TECHNICAL TERMS & INFORMATION

HOW TO MEASURE A LAMPSHADE

Our core business is the manufacture of lampshades. We have over time realised that we need to diversify our product offering and have since added product catagores to our range such as wire tables, scatter cushions, lamp bases, ottomans, placemats, table runners etc

LAMPHOLDER TYPES

Not all bulbs work in a specific light fixture. It is therefore important to know the different characteristics of each bulb type in order to get the most out of your lighting and to avoid the dangers of using the wrong bulbs in your fixtures. Find below the two most commonly used lamp fitting types.

SA Bayonette Lamp Fitting:

    • Most commonly used in South Africa
    • Also referred to as BC / Bayonet / SA
    • Bulb “clips” and turns in
    • Smaller lampholder
    • More affordable

E27 / Euro Lamp Fitting:

    • Most commonly used overseas
    • Also referred to as ES / Screw in
    • Bulb screws in
    • Larger lampholder
    • More expensive

WASHER TYPES

The washer, also known as the shade ring, is welded to the lampshade and forms part of the fitting that connects to the lampholder of the lamp base.

Not all washers are interchangable with different lampholders. One must clearly know the difference between the 2 most commonly used washers to allow your lampshade to fit onto your lamp base properly

Should you order lampshades manufactured with E27 washers in error, one can purchase “converters” from us that clip onto the existing E27 washer to convert it to a SA washer instead. This is a cheaper alternative than remaking the lampshade.

SA WASHER

  • Most commonly used in South Africa
  • Also referred to as BC / Bayonet
  • Fits onto a bayonet lampholder

E27 WASHER

  • Most commonly used overseas
  • Also referred to as ES / Screw in
  • Fits onto an E27 / Euro lampholder

FITTING TYPES

Top Fit
Used mostly on pendant shades where the fitting is at the top of the lampshade

Cone Fit
Used mostly with tapered shades. Allows for stacking and therefore advisable for large volumes being transported

Bottom Fit
Used mostly with drums or shades that have the same top and bottom diameter. Not advisable for large volumes being shipped as they cant stack.

Candle Clip
Used for lampshades that clip onto the top of candle globe. Commonly found on chandeliers etc

Dual Clip
Used for lampshades that clip onto the top of normal golf ball globe. Commonly found on chandeliers etc

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

BIAS

A separate trim sewn onto the top and bottom of a lampshade. Often used on more classic styled lampshades

CANDLE CLIP

See “Fitting Types”

CSF

Customer Supply Fabric will be stated on quotes when the client wishes to send their own fabric

CABTYRE
Electrical PVC cable used for wiring pendants. Standard colours are black and white.
E27
See “Lampholder Types”
HORIZONTAL WEAVE
The weave pattern forming horizontal strips of fibre. This method of weaving is quite labour intensive and requires more material and is therefore more expensive than random weave.

LAMPHOLDER

See “Lampholder Types”
MOQ
Minimum Order Quantity
PVC LINING
PVC is used on the inside of lampshade to keep the shape rigid. We stock clear or white in two thicknesses. 350micron is used on smaller lampshades and 500micron is used on larger lampshades. Clear PVC is commonly used for more atmospheric lighting and allows more light to shine through the fabric. White PVC diffuses the light up and down of the shade and is often therefore used for more functional lighting.
PONGEE LINING
A fabric lining used on the inside of pleated shades where PVC cant be used
PENDANT
A hanging light
PLEATS
Folds in the fabric used to cover the lampshade. See “Pleated Shade Types”
RANDOM WEAVE
A more commonly used style of weave that follows no specific pattern. The more affordable alternative
RGD FRAME
A rigid frame (RGD) comprises of a lampshade that has vertical struts connecting the ring and fitting. It replaces the function of the PVC as is generally used for pleated or woven shades where the framework needs to have a support structure
RECESS
Recess refers to the space in mm between the base of the shade and the shade ring. This measurement is important as it is used to conceal the lampholder
SOUTACH
A braid / detailed trim glued onto the lampshade after manufacture to add detail
SA / BAYONETTE
See “Lampholder Types”
SHADE RING
See “Washer Types”
SELF FOLD
Refers to the same fabric used on the lampshade folded back over the top and bottom of the shade to form a trim. Used commonly on pleated shades to give a finished look
TUCK
The lampshade fabric is wrapped over the top and bottom of the shade and tucked around the wire