Lamp Shades: Drum, Empire, Bell and Clip-On

The fitter decides whether a shade can sit on your lamp

The fitter is the metal part that attaches the shade, and it must match your lamp. A spider fitter rests on the harness under the bulb socket and is held by a finial on top. A clip-on shade grips the bulb itself, so it suits small bulbs in sconces and chandeliers, and works best with cool LED or low-heat bulbs. Uno fitters thread onto the socket ring, and some shades hang from a ceiling or wall fixture. Check the fitter before the fabric.

Sizes in titles usually read top diameter x bottom diameter x slant height, so 6 x 12 x 9.5 describes a bell shade 6 inches across the top, 12 across the bottom and 9.5 on the slant. A common rule of thumb is a shade at least as wide as the widest part of the base and roughly two-thirds its height. Drum and cylinder shapes spread light evenly, while empire and bell shapes taper and send more light down than up.

Fabric, paper, glass or bamboo: how the material changes the light

Fabric shades such as linen and silk give a warm, diffused glow, and a lined shade hides the bulb better than an unlined one. Hardback shades have a rigid liner, while softback shades are fabric stretched over a frame. Paper is light but marks easily, glass lets more light through while metal blocks it, and bamboo gives an open, casual look. Keep bulbs within the lamp's wattage rating, and leave a gap between bulb and fabric, because heat dries and darkens a shade.

Questions about Lamp Shades: Drum, Empire, Bell and Clip-On

How do I measure a lamp shade for a replacement?

Measure the top diameter, bottom diameter and slanted height of the old shade, and note the fitter type and whether it sits on a spider harness or clips on. Titles give the three sizes together, such as 6 x 12 x 9.5, so you can compare them directly.

Can I put a clip-on shade on any bulb?

Only on bulbs it fits. The clip must match the bulb shape and size, typically small candle or globe bulbs, and the bulb should run cool, so LEDs are preferred over hot halogen or incandescent. Check the clip size in the listing.

How do I clean a fabric lamp shade?

Dust it with a soft brush or a lint roller. Use a damp cloth with mild soap for spots, testing a hidden area first, and keep paper and silk dry. Switch the lamp off and let it cool before cleaning.