Knowing if a lamp has a lamp harp or needs a different kind of fitter on the shade is crucial when selecting and installing a lamp. Depending on the fixture, there are different ways to connect the shade to a table, floor, or hanging lamp. Whatever shade design you decide on, be sure that its size and fitment match the lamp base. The conventional slant-sided round imperial lamp shade is one of many types that are offered, along with square and unusual shapes. A circular drum, square, or rectangular shade evenly distributes light up and down while an empire or bell-shaped shade sends light downward. The ability of novelty shades to dilute and direct the light from the lamp varies. The size of the shade is important. Generally speaking, a lamp shade should be around one-third of the lamp's overall height, and its widest point should be twice as wide as the lamp base. Depending on the style of the lamp and the kind of shade, adjust your dimensions correspondingly by up to 2 inches in each direction. For instance, a novelty or candlestick-style lamp could need a slightly taller and narrower shade to "look right" in the space.
Different Installation Methods Of A Lampshade On A Floor Lamp
Choose a shade that will fit the lamp shade holder and then place it over the light socket or harp. To fasten the shade to the lamp harp, spider fitters need a screw-on lamp finial. This could be a straightforward ball or another ornamental piece that matches the lamp base. Shades with clips merely attach to the light bulb. Consider utilizing an LED bulb rather than one with a higher wattage if you require brighter lighting. Particularly when combined with clip-on coverings that come into direct touch with the bulb, LED bulbs are a safer and more energy-efficient solution. Before screwing in the light bulb, UNO and Euro shades are both put over the light socket. For Euro fitters, a threaded nut holds the shade in place before the light bulb is added.
Method 1: Harps
The most typical mechanism used by American lights to support shades is a harp. The top is detachable, and the harp saddle is integrated into the lamp itself (behind the socket cap). Harps come in a variety of sizes, ranging from 4" to 15" in most cases in 1/2-inch increments. This gives you a lot of flexibility to position your lamp shade at the ideal height. Both ordinary and heavy duty harps are available, however heavy duty is never necessary. Unless you're trying to build a shade out of a bathtub, we strongly advise getting ordinary weight only = plenty sturdy. (However, never really do this.) Additionally, they are available in many finishes so you can match the harp to your hardware! Squeeze the harp ends into the saddle's 'holders' to secure them. Over the connectors, lower the sliding caps. This secures the harp in position. Any commercial shade will be supported by this sturdy wire framework.
Method 2: Risers
A shorter harp can be substituted with shade risers. A riser will be less expensive than purchasing a new, taller harp if you're wanting to expand an existing harp.
Method 3: Bulb Clips
Bulb clips are an excellent technique to attach shades to lamps via the bulb if you're working with a tiny light that lacks a saddle. The majority of compact fluorescent bulbs cannot be used with these. Both a tall and a short bulb clip are provided for adjusting the height of the shade. They are compatible with LED and incandescent lights.
Method 4: Finials
Finials are like the hair pins of lamps; they hold the shade to the harp or bulb clip while serving a practical and decorative purpose. They exist in SO MANY different sizes, shapes, metal finishes, and materials. We advise enjoying yourself with these. They are a cheap solution to improve the design or appearance of a lamp. 1/4-27F female threads are what they use. Even finial bases that you can personalize with your own items or concepts are available to purchase!
Method 5: Lamp Shade Adapters
- Lamp shade adapters allow you to change the lamp's glass shade for a fabric one or change the lamp's height. A shade riser screws onto the harp to add the additional height if the shade's size and form are appropriate but it has to sit a bit higher on the harp. As an alternative, you might install a lamp harp that is higher, shorter, or wider to make room for the light bulb and lamp shade.
- The glass shade of vintage and antique oil lamps is possible. A lamp shade conversion kit that includes a threaded push-through socket base to swap out the original oil burner, harp, and lamp cord set may be necessary to convert to an electric lamp with a cloth shade. To ensure a secure and attractive conversion of your antique lamp, carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions. Make sure to put the components in a container with a clear label so the restorer will have access to them if the lamp needs to be brought back to life.