What lampshade fitting do I need?
Choosing the colour, pattern and shape of a lampshade is the enjoyable part—but selecting the correct fitting can feel less straightforward.
Adoro Décor lampshades are available with three fitting options::
- Pendant
- Table/Floor Lamp
- Harp Lamp (USA)
The position of the fitting is important. A pendant shade has its fitting at the top, while a standard table or floor lampshade has its fitting at the bottom. A harp-fitting shade is secured at the top with a finial.
This guide explains each option and helps you select the appropriate fitting when ordering your Adoro Décor lampshade. It does not cover every fitting used internationally, so if your lamp looks different from the examples, please contact us before ordering.
Pendant
As the name suggests, this type of fitting is suitable for ceiling pendant lamp shades. You will choose this fitting for all lampshades that will be hanging from the ceiling.
This type of fitting is also suitable for certain floor lamps which have an arch. These floor lamps have an arm from where the lampshade hangs exactly as in the ceiling pendant. Therefore, you will need to select the pendant fitting if you need a lamp shade for an arch style floor lamp. In both cases the fitting of the lampshade is at the top as well as the bulb, which is facing downwards.
The pendant fitting is made for UK or EU attachments, as described below.
When you receive your pendant lampshade, the central part where the fitting is located will look like this:
The fitting includes a removable reducer ring:
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With the reducer ring in place, the aperture measures approximately 29 mm. This is commonly used with UK lamp holders, including B22 bayonet and E14 Edison screw types.
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With the reducer ring removed, the aperture measures approximately 40 mm. This is commonly used with larger E27 and E26 Edison screw lamp holders.
- E27 Edison Screw Bulbs (reducer ring removed)
- E26 Edison Screw Bulbs (reducer ring removed)
Table/Floor Lamp
Select Table/Floor Lamp when the shade will sit on a conventional table lamp or upright floor lamp. The fitting is positioned at the bottom of the lampshade, with the bulb pointing upwards inside it.
As with the pendant fitting, the removable reducer ring provides two aperture sizes:
- Approximately 29 mm with the reducer ring in place
- Approximately 40 mm with the reducer ring removed
This makes the fitting suitable for many commonly used UK and European lamp holders. If your floor lamp has a curved arm and the shade hangs downwards, choose Pendant instead.
Harp Lamp (USA)
Select Harp Lamp (USA) if your table or floor lamp has a metal harp rising around the bulb and a decorative finial at the top.
This fitting is widely used in the United States, although it can occasionally be found in the UK and elsewhere. It may also be described as a spider or finial fitting.
The shade fitting sits at the top of the lampshade and has an aperture of approximately 10 mm. It rests on the harp and is secured by the finial.
When you order this option, you will receive the lampshade with its harp fitting. The harp and finial are not included, as these are normally supplied with the lamp base. Harps can be replaced if a different height is required.
If your lamp has a harp but you are unsure whether its dimensions will suit your chosen shade, send us a photograph and the height of the harp before ordering.
The harp fitting has an aperture of only 10mm, it sits at the top of the lampshade. The bulb instead is fixed to the lamp base at the bottom and is facing upwards.
What if my fitting looks different?
Other fittings include candle clips, UNO fittings and duplex fittings. If your lamp does not match any of the examples in this guide, please do not guess.
Contact us with:
- A clear photograph of the complete lamp
- A close-up photograph of the lamp holder or existing fitting
- The diameter of the fitting aperture, if possible
- Your country, as fitting conventions vary
We will help you identify the most suitable option before you order.
Found the fitting you need?
You can now explore our handmade lampshades. Each product page allows you to select Pendant, Table/Floor Lamp or Harp Lamp (USA) before adding the shade to your basket.
Our lampshades are handmade to order in the UK and are available in a wide choice of colours, patterns, shapes and sizes. If you need help with both the fitting and proportions, read our guide to choosing the right lampshade size for a table lamp.
