By Mi-Ling Stone Poole  –

Dear Mi-Ling: I have some favorite classic lamps but need to replace the shades. I didn’t want just ordinary department store shades.

You stated in your column one should change out light shades with the seasons. Where can I find unusual and quality shades?

Phyllis H.

Dear Phyllis: Finding unusual and high quality shades are not that difficult you can find them on line or visit your local lighting center. But before you go on the hunt for the perfect shade you need to know a few things:

First, measure your current shade. Start my measuring the vertical length of the shade on a slant and up and down. Next measure the diameter of the shade at the top and the bottom. It’s always a good idea when possible to take your lamp or shade with you to the store for a perfect fit.

Next determine what type of connection your lamp has to the shade.

The most common is a spider with harp.  This type of connection screws into the top of the shade and slides into place and locks at the base below the bulb.  Another type of connection is a Uno. This type is found on smaller lamps. The wiring is attached directly to the socket of the lamp. The third type is a clip on. Most accent lamps and chandeliers use this type of shade connection. It’s all one piece and squeezes over the bulb.

After deciding which type of connection you have consider all of the styles of lamp shades and stay true to the base but don’t be afraid to change things up a bit.

Common styles of shades include

Bell lamp shade

Pleated shades

A classic squared shade

A floor lamp shade

Curved with cut corners

A drum shade

Scalloped shade

Materials for quality shades can consist of linen, silk, leather and suede. But you can also find velvet, sea grass, embroidered, stamped or printed shades to name a few.

Basically the sky is the limit.

However, before purchasing a new shade consider the purpose of the lamp. Do you need good light for reading or just ambient light? Are you trying to use the lamp shades to pop color in the room?

If the shade is too dark it will block out some of the light which can affect the total amount of lighting generated in the room. If possible take your base and test it in the show room. If you order online be sure you can return it before you purchase.

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