A lampshade is a decorative cover for your lightbulb. Its main job is controlling light direction, reducing glare, and serving as the key piece that gives your lamp its signature look. Lampshades can be made from various materials, like fabric, metal, glass beads, or even plastic.
In this blog, we’ll break down the lamp shade parts diagram to give you a clear understanding of each component and how they work together to make your lamp shine, both literally and figuratively!
| Part | Function |
| Finial | Decorative piece securing the shade to the harp |
| Fitter | Connects the shade to the lamp base, allowing stability and adjustments |
| Washer | Provide support between the socket and shade, preventing tilting |
| Harp | Hold the lampshade in place, typically topped with a finial |
| Frame | Maintain the shade's shape |
| Fabric/Covering | Define the shade's appearance and light diffusion |
Starting at the lamp shade parts diagram, we find a finial. It is a decorative accessory that screws onto the top of the harp to hold the shade and spider fitter securely in place.
Typically, a finial's size will match the proportion of your lamp shade and base. Larger shades come with bigger finials for balance, while smaller shades pair best with delicate ones.
These fancy little toppers can be made from various materials like metal, plastic, or glass. They also come in a wide range of styles and colors to complement the decor of any room beautifully. Some popular finial designs come in traditional, classic, contemporary, and novelty. There’s one for every taste.
Some lamps include a finial out-of-the-box, while others don’t. However, you can always buy one separately and top it off yourself. But remember not all finials fit perfectly. Therefore, if you're about to buy one, check out our finial guide first to choose the right size with a matching style.
Fun fact: Some people go all out and build epic collections of lamp finials. Who knew they could be such a fun hobby?
The lampshade fitter is the metal part that connects the lampshade to the lamp base or socket. It keeps the shade securely in place, ensuring stability while allowing for adjustments in height or angle. Lampshade fitters are typically made from sturdy metals such as stainless steel or brass.
Here are common types of lampshade fitters, each designed to match a specific lamp base or socket.
1- Spider fitter
Features a metal frame with arms that extend from the center, with holes or notches for attaching the shade’s frame. Many spider arms also have v-notches, allowing the shade to rest on lamps with diffuser bowls. Usually works best with harp and finial setups.
Spider fitters come in two types: the industry standard 1/2" washer and a standard 1/2" washer with a cutout for specific applications.
2- Uno fitter
Features a ring that screws onto the socket instead of attaching to the harp like a spider fitter.
Uno fitters come in two types: threaded versions for pendant lamps and non-threaded versions for table lamps.
3- Clip-on fitter
Features clips or clasps to grip the bulb or socket, allowing the shade to hang freely.
There are two types of clips: Flame clips for candelabra or flame-shaped bulbs (also called candle or butterfly clips) and Round clips for standard bulbs in small table and desk lamps. Clips can be single or double, with double clips providing added stability for multiple shades.
4- Euro fitter
Attaches below the light bulb, fitting over the socket threads and securing with a nut. This fitter is made for standard Euro sockets and works with both pendants and table lamps.
Euro fitters are made for standard Euro sockets but tend to run slightly smaller than their stated size. For example, a 1 5/8" Euro fitter actually has an inside dimension of 1 9/16", and so on.
5- Fixed gimbal fitter
Attaches to the top of the lamp base socket and wires from the top. It is secured in place by a threaded ring that screws onto the washer. This fitter type is usually used for 12-inch shade or smaller with washer sizes including 1.65 inches (ES), 1.1 inches (BC or SES), and 0.79 inches (SBC). Fixed gimbal fitter is typically found in wall sconces and pendant lights.
6- Base fitters are available in 1.65 inches (ES), 1.1 inches (BC or SES), and 0.79 inches (SBC)
Functions similarly to the fixed gimbal fitter, but is wired from the bottom instead. Washer sizes for this fitter type are available in 1.65 inches (ES), 1.1 inches (BC or SES), and 0.79 inches (SBC).
7- Chimney rings (Specialty fitter)
Also called a hurricane fitter, mainly found in traditional lamps. Designed for lamps with glass chimney shades. They have a narrow opening to secure the chimney and often use a threaded design to screw onto the base.
8- Duplex fitter
Works with a shade carrier to set the height of the lampshade on table or floor lamps. These fitters are available in a wide range of sizes: 3 inches, 4 inches, 5 inches, 6 inches, 7 inches, 8 inches, 9 inches, 10 inches, and even up to 22 inches.
A lampshade washer is a small yet vital part that gives structure and support to a lamp. It’s attached to the lampshade and acts as part of the fitting that connects to the lamp base’s holder. This round metal disc is usually made of brass or steel and often coated with a protective finish like nickel or chrome.
Working as a cushion between the socket and shade, it keeps everything balanced and wobble-free, so your shade stays stylish and steady. Without a washer in place, you might find your shade tilting or even at risk of damage from too much direct contact with the socket.
Harps are the components that keep the lampshade attached to the lamp. They feature vertical slits on the sides for a secure fit onto the socket. Typically, most harp has a curved top with a threaded stud that extends through the shade's top to hold it in place.
Attachment points of a harp include:
Harps often feature metallic finishes like brass, bronze, nickel, and antique brass. While most are made of sturdy steel with a sleek metal coating, some boudoir lamp harps are crafted from solid cast brass for that extra elegance.
Furthermore, harps come in different sizes. The harp should be tall enough for the shade to sit just above the bulb, ensuring optimal lighting while preventing contact that could create a fire hazard.
Wondering which harp fits your lamp? Let’s choose from different types of lamp harps along with tips to help you pick the perfect match.
A lampshade frame, located beneath the fabric of the shade, is an essential part of a lampshade that provides structure and support to maintain the shade shape and stay intact. Without this trusty frame, the lampshade would be floppy and shapeless. The frame is usually made of strong metal wire, which affects the shade's longevity.
Along with structural components, decorative elements like trims, fringes, or beads can be added to jazz up the lampshade's appearance.
Shades come in all shapes and sizes! The shape of the built-in frame should either match your shade or create a bold contrast with it. Here are some popular shade styles:
Too many shapes got you spinning? This guide on how to choose lampshade will help you pick the perfect one to suit your space.
Standard measurements include:
| Top Diameter x Bottom Diameter x Slant Height |
The slant height is the straight line measured from the top edge to the bottom edge. The shade size depends on the lamp base type (table or floor) and your personal style.
The fabric is the outer layer of the lampshade which gives the lamp its unique character, shaping the light to create just the right atmosphere. It is often fastened to the frame with adhesive or clips, it creates a secure and seamless finish.
Beneath the outer layer of the lampshade lies the lining, which is the material that makes up the interior. This layer plays a big role in how much light shines through.
A thicker lining helps maintain the shade's color consistency, whether the light is on or off. Reflective linings are like little light bouncers, pushing light out from the top and bottom instead of soaking it up.
Linings can be made from various materials like plastic, fabric, or styrene, each offering a unique method for managing light diffusion or reflection.
Shades are made from a variety of materials, each affecting the light's quality. Here are some common materials:
If you're worried about your lampshade getting damaged when covering it on the lamp frame, check out these steps and tips for covering a lampshade with fabric and paper successfully.
Feeling overwhelmed by all the material choices? Don’t worry! Our guide has rounded up all the lampshade materials and shares tips to help you pick the ideal match for your cherished lamp.
The funniest part of a lampshade may lie in its design features, and they are:
But wait, there’s more! Lampshade designs go way beyond plain trims and basic pleats. Explore our collection to discover all the unique lampshade designs waiting for you!
Although it's not technically part of a lamp diagram, the light bulb socket is the component that the shade wraps around. It connects the bulb to the lamp’s electrical circuit, allowing it to function properly.
Depending on the lamp design, the socket typically connects to the harp base or holds the lampshade in place via a washer when there is no harp.
The lamp switch controls turning the lamp on and off, and sometimes adjusting brightness. Some switches are on the base (it’s one of the lamp body parts), while others connect directly to the socket (parts of the lamp socket), often covered by the lampshade as earlier mentioned. This keeps everything neat and functional, letting you manage your lamp’s lighting with a simple flick or twist.
Our lamp shade parts diagram gives you a sneak peek into all the hidden parts of your lamp, from the decorative finial to the essential frame and fabric, all working together to create style and control light.
Now you know how each part works to keep your light glowing and your space looking fab. Plus, with this diagram, choosing the right style or repairing a lampshade becomes a breeze.
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