Cheap Lamp Shades – An Affordable Way To Redecorate
Even old lamps and fixtures can regain a distinctive look with a new, cheap lamp shade. The enormous variety of
shapes and styles of cheap lamp shades provides the ability to change the look of a whole room in an instant.
There is often no need for a complete redecoration of a room or even rearranging of furniture when cheap lamp
shades can dramatically transform a space affordably and with very little effort.
Whether you have a new paint décor or just want to freshen up older room furnishings, cheap lamp shades can give
you that brand new look to make your room shine. There are just a few simple guidelines to keep in mind for your
redecoration.
First, you will want to measure your existing lamp shades to get an idea of an appropriate size. Measure the top
diameter, bottom diameter, the vertical slant, and the vertical height of your existing lamp shades. The height of
the new cheap lamp shade should be approximately ¾ of the height of the base.
Also, the lamp shades width should extend past the widest part of the base of the lamp itself. Of course, the
new lamp shade should also extend down far enough to cover the base of the socket and the electrical fittings of
the lamp.
The next question is the type of fitting that you will need, based on the lamp itself.
There are three basic types of fittings: the spider with harp, the uno, and the clip on. The spider with harp
fitting is the most common fitting for table and floor lamps. There will generally be a curved metal piece from the
base of the lamp socket and the top of the lamp shade will have a fitting (the spider) that fits over the top of
the fitting and is usually screwed to the fitting at the top.
The uno fitting is usually found on smaller table lamps and swing arms. With this fitting, no harp is needed
because the wire fitting is permanently attached to the shade and the shade attaches directly to the socket of the
lamp.
Clip on fittings are specialty fittings found on smaller accent lamps and chandeliers. Here, the cheap lamp
shade will attach directly onto the light bulb and there is no additional hardware.
Perhaps the most important decision in switching out your new cheap lamp shade will be the shape. Professional
redecorators believe that the lamp shade should somehow echo the shape of the curve of the lamp base. For example,
a rectangular or square-shaped lamp shade would work well with a lamp that has a square base.
There are other guidelines the professionals use for lamp shade shape based on the look and feel desired by the
owner. In general, cheap lamp shades with pleats provide a casual and homey look. Lamp shades with scalloped edges
are great for bedrooms, providing a relaxed, gracious atmosphere, while fluted shades impart a refined, elegant,
and traditional feel.
Of course, these are very general guidelines and your own personal taste should really dictate the size, color,
shape, and fabric of your new cheap lamp shade. But no matter what you choose, your room can have a completely
redecorated look with a tasteful new cheap lamp shade.
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