The basics of lamp terminology for both modern and antique lighting fixtures.
Understanding the right terms found within an industry can be a major advantage when looking to resolve an issue. Whether it be that you’re shopping for glass lamp replacement shades or an entire new lamp or perhaps you may need other spare parts, understanding industry jargon can really give you the leg up on your efforts.
1.Tiffany style An ornately leaded stained glass form of art originally created by Louis Comfort Tiffany over a century ago. (Art Nouveau style). Finding glass lamp replacement shades for antique tiffany’s can be a real challenge at times.
2.Finial peice The decorative top piece for a lampshade. (Usually screws onto harp and holds down lampshade)
3.Ginger jar The round, oval or even square ceramic or glass type base for lamp.
4.Bridge lamp style A floor or table lamp with an extended arm to hold the shade out away from the base. The light is usually focused downward.
5.The Harp A piece of hardware used to secure lamp to base. Harps usually vary in size depending on the depth of the shade.
6.The Base The main decorative body of the lamp.
7.Drum style shade Much like a cylinder, the diameter of a standard drum is most always the same on the top as it is on the bottom.
8.Waterford Lighting Vey high quality Irish Crystal in classic, traditional & modern design lamps, chandeliers and on occasion other various lighting fixtures.
9.The Reflector bowl The typically Glass, open topped bowl on top end of a floor or a table lamp that holds shade.
10.The Uno socket A threaded socket usually on a bridge style or make of lamp. The shade screws directly onto this style of socket.
11.Wire frame The Shade frame construction for many silk-type shades.
12.Parchment style A translucent type of paper used in a few hardback style shades.
13.Fitter The top part of shade frame. Some of the main types are Washer, Uno andChimney.
14.Silk style shade A style of shade made with the fabric inner liner and outer show material typically over a wire frame.
15.Hard back shade A shade usually made with a hard paper or hard vinyl backing.
16.Cooli A shade with a small top diameter, large bottom diameter and short vertical flare that looks like the traditional old Chinese rain hats.
17.Socket The Electrical connecting area into which the bulb is affixed by screwing it into place.
18.Torchere A standing floor lamp which directs the majority of its light upwards.
Sure there are a few more terms in this industry but none that will be required unless your aspirations are to become a professional or consultant in this line of work. The above terms should be more than adequate for simply shopping for glass lamp replacement shades or finding an entirely new lamp for just the right place in your home.