Silk, Mica & Parchment Lampshades
A New Shade for a Favorite Lamp
Give a favorite table or floor lamp a fresh look with a shade that complements its shape and your room. Explore silk and linen for soft texture, mica for a warm Arts and Crafts character, or patterned parchment for a decorative finishing touch.
Start with the shade’s size and how it attaches to your lamp, then choose a shape and material that suit the base. Whether you’re refreshing an antique or finishing a newer lamp, consider the shade and base together for a balanced look.
Have a material, size, or fitting in mind? Scroll down to explore your options.
FAQ
- Harp type: lampshade frame has a 3 spoke metal spider, near top of lampshade, with a center washer-like hole. This washer-fitter slips down onto top post of lamp harp. A lamp harp is an upside down u shape component with a short threaded post on top. Once shade is in place, a lamp-finial is then screwed down on this post to secure the shade.
- Chimney shades have a 2-⅜” diameter ring in center of lampshade frame near top of shade. Ring slips over glass chimney to rest on chimney-bulge.
- Clip-on shades have a spring-like wire device that fits snugly around light bulb. A shade holder is not used. This style is used on smaller lamps.
- UNO fitter shades are used on Bridge Lamps where the shade hangs down. The metal shade frame has a 1-¼” threaded ring at the center top. This threaded ring screws directly onto the end of a UNO lamp socket. This style has specialized threading at bulb end of socket.
- Reflector type shades have a shade frame with 3 arms in top of shade frame. Each arm has dual V-notches. These 3 arms with notches cradle the glass reflector shade, holding it in position.
- Silk Shades provide a refined sophistication suitable on a wide range of lamp styles. They are offered in neutral colors, integrating seamlessly with a variety of interiors.
- Linen Shades showcase a subtle surface texture that complements rustic and country-style interiors, adding warmth and visual interest to traditional settings.
- Mica Shades are crafted from a natural material embedded with distinctive mineral flecks. When illuminated, the shade's organic composition creates a luminous, shimmering effect.
- Parchment Shades draw from early 20th-century design traditions, distinguished by their decorative botanical and wildlife imagery that evokes period authenticity.
- Check the lamp wiring and socket to make sure the electrical components are safe. Look for physical damage such as cracked or frayed cords. scorch marks, listen for buzzing, and smell for burning odors. If any of these occur the lamp should be rewired for safety.
- What type of shade holder does the lamp have (see shade holder list above). Once you know the type look for compatible options. If the lamp does not have a shade holder, one will need to be added unless a clip-on type will be used or the lamp has a glass chimney that the shade can sit on.
Hardware Experts Since 1968