How to Buy a Lamp Shade – And Keep it Clean

 It's easy to bring life and style back into your lamp with a new shade.  You can check moonlampshop.co.uk to buy a moonlamp. You can choose from a variety of sizes, styles, colors and shapes when you buy replacement or new lamp shades. You can make your old shade look like new again or choose a completely different style. If you follow these steps, shopping can be enjoyable and simple.

For more information on buying a lamp shade, please watch our video and check out our tips.

The Right Size Lamp Shade

Replacement Lamp Shades - How to Measure a Shade

You can measure the shade that you want to replace and find a replacement of the same size.

Measure the shade using a ruler or measuring tape.

New Lamp Shades: The Perfect Shade Size

These are some guidelines to help you get started when shopping for a lamp shade.

Height - The shade should be 1/3 of the overall height, whichever is greater.

Width - The shade's width should be twice the width of the base.

This is only a guideline. The recommended shade width will vary depending on the base shape.

Different types of lamp shade fitters

The fitting is the part of the shade's wire that connects to the lamp. The fitters can't be interchanged so make sure you use the right fitter for your lamp. There are three types of fitters: Spider (Clip-On), and Uno.

1. Spider Fitter Shades

The spider shade is most commonly used for floor and table lamp shades. The lamp's harp is the U-shaped metal component that protects and fits around the light bulb. Spider fitters are found on top of the lamp's shade.

A finial secures spider fitters to the lamp once they have been placed on top.

Shades up to 14 inches high have a 1/2-inch fitter drop. This means that the shade's top is 1/2 inch below the fitter.

Shades that are taller than 14 inches will have a greater drop. This will be noted in the product details.

Lamps Plus provides the right size harp free of charge with every shade purchase to ensure a perfect fit.

2. Clip-On Shades for Fitter Shades

Clip-on lamp shade fitting attaches directly to the light bulb without any additional hardware. To fit the following bulbs, clip-on fitters are available in two sizes:

• Candelabra bulbs
  • Commonly used for chandeliers and/or wall sconces.
  • Maximum bulb wattage 25 watts
• Regular-sized bulbs
  • Most often used for accent and table lamps.
  • Maximum bulb wattage 40-60 watts (as per product details).

Safety Tip - Clip-on shades are often in close proximity of the bulb so they should not be used with higher wattage bulbs. You can get brighter lighting by using low-wattage LEDs.

3. Uno Fitter Shades

The uno fitter is used mainly for European lamps and sits on a special light bulb socket. The threaded ring holds it in place and is held in place by light bulbs.

Lamp Shades

Inviting new and interesting shapes into your living area is a great idea.

These are the most common decorative shapes: bell-shaped shades and drum lamp shades.

How to Clean Shades

You can keep a shade looking great for many years with the right care. You can remove the shade from your lamp and then follow these steps:

1. We recommend wiping down fabric and silk shades with a sponge lamp cleaner or a soft, dry towel. This sponge lamp shade cleaner is available from us.
2. Most dust can be removed in minutes with a soft brush, vacuum or sticky-tape roller.
3. To prevent oils and dirt from getting on parchment or paper shades, gloves are recommended. To clean the shade, use a microfiber cloth.
4. You can clean plastic shades with a soft cloth, warm water and mild dish detergent. Wipe clean and dry with a soft cloth.