Lamp shades If general (ambient) illumination is required, then the shade is made from a light colored material, which is translucent in nature. The shade should have a wide opening (like that of a barrel) at the top to direct the light upwards and side wards. If you want to read, the shade should be tapered so that the light falls on the book or paper. The shades can be of any color, but only the inside should be white. All the light is reflected downwards. The shade should be so adjusted that the eyes are at a level above the bottom of the shade and the width of the shade at the bottom adequately ensures dispersion of light onto the book. Lamp shades are available not only in different shapes but in a variety of colors and sizes. Hardbacks and silks are two basic types that are available. - Hardback shades have an inner lining of plastic and paper or fabric is laminated on to it. This is stretched to fit around 2 wire rings one at the top and the other at the bottom. The extended portions are folded and glued together. These shades are inexpensive, but cannot be washed. Hardbacks are available in the form of almost any geometrical shape, drums, squares, hexagons, ovals and rectangles. In drum shades, the diameter of the top ring is less than that of the bottom ring and the length of the shade is almost the same as the diameter of the bottom ring. Oval, square and rectangular shades can be designed in any fashion depending on individual taste. Empire and coolie shades slope outward from the top and the only difference is in the diameter of the bottom ring. In the case of Empire shades, the bottom diameter is twice that of the top, and in a coolie shade, the bottom diameter is thrice that of the top. The lengths vary from 11\2 times to twice the size of the diameter of the top ring. - Silk shades are not really made of silk. These shades have a full wire frame meaning that the top and bottom rings are connected with side wires over which a special fabric is fitted. The inner lining is generally white in color and an outer fabric covering is attached to the special fabric. These so-called silk shades are more expensive than the hardbacks but are more durable. One advantage is that they can be washed using warm soapy water and can also be dried. As these shades have a full wire frame, it is possible to produce unusual and interesting shapes. Many fabrics like linens, damasks, canvas, and cotton, can be used in the making of shades, but what is attractive about them is that they are being made more decorative with adornments and trims such as pleating, rope trims, embroidery, beads, paint, and feathers. Besides defining different types of lamp shades by their shape, material, or degree of filtering light, we can look at how they attach to the base. Most standard conical shades sit atop a vertical stand and attach with a wing nut or screw. Some shades are permanently attached, such as the dishes on halogen torchieres. When purchasing a lampshade, there are 3 important measurements that come into play. The diameter of the top ring, the diameter of the bottom ring, and the depth. Depending on the size ratio and length of these elements, this shape may be called a drum, coolie, or empire. Keep in mind, the shade should cover electrical parts and should be just the right width and height so the harsh glare of the bulb is not visible. Remember to keep lamp shades clean. If they are not washable, dust them regularly, and if they are washable, warm water and a mild detergent will make the dust and dirt disappear. Using a brush with soaps suds on it and dipping it into water will make the task easier. Keep changing the dirty water three or four times to ensure a good wash. Dry well. Sometimes during the wash, the fabric will seem to sag, but once it is dry, it will fit taut again over the lamp. Back : Home and Outdoor lighting Home : Cleaning Guide |