be sure to match the shade attachment to a compatible lamp base. Shop Lamp Bases.
What is the difference between a bell and an empire shade?
Empire: The empire shade is the standard look for a lamp shade. Light is spread downward through the wide brim of this classic cone shape. Bell: This elegant skirt-shaped cone has a wide brim at the bottom of its curved sides. This shade is typically used for traditional and classic decor.
What are the three types of lamp fitters?
There are three types of lamp fitters: spider, clip-on, and Uno. Spider: This common option has three prongs that meet at the center of the shade. This center point is where the fitter attaches to the top of a harp, a metal U-shaped wiring that protects the actual lightbulb.
Why do you need a new lamp shade?
A new lamp shade might be the secret weapon you’ve been waiting for. While they provide a functional purpose of shading harsh light, they can also personalize your space. They can be switched out to compliment new decor, a change in the seasons, or a shift in mood.
Can you mix and match a lamp base?
Mixing and matching your lamp bases with different shades allows you to create a personalized design for your space. When matching a shade with a lamp base, it's important to consider the type of lamp shade fitter. The fitter is the part of the shade that attaches directly to the lightbulb.
How Lamp Shades Work
Although everyone has them, most do not stop to consider how lamp shades work and what purpose they serve in the home. Lamp shades are responsible for blocking, filtering, and directing the light that comes from a lamp. The openings at the top and bottom of the shade allow both light and heat to escape.
Lamp Shade Considerations
When it comes to choosing the right lamp shade, there is much to consider.
Types of Lamp Shades by Shape
Lamp shades are available in a number of intriguing and unusual shapes. Again, make sure that you choose the shape of your lamp shade based on the base of the lamp. While there isn’t really a one-size-fits-all regarding lamp shades, knowing the most popular shades can aid in your hunt to find the perfect shade.
Types of Lamp Shades by Material
Another way to categorize lamp shades is based on the material that they are made out of. Fortunately, there are a number of different lamp shade materials to choose from and the ideal one for your home depends on the purpose of the particular lamp.
How Lamp Shades Work
Lamp shades block, direct and filter light from a lamp. They have openings at the tops and bottoms that allow additional light and heat to escape. The shades attach to the lamp by means of a fitter that attaches to the lamp shade’s frame.
How to Pick the Right Shade Shape
A lampshade should complement the base of the lamp. There are basic lamp base types: round, square or angular and candlestick. In general, follow these designer rules for pairing a lamp shade with a base:
Lamp Shade Shapes
Lamp shades can be found in an array of interesting and unusual shapes and materials. There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to lamp shades but knowing the standard shapes first helps you to get an idea of what you are seeking for your room decor.
Empire Lamp Shade
An empire lamp shade features a flared bottom that emits most of the lamp’s light from the bottom of the shade. They are a classic style that will match virtually any base and style. Empires are ideal for accent lighting and are popular choices for table lamps.
Round Lamp Shades
Round lamp shades direct most of the lamp’s light out through the top and bottom of the shade providing focused and ambient light. Round shapes include oval lamp shades, cone lamp shades and drum lamp shades. These shade shapes are ideal for placement over a table or on a tall floor lamp.
Bell Lamp Shade
Bell shades feature curving sides that slope towards the bottom. The flare at the bottom helps to distribute light outwards for maximum coverage while the top of the shade provides soft ambient light. Bell shapes work well as an accent light with traditional decor.
Square Lamp Shade
Square and rectangular lampshades work best with contemporary and modern decor and lamps with square bases. Rectangular and square lamp shades have flat edges rather than circular edges which gives them their modern look. These styles of shades emit plenty of light to use as task or general lighting.
