Lamp Harps & Finials
Harps—available in brass, antique brass, and nickel finishes—anchor fabric, parchment, and mica shades to electric lamps with reliable stability. Another option is the adjustable shade riser, offered in two heights, accommodate proportional variations, allowing precise positioning of shades and finials. Complementary finials in diverse profiles—from traditional to sculptural florals and fauna—crown the harp assembly or shade riser to secure the lampshade to the lamp. Whether restoring heirloom pieces or assembling reproduction fixtures, these components deliver both mechanical integrity and curated aesthetics that honor classic and mid-century design vocabularies.
FAQ
If your lamp shade has a small washer-like ring in top center of the shade frame, with a 7/16" diameter hole, your lamp requires a harp or a lamp shade extension to support the shade.
A harp is a two part assembly comprised of top, an upside down U-shaped metal support with a small threaded post at center top and a base, a notched upright wing shape piece with a 3/8" diameter center hole. Most harps are easily changed to a different height if needed.
A lampshade extension is not as common as a harp. It is typically used with a socket cluster.
- The harp typically measures approximately one inch shorter than the lampshade's height once installed. However individual lamp and shade combinations may warrant deviation from this standard.
- When determining if the shade is at the correct height for the lamp, always look at the lamp on a surface height it will most often be viewed at. It is amazing how different a lamp can look placed on a table versus placed on a taller sideboard.
- When the shade is in place, the base of the lamp socket should not be seen.
- By viewing your lamp in its intended context rather than relying solely on measurements, you can determine whether the harp height achieves proper shade positioning and visual harmony specific to your installation.
- If the shade is sitting too low or too high the easiest solution is to replace the harp with a more appropriate height harp.
Finial selection requires thoughtful consideration. It must harmonize visually with your lamp's base in both material and stylistic vocabulary. The finial should scale appropriately to the lamp without appearing disproportionately large or undersized. Mechanically, the finial screws securely onto the harp's threaded stem, anchoring the shade while providing visual closure to the assembly. While material and style consistency establish coherence, finial selection ultimately reflects personal aesthetic preference, with options spanning minimalist designs to elaborate forms, allowing you to express individual taste while maintaining functional reliability.
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