The proportion rules
Shade height should be roughly two thirds of the base height. Shade width at the bottom should be about twice the width of the base's widest point, and the shade should be wide enough to hide the socket and harp entirely from a seated eye line.
Fitting types
Spider fittings sit on a harp and are the most common. Uno fittings thread onto the socket and are typical on bridge-arm lamps. Clip-on shades grip the bulb and suit small candelabra lamps. Getting the fitting wrong is the most frequent mail-order mistake we see.
Material and light
Linen and parchment diffuse warmly and hide bulb hot spots. Metal and opaque shades throw light up and down only, which works for reading but not ambient lighting.
When to hand it to a professional
Anything involving heat damage, exposed conductors, tripped breakers or ladder work over a stairwell belongs on a workbench or with a technician on site. Philliparo Co. handles all of it from our Allen workshop — see our services or call (972) 798-3761.
More guides
- 7 Signs Your Lamp Needs Rewiring
- Home Lamp Safety Checklist
- LED vs Incandescent for Older Lamps
- How to Clean a Crystal Chandelier Safely
- Caring for Antique Brass Lamp Finishes
- What Lamp Repair Costs in North Texas
- Troubleshooting a Three-Way Lamp
- How to Prepare a Lamp for Drop-Off
- Restoring Mid-Century Modern Lighting
Ready to bring your lamp back to life?
Call now for a straight answer and an honest quote, or send us a few photos and we will tell you what the repair involves.