How Do I Know What Lampshade I Need?

 

Lampshades are available in a multitude of sizes and styles. Most lampshades are manufactuered using fabric or glass and are used on all types of lighting. Commonly associated with table and floor lamps, lampshades are also used on ceiling and wall lights and are available in a whole of host of different finishes and colours. Often a lampshade is added to a ceiling pendant set to provide a cost effective option, whilst allowing you to compliment your interiors design scheme if you wish.

Fabric Lampshades

At WT Lighting we deal with a large selection of shade manufactuers whilst we are also a proud stockist of Laura Ashley light shades. We Also offer a bespoke shade service via the UK based British lampshade studio and via Elstead Lighting. 

What Size And Shape Lampshade Do I Need?

When it comes to selecting a lampshade we advise selecting a shade in a shape that resembles the base. For example if you have a round base we would recommend a round lampshade, likewise with square and rectangular bases.

When it comes to size of lampshade there are several points we advise you to consider.

Please note these are rough guidelines.

For a Table lamp ;

1. The diameter of the lampshade should approximately match the height of the base.
2. The Lampshade height should be roughly 2/3rds of the bases total height.
3. The lampshade should diameter should be larger than the base.
4. Stand back and ensure you can't see the lampholder and non decorative electrical components. This will depend on where the base is positioned and how high up it is mounted on a a table for example.

For A Floor Lamp

1. If you divide the height of the base by 4 this should give you an approximate diameter for a suitably sized lampshade. 
2. The lampshade should diameter should be larger than the base.
3. Stand back and ensure you can't see the lampholder and non decorative electrical components.

What Type Of Fabric Lampshades Are Available?

Fabric Lampshades are available in a variety of styles with coolie and drum lampshades being some the most popular styles as well as empire and bell shaped. We boast a large range of candle lampshades as well as larger shades suitable for table and floor lamps. Pleated lampshades are also a sought after style, ideal for adding to tarditional and classic light fittings and bases.

What Materials Are Lampshades Made Out Of?

Fabric Lampshades are made out of several different materials. The material used will go a long way to dictating the price of the shade as well as the size. 

Cotton

Cotton lampshades are one of the most common type of lampshades used whilst being durable, they are also versatile and are available in plain and printed styles. Cotton lampshades are ideal for adding a classic look to traditional settings.

Silk

Silk Lampshades offer a high end, quality appearance adding texture and style to any room. Available in a huge array of colours and styles they will add a majestic and luxury look to your property.

Linen

Linen lampshades offer a modern, somewhat natural and rustic look ideal for adding to country or coastal interiors craving a minimilistic timeless design.

Velvet

Velvet lampshades showcase a real luxurious look with a rich finish. Lovely to touch and available in a host of bold colours, perfect for adding a touch of quality to any table, floor lamp, ceiling light or pendant set.

What Colour Fabric Shades Are On Trend Or Popular?

Trends are always changing and we endeavour to keep up to date with the latest colourways. Pink, Sage Green And Blue lampshades are currently quite popular, however timeless classics such as gold, taupe and cream are always great for providing neutral long term options. When choosing a colour of lampshade, it is worth noting the material and colour will effect the light output you receive. Darker colours will generally produce a reduced light, as will any shade with a laminate inner.

Glass Lampshades

What Type Of Glass Lampshades Are Popular?

Glass lampshades are often used on ceiling lights including flush and semi-flush styles, as well as large cluster pendant lights, whilst glass pendant lights are seen all over domestic homes in the form of single pendants and multi bar kitchen island lights. Glass pendants are available in an array of sizes from small to large, with opal, clear, champagne and smoked finishes being the most popular. Ribbed glass pendants are great for adding a contemporary, timless look, whilst also reducing the glare of bright led lamps. Our Idolite Camille Lighting range is just one collection which boasts a huge range of glass pendants, ceiling, wall and floor lamps, in a mix and match format allowing you to easily pick a frame and glass to suit your style, deisgn and installation area. Smoked lighting is currently proving a extremely popular choice and offers a two tone look when added to varying finishes such as chrome and gold for example. Tiffany glass shades are perfect for adding character and colour to traditional settings and instantly add a different dimension to your room. We also do some crystal glass lampshades, perfect for adding to chandeliers. Simply clip on the shade to a candle lamp and you have a completely new light fitting.

Can I Get replacement Lampshades If I Break One?

Maybe you were cleaning your light fitting, or maybe your children were playing football or throwing a ball around the house, we know accidents happen. The majority of light fittings we stock that include glass lampshades, allow us to obtain spare/replacement glasses, so in the unfortunate event of a broken glass/es, we can often source a replacement/s. So buy your light fittings from a company you can trust knowing you can relax, rest assured that problems can be solved. On the other hand as mentioned above, we stock a lot of mix and match ranges and you may fancy a change of colour glass or even a change of style? Our suppliers stock huge stock of glasses allowing this to be a simple procedure allowing you to match your interior decor scheme.

How Do Lampshades Fix Onto A Base Or Light?

Lampshades are held into position and fixed in a number of ways. Glass shades can be held on via shade rings, spring clips, or pins in galleries and some simply twist on. If our light fittings come with a glass shade/s then there will be instructions and relevent detailing on how to fix the glass/es. In regards to fabric shades these are also fitted in a variety of ways. Many lampshades come with a large E27 hole fitment, however by simply adding a rubber or metal shade reducer this shade would be suitable for fitting on smaller B22 lampholders. Other bases, generally larger ones can require a gimble which would fit onto the lampholder and a large shade would sit on the top of the gimble. These are available in a variation of heights allowing you to ensure the shade sits at the correct height. Harp gimbles are also used, however they not as common and a bit trickier to source shades which are suitable to use with these. They will have a finial on the top and require a fixing at the top of the shade. Often Tiffany lamps use this style of fitment. Many of our light shades are dual purpose and feature an adjustable frame allowing for the shade to be used on table and floor lamps or even ceiling lights.

For any assistance with lampshades, whether it be small candle shades to large lampshades please don't hesitate to get in touch.