
There are basic lamp base types: round, square or angular and candlestick.
- Round bases: Pairs well with round or hexagonal shades.
- Square or angular bases: Pairs well with square or rectangular shades.
- Candlestick bases: Combines both round and angular elements, so it can take nearly any type of lampshade.
Full Answer
What type of Lamp Shade gives the brightest light?
While often chosen for their decorative qualities, the level of transparency is also important as this dictates how the light disperses through the room. Drum - Cylinder shaped and usually open at the top and bottom, drum light shades throw light upwards and downwards to offer the brightest option for ceiling lighting.
What are the different shapes of lamp shades?
- Torchiere Shades Dish White Bowl Stiffel Neck
- Hurricane Shades Ball Globes 7" Fitters 10" Fitters 6,8,12,14" Fitters
- Tulip Lily Glass Shades
- Glass Chimneys
- Bankers Shades
- Pool Table Shades
- Bridge Shades
What types of material can you use for a lamp shade?
Other Fabrics. Other fabrics used for lampshades include cotton, canvas, linen and damasks. The fabrics are combined with decorative adornments such as pleats, rope trims and embroidery to produce attractive lamp shades.
What are the different types of shade structures?
What Are the Different Types of Shade Structures?
- Shade Sails. Shade sails are a fabric shade structure designed with curves (or gores) that can be tensioned between anchor points.
- Hip Roof. Four-post hip roof structures are one of our best-selling structures – and for good reason! ...
- Cantilevered. ...
- Mega Span. ...
- Hexagon & Octagon. ...
- Shade Kites. ...
- T-Style. ...
- Shade Umbrellas. ...
- Shade Wings. ...

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 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.
Do all lampshades fit all lamps?
Lampshades come in all shapes and sizes and can be paired with the right sized lamp base when fitted well. The right lampshade can provide an accent to your home's décor. You must know how to measure one to make sure it fits your lamp well. You also need to understand which fittings are ideal for different lamps. .
What are the different shapes of lamp shades called?
The main lamp shade shapes are:Empire and straight empire – the classic round 'frustum' shapes (that's a cone with the top lopped off)Tall tapered - like an elongated empire.Drum – a cylinder shape, giving a contemporary look.Square – like an empire but with a square or rectangular bottom.
How do I know what type of lamp shade I need?
The shade should be about two-thirds the height of your lamp base. For the right lamp shade width, measure your lamp base and multiply by two. The widest part of your shade should be at least a half-inch wider than the widest part of your base on each side.
What is a UNO shade?
An uno lamp shade is a type of shade that fits onto a lamp socket with an uno fitter. The uno fitter has arms radiating outward attached to the inside edges of the shade that support a hollow round piece that slides over the socket.
What is the most common type of lamp shade?
There are the three common fitters: Spider, Clip-On, and Uno. The spider lamp shade is the most common type of fitter for table and floor lamp shades.
How do you measure a lampshade for replacement?
0:181:32How to Measure a Lamp Shade - Replacing a Lamp Shade - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou'll need four measurements from your current shade when shopping for a new shade. The topMoreYou'll need four measurements from your current shade when shopping for a new shade. The top diameter. The bottom diameter the vertical slant and the vertical height.
What is a spider lampshade?
Lampshades require a means to fit atop a lamp, and the most common option is a spider fitting. A lampshade spider fitting is the series of equidistant thick metal wires or arms that go from the top perimeter of the shade toward the center, where they all connect to a horizontal washerlike ring.
What is a Euro lamp shade?
Euro – Similar to the American Uno, this is Europeanstye lampshade fitting. Usually found on smaller table lamps. No harp is needed as the wire fitting is permanently attached to the shade. The shade attaches directly to the lamp socket below the light bulb.
What shape should a lampshade be?
In general, a shade's shape should follow the contour of a lamp. This is not a hard and fast rule, but it holds true in most cases. So, for example, if the base has curves, go with a curved shade shape. If a base is straight, choose a shade with straight edges, even if they're angled.
What is an empire shaped lampshade?
So, what is an empire lampshade? In general, the empire style is one in which the top diameter of the lampshade is about ½ of the diameter of the bottom of the lampshade; the style exhibits a straight, gentle slope from the top of the lampshade to the bottom of the shade.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Lamp Shade Shapes
Consider picking a lamp shade shape that matches the structure of your lamp’s bottom. Round, square, angular, and candlestick bases are all some of the available shapes.
Lamp Shade Styles
There are various lamp shade styles that you can choose from. However, the styles are predominantly affected by the lamp shade fittings. Let us talk about some of them.
Lamp Shade Materials
Here are some of the lamp shade materials you can consider looking for when buying a lamp shade:
How to Measure a Lamp Shade
If you need some assistance when choosing a new lamp shade, you must know how to correctly measure your lamp shades as well.
What Type of Lamp Shade Do I Need?
What type of lamp shade do you need? Technically, the answer to this question will just depend on your needs and preferences.
How to Choose a Lamp Shade
When you are buying a lampshade, you want to find one that will complement the lamp’s base. Lamp bases are typically found in three different styles, which are candlestick, angular or square, or round. Let’s take a look at some general design rules to help you find the perfect pairing.
How Do Lamp Shades Work?
Lampshades filter, direct, and block light that comes from a lamp. The openings that are at the bottom and the top of the shade allow both heat and light to escape. Lampshades attach to lamps with the use of a fitter that can be attached right to the frame of the lampshade.
Lamp Shade Shapes
You can find lampshades in standard and unusual shapes, so you should have no trouble tracking down the perfect lamp shade for your space. While there are no hard and set rules when it comes to lampshade shapes, there are some standard shapes that can help you familiarize yourself with your options.
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.
What is an empire lamp?
1. Empire. When someone tells you the have a lamp, you’re more than likely envisioning a lamp that has an empire lamp shade on it. In fact, they have a timeless look that can keep your room’s lighting relevant for the long haul. An empire shade has a makeshift funnel shape, of sorts, that mainly filters the light of the lamp from the bottom ...
What does it mean when someone says they have a lamp?
When someone tells you the have a lamp, you’re more than likely envisioning a lamp that has an empire lamp shade on it. In fact, they have a timeless look that can keep your room’s lighting relevant for the long haul.
What is a round lamp shade?
Round lamp shades will illuminate light through both the top and bottom. This will give off light for both productivity and specific ambiance. You’ll see round-shaped lamp shades among oval shades, round shades, and even drum shades. These lampshades are great for both table and floor lamps. Oval-shaped lampshade will work beautifully with the majority of decor items. Drum lampshades will work great for modern or contemporary style lamps.
What is Empire Lampshade?
You will notice that an empire lampshade has a flared bottom that will emit light from the bottom of the shade. This is a classic style of lampshade that will easily go with any base or style. Empire lampshades are great for table lamps.
What is a downbride lamp?
The down-bride lamp is a task light. The entire lamp stands upright and as you venture to the top the light points downward. You will notice the curved piece at the top that allows the lampshade to point downward. You can use this floor lamp in your office space or library area.
Why do you need a desk lamp?
Having a well-lit desk area can dramatically increase your productivity. Desk lamps for the most part have an adjustable arm area so you can move the light directly over your work area. Similar to a bedside lamp, your desk lamp should fit well with the size of your desk.
What is a piano lamp?
A piano table lamp is designed to illuminate sheet music for musicians. These specific styles prevent there from being a glare from musicians so they can read music properly. You can find the piano lamp in a variety of designs and styles to adhere to the needs of certain tastes. This style has a slender body with a horizontal head. Since it has a minimal design, you’ll be able to find some styles that have swing arms that will allow you to move the light where needed.
What is a tree lamp?
The tree floor lamp has small similarities to the arc lamp at the top of its design. This floor lamp offers three light options and different designs of shades. Depending on the amount of light you want, you have the option of turning on all three lights or just one. You can also point the light in multiple directions which is a plus!
How does a pharmacy lamp work?
The pharmacy floor lamp looks very similar to the down-bridge lamp. The way the top of the lamp points downward, that’s the way it directs its light. The pharmacy lamp is more adjustable than the down-bridge lamp. You can adjust it both vertically and horizontally. You also have the option of raising or lowering them and swinging them back and forth as needed.
