FAQs

WHAT SIZE LAMPSHADE DO I NEED?

This is a tricky question to answer, as it depends on personal preference. 

As table lamps come in all shapes and sizes it’s important to keep the lamp shade proportional to the size of the lamp base.

Generally larger lamp bases need larger shades and smaller lamps need smaller shades.

A perfectly fitting shade should hide the bulb holder underneath, our base rings offer a 4cm drop from light fitting to the base ring, or you can choose your height position with a shade carrier

Lamp shades are sized by measuring cross the diameter at the bottom of the shade - so if the shade diameter measures 25cm across the bottom, then it is known as a 25cm shade. As a rule, you should be looking for 15-20 cm wide shades for a smaller lamp base, between 20-35 cm for an average lamp base and anything up to about 50 cm for a floor lamp.

  • The height of the lampshade should be about two thirds the height of the lamp base.

  • The lampshade should be the wider than the widest part of the lamp base.

  • The width of the lampshade (diameter at the bottom) should be roughly equal to the height of the lamp base.

A great trick which help you to visualise the lampshade for your table or floor lamp: cut a rectangular shape out of paper in the size you think would work best for your lamp and hold the paper above the lamp base. Creating paper templates in different sizes can help you to chose the perfect lampshade size. For ceiling lampshades I recommend cutting out a paper circle in the diameter needed, hold this up to see if it’s the size right for the room.

 

WHAT FITTING DO THE LAMPSHADES HAVE?

Normally I make the lampshades using ‘utility rings’ which are made to fit any UK fitting (Bayonet Cap B22) or European (Edison Screw E27). It comes with a an adapter which enables it to work with both fittings.

The fitting in the centre of the lampshade sits 4cm up from the bottom of a lampshade for a lamp, or 4cm down from the top of a ceiling pendant lampshade.

How do I make a lampshade sit lower on the base? This can be achieved with a ‘duplex ring’ and a  shade carrier, for more information please message me: info@zoecraftdesigns.com

WHAT BULB SHOULD I USE WITH MY LAMPSHADE?

I always recommend using an LED light bulb. 

(If you want to use it with traditional incandescent light bulbs I’d recommend low energy one for small shades, max 40 Watt for medium size shades and max 60 Watt for larger lamp shades.)

 

WHAT INNER LINING SHOULD I CHOSE FOR MY LAMPSHADE?

The white inner lining diffuse the light through the fabric and throws out more light from the shade. 

Metallic linings do not allow much light through compared to the white lining. The light will tend to glow from the top and bottom of the shade with a tone of the lining colour. 

Light from lampshades lined with Metallic linings will give a hue depending on the colour of the chosen lining.

Gold linings projects a warm, yellower glow out from the inside of the shade. Copper lining casts a warm reddish glow. 

Also keep in mind that the thicker velvet fabrics won’t allow much light to pass through the shade either.

 

WILL MY LAMPSHADE BE FIRE RETARDANT?

Yes, the self-adhesive lampshade panel is engineered for lampshade making, fire resistant, complies with BS EN 60598-1-2008, the British Standard for Luminaries and passed the glow wire test carried out by the Lighting Association.
Any fabric, textile or paper that is laminated to the panel will become fire resistant.

 

DO YOU OFFER SAMPLES OF THE FABRIC?

Sure, I’m happy to send a small sample of the fabric to you! I can send you up to 3 fabric samples for free, please get in touch on the CONTACT page or send a message to: info@zoecraftdesigns.com

 

DO YOU MAKE DIFFERENT SHAPES AND SIZES OF LAMPSHADE?

Most of the shades on my website are drum and oval shades, I can make various shapes including Empire, Coolie, etc. I can always change the height on drum and oval shades, however tapered shades will require a template to be drawn which will add a bit of time. Please get in touch: info@zoecraftdesigns.com

 

CAN I PROVIDE MY OWN FABRIC FOR YOUR TO MAKE A CUSTOM LAMPSHADE?

Sure!
I love creating something truly unique so please get in touch with me: info@zoecraftdesigns.com

All bespoke orders are of course non-returnable, I recommend sending through samples of your own fabric so I can make sure the material is suitable for use with the lining and binding tapes.

 

DO YOU HAVE DISCOUNT CODES?

I offer a 10% welcome discount for all new customers, sign up to our newsletter to get your code!

If you haven’t received the discount code: please double check your spam / junk folders or email us to resend your code.
Once you’ve signed up to the mailing list, you’ll receive our welcome email with your discount code. This discount code will need to be inputted at checkout to redeem the offer, it is not an automatic discount.

 

DO I WANT TABLE (LAMP) OR PENDANT (CEILING) ORIENTATION?

If the fabric used on the lampshade is plain, like plain velvets I do not need to know whether it is for a lamp or ceiling pendant as it can be used either way round. 

Any lampshade with a directional pattern, I will need to know the fitting type to make sure the pattern is facing the right way.

The Table lamp fittings attach at the bottom of the shade and the Ceiling pendant fittings attach at the top of the shade. 

Please remember to check you ordered the correct orientation on your order confirmation. If it’s incorrect, please let me know as soon as possible by writing to info@zoecraftdesigns.com

 

WHEN WILL MY LAMPSHADE ARRIVE?

I aim to despatch all orders within 7 business days of you placing your order, most of the time even sooner.

However, during busy times, please allow up to 2 weeks for your items to be dispatched and additional 2-4 working days for the delivery.

If you need your lampshade urgently, please send me a message and I will do my best to accommodate your request.

All UK orders are then sent via tracked and signed for services with Royal Mail or Parcelforce, depending on lampshade size. You should receive an automatic e-mail with the tracking number once your order has been despatched, and you should allow for a couple of days for delivery.

 

NEED TO KNOW ANYTHING ELSE? 

Please contact me with any questions you may have or visit the full terms and conditions for further information.