Most use a lamp harp to support the lamp shade. These lamps, which have a harp or 3/8" diameter shade holder, use Harp Lamp Shades. These shades are fabricated on a wire frame.
Full Answer
What is a lampshade harp?
Harps are a critical piece of hardware for fitting a lampshade to a lamp; select the right size harp and the shade will fit the lamp perfectly; too tall a harp and the socket is exposed; too short a harp, and the top part of the lamp is hidden. So…. What is a harp?!
What size harp do I need for my Lamp?
We recommend that you order Regular Weight harps for your lamps. If your lamp already has a harp base (metal piece mounted below the socket that looks like rabbit ears) and you want to change the length of your harp, then you can use a Regular Weight harp. A Regular Weight harp will fit either a Regular Weight harp base or a Heavy Duty harp base.
Can I use a harp reducer on my lamp harp?
A harp reducer helps your new finial fit on your older lamp harp. If your finial threading is too narrow for your wider harp, simply add a harp reducer to convert 3/8" threading to the standard 1/4-27 threading.
How do you raise a lamp shade without changing the harp?
Try a lampshade riser. LampsUSA sells them in brass and 1” or 2” high. Lampshade risers are helpful if you need to raise your lampshade without changing harp size. This is especially useful if your lamp has a unique harp that would be difficult to replace.
Why change the height of a harp?
Changing the height of the harp most often solves the problem of the shade not sitting at the correct height on the lamp . If the shade is sitting to low on the lamp base – use a taller harp, likewise if the shade is to short on the lamp base use a shorter harp.
How to put a shade on a lamp?
To place shade onto lamp: simply slide washer-ring fitter down onto harp post or 3/8" diameter shade holder. Secure with a lamp finial.
What is table lamp?
Table lamps are a common type lamp used in many areas in a home. These lamps are produced in a wide variety of sizes, shapes and materials. Most use a lamp harp to support the lamp shade. These lamps, which have a harp or 3/8" diameter shade holder, use Harp Lamp Shades. These shades are fabricated on a wire frame.
What should the bottom diameter of a lamp shade be?
Bottom diameter should not exceed lamp-base height. Lamp shade proportions should reflect lamp base proportions. For example: a short squat lamp will look best with a shade of similar proportions. Using the same lamp shade base shape, round or square, provides a cohesive appearance.
How much space between lamp shade and bulb?
If using incandescent light bulbs there should be a minimum of 3-1/2” between lamp shade and bulb to allow heat escape. If the preferred lampshade size is not available, it is normally best to choose a slightly larger rather than smaller size shade.
How high is a lamp shade?
Height of Lamp Shade: approximately 2/3 rds height of lamp-base. (height of lamp base: distance from bottom of lamp base to base of lamp socket)
Where should the lamp shade sit?
The lamp shade should sit at the appropriate height on the lamp . Lamp mechanics should not show. Ideally shade base should be just below lamp socket. Lamp shade should cover lamp socket but not base of lamp.
What is a lamp harp?
Lamp harps are the mechanism that holds the lamp shade on the lamp. If you are changing a lamp shade, chances are good the lamp harp will need replacing too. Shades must rest on a lamp to hide the bulb and give you access to the socket switch.
How tall should a harp be for a lamp shade?
Harp range in size from 4 inches to 15 inches and like shoes come in 1/2 sizes. Harps usually have a metallic finish in brass, nickel, bronze, and antique brass.
What is a harp made of?
Harps usually have a metallic finish in brass, nickel, bronze, and antique brass. Most harps are made of steel with a metal finish. Some boudoir lamp harps are solid cast brass. For typical lamp harps the harp connects to the harp base.
Do harps need to be locked?
Harps should be locked in the base and securely seated. The locking couplings are designed to hold the harp to the base even if the lamp is tipped on its side. For more information about lamp harps check out this How To article on Fabric Shades .
Do lamp harps seat new harps?
For typical lamp harps the harp connects to the harp base. Some older harp bases are narrower and will not seat a new harp. All harps are sold with a matching base, so the old harp base would need to be replaced. Harp bases are mostly standard width and slip a 1/8IP lamp rod.
What is a lamp harp?
Lamp harps are components to which the lampstand is attached—at the same time, protecting the bulb. A lamp harp has two parts: a saddle and the harp itself. The saddle is fastened under the lamp socket.
How to measure lamp harp size?
To measure lamp harp sizes, take a measuring tape or a ruler. Then, note how many inches it runs from the topmost part of the harp to the socket cap. Generally, the height of the lampshade should not exceed the measurement of the harp plus ½ inch, and should not be smaller than the lamp harp’s height minus ½ inch.
What to do if your lamp doesn't work?
If not, your lamp will not fully work for its purpose and will surely look awkward. To get the appropriate shade for your lamp, take time to measure your lamp harp and lamp base. If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device.
How much separation between shade and bulb?
Have at least two inches separation between your shade and your bulb. The wider the separation, the higher bulb wattage you can have.
How big should a lampshade be?
As a general rule, the lampshade’s diameter should be within two inches, plus or minus, the height of your lamp.
Can you get a lampshade from a surplus store?
If you got a lamp from the surplus store, do not be too quick to get just any fancy lampshade. It is best to be aware of your lamp’s measurement first before shopping for a shade. Below, you will learn how to measure a lamp harp to know what lampshade will fit your new light source. Read on.
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.
Why do we need lamp shades?
A lamp "shade" usually covers all or part of a light bulb, to serve a few purposes: To protect your eyes from harsh glare . To direct the light in a certain direction for practical purposes.
How much do replacement lamp shades cost?
Buying a new lamp shade for table lamps, floor lamps or light fixtures doesn't have to be expensive . After all, you probably already spent enough on the original lamp or light and would just like to add a lampshade or replace a missing or damaged one.
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.
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 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 a drum shade?
Drum-shaped shades are similar to cylinder shades except they are flatter, typically wider than they are tall, similar to a musical drum. Drum shades look good on a variety of table lamps and floor lamps, but also can be suited to pendant light fixtures. With vertical sides, maximum light emits through the top and bottom of the drum shade producing ambient reflected light in the room.
What is a lamp harp?
Lamp Shade Harps are made from brass or silver. Their 2 legs mount below the lamp socket “saddle” and holds up your lamp shade. Most of our lamp harps include the saddle, but you can generally use the one already installed on your lamp.
Where are lamp harps measured?
With several sizes and finishes to choose from, LampsUSA gives you the freedom to create the perfect look. Harps are measured from the very bottom of the harp, to the very tip of the threaded top. It does not include the saddle in the measurement.
What is a harp reducer?
A harp reducer helps your new finial fit on your older lamp harp. If your finial threading is too narrow for your wider harp, simply add a harp reducer to convert 3/8" threading to the standard 1/4-27 threading. Many older lamps use the 3/8" threading which is the common "threaded pipe" used in many lighting fixtures.
What finish do lampshade harps come in?
Most lampshade harps have a polished brass finish. LampsUSA also sells polished nickel and antique brass harps. We recommend matching the harp to your socket where possible, but don't stress the decision since the harp will not be very visible on a properly fitted lampshade.
Why do you need a lamp shade riser?
Lampshade risers are helpful if you need to raise your lampshade without changing harp size. This is especially useful if your lamp has a unique harp that would be difficult to replace. A riser is a great way to fine-tune your shade so it fits your lamp perfectly.
Information of lamp harp
Lamp harp, an important part of a table lamp or floor lamp. It has the adjustable size and fixed size two models. The main material is metal.
Add an adjustable size lamp harp
Adjustable size lamp harp usually collocation with an inner diameter 35mm iron ring as an adjustable size lamp harp kit.Also Some people will add an inner diameter 40mm iron ring with a plastic snap ring.Iron ring balance and stability is better than the conventionally configured lamp harp base.
Add a fixed size lamp harp
Add a fixed size lamp harp to lamp is easier than add a fixed size lamp harp.
Finally words
Add lamp harp on lamp is not very difficult, just confirm the lamp harp is stable and all accessories are firm.Also need check the lamp harp size and you can add lamp harp quickly.If not,you will replace the other size lamp harp.You may add more time and money cost.It’s not very good for you.
How to remove harp from lamp?
If you wish to remove the harp, for adjustment or replacement, first unscrew or otherwise remove the lamp finial above the lampshade, remove the shade, and gently squeeze the harp inward just above the harp base. The harp locks into the lamp via notched “legs” that slide into the short slotted arms of the harp base.
How does a harp lock into a lamp?
The harp locks into the lamp via notched “legs” that slide into the short slotted arms of the harp base. The squeezing “action” on the notched harp legs causes them to slip out of the slotted arms of the harp base so the harp may be removed easily without the use of any tools.
How to convert a lamp to a fabric shade?
First remove your lamp’s burner by gently screwing the burner counterclockwise until it comes off the collar. Next measure the inside diameter of the collar.
Can a regular weight harp be used on a heavy duty harp?
A Regular Weight harp will fit either a Regular Weight harp base or a Heavy Duty harp base. When mounted on a Heavy Duty base, a Regular Weight harp may seem a little loose. You can use wire pliers to carefully crimp the U-shape ears of the harp base so that the harp fits more snuggly.
Can you use a regular weight harp on a lamp?
We recommend that you order Regular Weight harps for your lamps. If your lamp already has a harp base (metal piece mounted below the socket that looks like rabbit ears) and you want to change the length of your harp, then you can use a Regular Weight harp. A Regular Weight harp will fit either a Regular Weight harp base or a Heavy Duty harp base.