Why Choose Lamp Shades?
A lamp shade is more than something to cover the bulb, it’s the finishing touch that brings out your lamp’s beauty and sets the mood in a room. At Universal Lighting, we offer a wide selection of stylish and functional lamp shades, carefully chosen to suit every lamp type, interior style, and lighting need.
- Versatile Styling: Easily update the look of table, floor, or ceiling lights with a new shade and get maximum impact for minimal outlay.
- Tactile Materials: Choose from cotton fabric, silk, linen, metal and more to match your decor and soften the look.
- Flexible Application: Shades in various shapes and colours create soft, warm, or dramatic lighting effects. Many shades can be used on table lamps and pendants.
- Compatibility: There’s a shade here for every lamp base, with any bulb type, ensuring ultimate compatibility in every situation.
Sizing Guide
To ensure the perfect fit and aesthetic balance, follow these guidelines for selecting the right lamp shade size:
- Table Lamps: The shade’s width should be roughly twice the width of the lamp’s base. The height should be about one-third to one-half the lamp’s total height (including the base and fitting). For example, a 15 cm wide base suits a 30–35 cm wide shade.
- Floor Lamps: Choose a shade with a diameter 1.5–2 times the base width, typically 40–50 cm for standard floor lamps. The shade height should be proportional to the lamp’s height, usually 30–40 cm.
- Ceiling Fixtures: For pendants, select a shade proportional to the room size. Add the room’s length and width (in feet) to estimate the ideal diameter (in inches). For example, a 10×12 ft room suits a 22-inch shade.
- Fitting Compatibility: Ensure the shade’s fitting, for example spider, or clip-on matches your lamp’s socket or bulb type. Check the shade’s height if using it on a floor or table lamp to confirm the shade sits correctly and obscures the bulb.
- Balance: The shade should cover the bulb and socket without overwhelming the lamp base. Test proportions visually to ensure a cohesive look.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q) How do lamp shades affect lighting?
A) Fabric shades create a soft, diffused ambient light without glare, while metal or darker shades focus light for dramatic looks or performing tasks.
Q) What materials are best for lamp shades?
A) Fabric or silk shades offer warmth, luxurious looks and softness, ideal for bedrooms or living rooms. Metal shades suit modern or industrial spaces, while linen adds a natural look.
Q) Are shades interchangeable between table and ceiling lights?
A) Many shades are interchangeable if it has a reversible gimbal. Check the shade’s description to check and ensure the shade’s size is in proportion. If in doubt, call us on 0151 650 2138, we’re here to help.
Q) What types of lamp shades are available?
A) We offer fabric, silk, linen, and metal shades in various shapes like drum, empire, conical, and rectangular, suitable for table, floor, or ceiling lights.
Q) How do I clean and maintain lamp shades?
Dust fabric shades regularly with a soft cloth, feather duster or use a lint roller for light cleaning. If it becomes badly soiled, then it can be washed carefully. Metal shades can be wiped with a damp cloth and dried immediately. Never use harsh chemicals or abrasives.
