Lamps Without Shades

Lamps without shades can look unattractive, but they’re a great way to add some color and personality to your room. They also come in a wide range of shapes, sizes and styles that can help you find the perfect light fixture for any room.

Styles and Function

Lamp bases can be available in a variety of materials, including glass, wood and shiny metallic finishes, and they can provide a variety of different lighting options. For example, a floor lamp can provide ambient luminescence to the room or can be used for task lighting, such as reading. Table and desk lamps can help illuminate the workspace for more efficiency and comfort.

Consider what the lamp is used for and the rest of the decor in the room before choosing a style. For instance, a modern-styled lamp might have minimal details and bold colors that blend into the overall design of the space, while a classic style might be more decorative and feature ornate fine details such as scrollwork and fancy curves.

The shape of the shade is another important factor to consider. While rectangular and square shades are often the most obvious, some more unusual-shaped shades can be found as well. These include bell (pagoda), drum, empire, and hexagon or octagon shades.

How the shade is made will have a major influence on the direction of the light that shines through the lamp. For example, soft, rounded or natural-looking materials like linen and jute will produce more of a soft, diffused light. However, hard-backed or lined materials will block some of the light and can cause glare.

Ideally, the diameter of the shade should equal 65% – 80% of the base’s height, so for a 6-inch base, choose a shade that’s at least 12 inches wide. Depending on the size and shape of the lamp, the shade may need to be taller or thinner than this to accommodate the bulb.

Material and Size

Lamp shades are available in a variety of materials, including metals, glass and fabrics. For a more minimalist aesthetic, try a fabric-lined shade that reflects the light, while a metal or patterned shade provides a more dramatic effect.

If the shade is made of a thicker material, it can be more difficult to remove the bulb from the fixture, so be sure to select a style that’s suitable for your needs. This will be especially important if the lamp is positioned in a position where it could be exposed to extreme heat or moisture.

Determining the correct shade size is easy to do with a simple system of measurements. This involves measuring the base and height of the lamp, then calculating the shade’s width.

Then, subtract the height of the shade from that measurement to determine the ideal height for the lamp. For example, if the total height of the lamp is 24 inches, the shade should be at least 8 inches tall.

Once you’ve figured out the right shade size, it’s time to attach it. Most lamp shades have a spider fitter that attaches to the base of the lamp and is secured by a finial. Some shades use clip-on or uno assemblies, but a spider fitter is the preferred method for most.