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what is a lamp shade fitter

by Sheridan Runolfsdottir PhD Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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The fitter is the portion of the shade holder through which the glass lampshade actually passes and makes physical contact with the lamp. Shade holders come in different fitter sizes and so do glass lampshades. The idea, logically, is to match the same fitter size for both the shade holder and shade.

Full Answer

What are the different types of lamp shade fittings?

  • Glass lamp shades: These shades can be clear or opaque glass, Tiffany glass and art-glass. ...
  • Metal lamp shade: Metal shades are round or dome-shaped and used for overhead pendant fixtures over tables or for task lighting.
  • Crystal lamp shade: Crystal shades feature individual crystal prisms fastened together to form a shade. ...

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What are the different lamp shade fittings?

What is a Lampshade Fitter?

  • UNO. UNO fitters are commonly seen on smaller table lamps. ...
  • Spider/ Harp. Also sometimes referred to as a washer fitter, spider lamp shade fitters are the most common type of fitter used for both floor and table lamps.
  • Clip-On. ...
  • Euro. ...
  • Chimney Fitters. ...

What is the purpose of a lamp shade?

  • Vacuum the lampshade with a soft brush attachment to remove dust and debris.
  • Apply lampshade glue to the lampshade seam.
  • Apply lampshade glue around the top or bottom ring if the tape has come unglued.
  • Smooth and recontour dents.

How to match a lamp shade to a lamp?

Part 3 of 3: Choosing a Style Download Article

  1. Select a lampshade to match the lamp’s base shape. As a general guideline, the lamp’s base should match the shape of the shade.
  2. Pick a lampshade that’s wider than the baseplate. Some lamps have flat, round baseplates, so a lampshade that’s wider than that will give the lamp a balanced look.
  3. Choose a smooth lampshade for a modern look. ...

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What are the two different types of lamp shade fittings?

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.

How does a lamp shade attach?

A lamp shade needs to be attached to a lamp base and secured into place. This is usually done by: Wire arms at the center of the shade frame sit on top of a "lamp harp", secured by a finial (a spider fitter) Wire arms at the center of the shade drop down below the bulb and sit on the socket (an uno fitter)

What is a lamp Uno fitter?

What is an UNO Fitter? An UNO fitter is a large threaded ring in the middle of the fabric shades top tripod. It is designed to thread onto UNO sockets. UNO sockets have the same matching thread on their socket shell. The most common application for this type of shade and holder is the bridge arm floor lamp.

How do you make a lampshade fitter?

MaterialsStep 1: Cut a small piece of tape. Cut a small piece of electrical tape and wrap it around one segment of the ring. ... Step 2: apply tape on all sides. Repeat at each segment of the ring. ... Step 3: Test Ring around Socket. Slide the ring back on the socket. ... Step 4: Replace Bulb. Use an LED bulb to save energy!

What does fitter size mean?

The fitter is the outer diameter of the lip which is inserted into the fixture's shade holder. This will measure a little less than the fitter size so it can fit into the shade holder of the same measurement. The height of a glass shade is taken from the base of the fitter lip to the bottom of the shade.

How do you fit a lampshade to a lamp?

The shade should be twice as wide as the lamp base, and one third of the total height of the lamp. So for a 6-inch lamp base, the shade should be at least 12 inches wide. And if the total height of the lamp (including the bulb and harp) is 24 inches, the shade should be 8 inches tall.

Will any lampshade fit any lamp?

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. .

Do lampshades have different fittings?

Some Lampshades come with unusual types of Lampshade fittings to attach to your base or ceiling. Other are more standard. In the explanation, we'll look at everything.

How do you stop a lampshade from wobbling?

0:524:05How to fix a wobbly lamp holder and straighten your lamp - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd it's almost like turning a tap so you're turning it. Until it's tight right. So you're going toMoreAnd it's almost like turning a tap so you're turning it. Until it's tight right. So you're going to turn that tap. Until it stops moving and you know it's really tight and really strong.

What are the 3 types of lampshades?

The three most common types of lampshade assemblies are: Spider, Uno and Clip-on (see diagram). The Spider or Standard assembly is the most conventional, consisting of multiple spokes positioned at the top of the shade that meet at a central point which attaches to the harp.

What is a shade carrier?

The shade carrier is used to connect lampshades manufactured with Duplex rings to lamp holders and control the height between. The height of the shade can then be adjusted relative to the lamp holder. Shades that use this system have many advantages over fixed, fitted frames.

What is the most common type of fitting for table and floor lamp shades?

There are several types of lamp shade fitters. You can click on any image below to see a larger version. Spider and Washer with Harp – This is the most common type of fitting for table and floor lamp shades. It comes in two varieties.

Do you need a harp for a lamp shade?

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. Clip-On – This type comes in two sizes: (1) smaller for candle bulbs found on accent lamps and chandeliers and (2) larger for the standard Edison bulbs.

What is a lamp spider?

A lampshade spider consists of metal arms that attach to the inside top rim of the lampshade and join in the center to a hollow round metal disc that looks like a washer. Spider fittings are also called "washer fittings.".

What is a spider fitting?

A spider fitter attaches a lampshade to a lamp base. Image Credit: CoolestMovies/iStock/GettyImages. A lampshade spider fitting connects a lampshade and lamp base together through the use of a harp, saddle and finial. Knowing if you require a lampshade with a spider fitting is important when purchasing a new shade for your lamp.

What is a harp lamp?

The harp is a "U" shaped piece of metal. The two ends of the harp slide into a saddle, which is a bracket attached to the socket of the lamp base.

Do you need a spider fitting for a lamp base?

If your lamp base has a harp and finial attached to it, or a saddle affixed to the socket of the lamp that the harp slides into, you will require a shade with a spider fitting.

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 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 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 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.

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.

What is a lamp fitter?

Lampshade fitters. A "fitter" describes how the lampshade connects to the lamp base. The most common lampshade fitter is a Spider fitter. Spider fitters are set on top of a lamp harp, and secured with a finial.

What is the purpose of a lamp shade?

A lamp shade also serves to "shade" human eyes from the direct glare of the light bulbs used to illuminate the lamp.

How does a lamp shade work?

A lamp shade's surfaces have varying proximity to the light bulb or light source itself, depending on the size and shape of the shade. With larger shades this is less of a problem, since the shade provides an ample funnel for the movement of air up through the shade, whereby heat from the bulb leaves the top of the shade through the opening. However, with smaller shades consideration has to be given to proximity of the shade surface to the bulb, especially in miniature shades used on chandeliers. Here, and especially with shades which have sloped sides, the distance between the surface and the bulb reduces making the risk of overheating a concern. The heat generated by incandescent light bulbs can scorch fabric lampshades and can crack glass shades. All of these problems can be avoided by the simple expedient of installing LED lights. These save energy, last longer and emit very little heat.

What is a clip on bulb?

Other fitters include clip-on (for either regular bulbs or candelabra bulbs), Uno fitters which are attached to the lamp itself below the light bulb, and notched-bowl fitters which support the use of a glass reflector bowl.

Why are paper shades more fragile than fabric shades?

Fabric shades are reinforced by metal frames to give the lampshades their shape, while paper or plastic shades can hold their shape without support. For this reason, paper shades can be more fragile than fabric shades.

What is a lampshade?

A lampshade is a fixture that covers the lightbulb on a lamp to diffuse the light it emits. Lampshades can be made out of a wide variety of materials like paper, glass, fabric or stone. Usually conical or cylindrical in shape, lampshades can be found on floor, desk, tabletop, or suspended lamps. The term can also apply to ...

What are the different shapes of lampshades?

Shades by shape. Lampshades are classified in four basic shapes: drum, empire, bell or coolie depending on their shape. A drum or cylinder shade typically features vertical sides, sometimes with a very slight incline where the top of the shade is slightly smaller than the bottom.

What is a fitter in a lamp?

The term “fitter” refers to shade’s connection point, which attaches the shade to the lamp. There are three common fitter types: clip-on, spider, and uno.

Why do lamps need shades?

Lamps need shades to diffuse the light. These decorative lighting accessories contribute to a room’s overall style and eliminate glare. There are several common types of lamp shade fitters, and it’s important to recognize which type your lamp uses before you shop for new shades.

What is an Uno shade?

Uno lamp shades are the second most common style of lamp shades, surpassed in popularity only by those with spider fitters. If you have an old lamp that’s begging for restoration, you can often rely on these styles of fitters when you buy replacement shades. These accessories don’t require a harp for installation, which makes them especially useful on older lights. You can even install them to replace shades on pieces where the harp has gone missing. Uno fitters also simplify bulb replacement. Because these shades install between the bulb and the light socket, you don’t need to remove the shade to replace the bulb.

What is a spider fitter?

Spider fitters are another alternative. These fitters screw onto an upside-down U-shaped piece called the harp. Usually made from metal, harps provide extra support for lamp shades. Harps typically attach below the lamp’s socket and arch over the bulb. The spider fitter then sits atop the harp and is often secured with a nut.

How do threaded shades work?

One slides in place and uses pressure from the bulb to stay connected. The other uses threads for support. Threaded uno shades screw onto the lamp’s socket, so they remain in place even when you remove the bulb. These threaded shades work especially well for downward-facing sockets.

Do you need tools to install a Uno shade?

The installation process doesn’t require any tools at all . Once you unscrew the bulb, you can attach the shade in seconds. Uno fitters are commonly found on small and medium shades, and less frequently on large and over-sized shades. Just look for a socket-sized ring at the center of the shade to recognize unique uno lamp shades.

Do Uno shades work with harps?

Uno lamp shades work with many styles of lamps. Their fitters don t require a harp to connect, and they’re available in a variety of colors and styles. Use these versatile shades to revitalize your favorite lamps. Share.

How to measure the height of a glass shade?

The height of a glass shade is taken from the base of the fitter lip to the bottom of the shade. The width is measured across the widest portion of the shade, which may be the top, middle or bottom, depending on the shade type.

What is the fitter size?

The fitter is the outer diameter of the lip which is inserted into the fixture's shade holder. This will measure a little less than the fitter size so it can fit into the shade holder of the same measurement. The height of a glass shade is taken from the base of the fitter lip to the bottom of the shade. The width is measured across the widest ...

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