FAQs

What bulb should I use?

A maximum 40 watt or cool to the touch eco or LED bulb is recommended for use with lampshades, and ideally bulbs should be placed a minimum of 5cm away from the side of the shade.

What fittings do the lampshades have?

The contemporary fabric and paper empire and drum shades:

have a light fitting in the base ring, with a converter ring (small plastic converter ring) so they can be used with either UK and EU light fittings - simply remove this ring and they will convert to fit the standard EU size lamp bases. The larger sizes may have a duplex fitting - this is a larger ring fitting set in the top ring of the lampshade - this is so that the shade can be positioned at the height of your choice on your lamp base by using a shade carrier (see below). You can also use a spider fitting to use these as ceiling lampshades.
The vintage lampshades have either a UK fitting only or the larger vintage shades often have a duplex fitting. Both of these items can easily be found at a local lighting shop. Information on fittings for each shade is given in their shop listing.

What size shade carrier should I purchase?

Shade carriers are used where the lampshade has a duplex fitting (see above). The size you get really depends on how tall you wish your shade to be on your standard lamp or lamp base, and they come in many different heights. As general advice, work out the distance you wish to have between the lamp fitting and the duplex (large) ring on your lampshade, and purchase one to your desired height. You can find more information and a video about this on the Dannells website (scroll down to see their helpful video).

What materials are used on the inside of the shades?

The modern shades have a firm laminate or card inner (see individual products for detail). All the laminate/PVC/card products have passed the glow wire test carried out by the Lighting Association. The vintage or hand sewn shades have either a balloon lining in a polyester, linen, silk or related fabric, or do not have a lining (please see individual product details). This will have been treated with a fire resistant spray which offers some heat resistance but please use an LED or low wattage bulb with your lampshade to prevent over heating and scorching.

Do the lampshades come in a variety of other sizes?

Yes they can come in a variety of shapes and sizes, please see the Designs & Sizes detail here

Will you make me a lampshade using my own fabric?

From time to time, as well as selling shades from this website, we do undertake commissions from individual customers and the trade where you want a bespoke item made using your own fabric. Please kindly contact us with your requirement and if we can’t be of help we can certainly put you in touch with other lampshade makers who will be able to help you.

Lampshade terminology

Some useful explanations:

Duplex fitting - a large ring fitting that is generally 11.5cm in diameter

Spider fitting - this is a small three-armed fitting that attaches to your ceiling light fitting, which you can then hook onto the duplex fitting on your lampshade frame

Shade carrier - this is a metal ‘cage’ that fits onto your desk, table or standard lamp base that you then rest your lampshade on (if it has a duplex fitting). The advantage is that you can select the height you wish to have the shade positioned on the base, plus you can remove the shade easily for cleaning

Moveable arm - this is when the light fitting has a hinge - it means that you can move it from being suitable for a lamp base to that of a ceiling shade - these are common in vintage lampshades.

What size lampshade should I buy?

This depends on personal choice, however you want to keep it in proportion to the base you have. Generally:

have a shade low enough to hide the bulb and light fitting, our base rings offer a 4cm drop from light fitting to the base ring, or you can choose your height position with a shade carrier (see above).
choose a shade where the the base ring is wider than the lamp base
the lampshade should be around a third of the whole height of shade and base together

There are many variants around and it can be confusing, if you already have a base try mocking up a shade to see what size looks best!

What methods of payment do you accept?

You can use your debit or credit cards or Paypal to pay for your order - please see our terms & conditions page for more detail. Please note we don’t accept cheques or money over the phone, thank you.