Guidelines for Selecting Harp Lamp Shades

Table lamps are a common type lamp used in many areas in a home. These lamps are produced in a wide variety of sizes, shapes and materials. Most use a lamp harp to support the lamp shade. These lamps, which have a harp or 3/8" diameter shade holder, use Harp Lamp Shades.
 
These shades are fabricated on a wire frame. The frame has a three-wire spider, near the top of shade, with a center ring washer. To place shade onto lamp: simply slide washer-ring fitter down onto harp post or 3/8" diameter shade holder. Secure with a lamp finial.

Guidelines for determining size of Harp Lamp Shade needed

• Height of Lamp Shade: approximately 2/3 rds height of lamp-base. (height of lamp base: distance from bottom of lamp base to base of lamp socket)
• Bottom-diameter of Lamp Shade: approximately 1”-2” less than lamp-base height. Bottom diameter should not exceed lamp-base height.

These generalizations apply to many lamps however personal taste should be the guiding influence. 

• Height of Lamp Shade: approximately 2/3 rds height of lamp-base. (height of lamp base: distance from bottom of lamp base to base of lamp socket)
• Bottom-diameter of Lamp Shade: approximately 1”-2” less than lamp-base height. Bottom diameter should not exceed lamp-base height. 
• Lamp shade proportions should reflect lamp base proportions. For example: a short squat lamp will look best with a shade of similar proportions.
• Using the same lamp shade base shape, round or square, provides a cohesive appearance.
• If using incandescent light bulbs there should be a minimum of 3-1/2” between lamp shade and bulb to allow heat escape.
• If the preferred lampshade size is not available, it is normally best to choose a slightly larger rather than smaller size shade.

Change harp height if the lampshade is sitting too high or low on the lamp.