About Shades - What you need to know | Blogs

It is very important to supply us with the correct measurements when requesting a quote for a customer lampshade.

Always use the formula “top diameter x bottom diameter x vertical height”.

Do not measure the slant by resting your tape measure on the angle of the shade. Place your tape measure on the inside of the lampshade and measure from top to bottom on the vertical. Always ensure your lampshade is resting on a flat surface when doing so.

How to measure a lampshade:

Glossary of Terms

BIAS	A seperate trim sewn onto the top and bottom of a lampshade. Often used on more classic styled lampshades.
CANDLE CLIP	See “Fitting Types”
CSF	Customer Supply Fabric will be stated on quotes when the client wishes to send their own fabric
CABTYRE	Electrical PVC cable used for wiring pendants. Standard colours are black and white
E27	See “Lampholder Types”
HORIZONTAL WEAVE	The weave pattern forming horizontal strips of fibre. This method of weaving is quite labour intensive and requires more material and is therefore more expensive than random weave
LAMP HOLDER	See “Lampholder Types”
MOQ	Minimum Order Quantity
PVC LINING	PVC is used on the inside of lampshade to keep the shape rigid. We stock clear or white in two thicknesses. 350micron is used on smaller lampshades and 500micron is used on larger lampshades. Clear PVC is commonly used for more atmospheric lighting and allows more light to shine through the fabric. White PVC diffuses the light up and down of the shade and is often therefore used for more functional lighting
PONGEE LINING	A fabric lining used on the inside of pleated shades where PVC cant be used
PENDANT	A hanging light
PLEATS	Folds in the fabric used to cover the lampshade. See “Pleated Shade Types”
RANDOM WEAVE	A more commonly used style of weave that follows no specific pattern. The more affordable alternative
RGD FRAME	A rigid frame (RGD) comprises of a lampshade that has vertical struts connecting the ring and fitting. It replaces the function of the PVC as is generally used for pleated or woven shades where the framework needs to have a support structure
RECESS	Recess refers to the space in mm between the base of the shade and the shade ring. This measurement is important as it is used to conceal the lampholder
SOUTACH	A braid / detailed trim glued onto the lampshade after manufacture to add detail
SA / BAYONETTE	See “Lampholder Types”
SHADE RING	See “Washer Types”
SELF FOLD	Refers to the same fabric used on the lampshade folded back over the top and bottom of the shade to form a trim. Used commonly on pleated shades to give a finished look
TUCK	The lampshade fabric is wrapped over the top and bottom of the shade and tucked around the wire

Fitting Types

	Top Fit Used mostly on pendant shades where the fitting is at the top of the lampshade
	Cone Fit Used mostly with tapered shades. Allows for stacking and therefore advisable for large volumes being transported
	Bottom Fit Used mostly with drums or shades that have the same top and bottom diameter. Not advisable for large volumes being shipped as they cant stack.
	Candle Clip Used for lampshades that clip onto the top of candle globe. Commonly found on chandeliers etc
	Dual Clip Used for lampshades that clip onto the top of normal golf ball globe. Commonly found on chandeliers etc

Washer Types

The washer, also known as the shade ring, is welded to the lampshade and forms part of the fitting that connects to the lampholder of the lamp base.

Not all washers are interchangable with different lampholders. One must clearly know the difference between the 2 most commonly used washers to allow your lampshade to fit onto your lamp base properly.

Should you order lampshades manufactured with E27 washers in error, one can purchase “converters” from us that clip onto the existing E27 washer to convert it to a SA washer instead. This is a cheaper alternative than remaking the lampshade.

{shade-washer1}

ID 23mm

{shade-washer2}

ID 42mm

SA WASHER

Most commonly used in South Africa
Also referred to as BC / Bayonet
Fits onto a bayonet lampholder

E27 WASHER

Most commonly used overseas
Also referred to as ES / Screw in
Fits onto an E27 / Euro lampholder

Pleated Lampshades


BOX PLEATED SHADE	KNIFE PLEATED SHADE	PINCHED PLEATED SHADE

Lampshade Types


Drum	Tapered Drum	Cylinder	Square


Tapered Square	Rectangle	Oval	Tapered Oval


Cone	Tall Cone	Triple Drum	Double Drum


Straight Vogue	Vogue	Square Vogue	Scalloped Vogue


Tall Vogue	T498	RGD Cone	Tiffany Scalloped


Oval Vogue	Hexagon	Double Bottom Vogue

Lampholder Types

Not all bulbs work in a specific light fixture. It is therefore important to know the different characteristics of each bulb type in order to get the most out of your lighting and to avoid the dangers of using the wrong bulbs in your fixtures. Find below the two most commonly used lamp fitting types.

	SA Bayonette Lamp Fitting	E27 / Euro Lamp Fitting
Bulb
Lampholder (that the globe fits into)
Washer / Shade Ring (that is welded to the lampshade and fits onto the lampholder)
Differences	Most commonly used in South Africa Also referred to as BC / Bayonet / SA Bulb “clips” and turns in Smaller lampholder More affordable	Most commonly used overseas Also referred to as ES / Screw in Bulb screws in Larger lampholder More expensive