In a world where shopping has become less than personalized, it is a refreshing change to find that there are still sales people who are courteous and helpful. That is the way it is at Lamp and Shade Outlet in Philadelphia. If you have ever purchased a lamp shade online or at a super store, you know that there is no one there to answer your questions most of the time. Shading a lamp can become a complex thing, not every lamp shade is for every lamp, and just because the size is right does not necessarily mean it is going to fit your lamp without some adjustments, mostly minor. When you purchase a lamp shade from us, we will personally fit it your lamp, keeping your wants in mind at all times. There are two major things that can make a lamp shade NOT be right for your lamp. The most important thing is balance. If the shade is too large or too small, or too wide, the balance of the shade will be totally off. The other problem is that even when you find your size, the spider may be raised more than yours, or lower into the lampshade. This is going to result in either the mechanics of the socket showing, or the top of your lamp disappearing, which not only cuts your light, but also once again takes away the ever important balance.
Now I will let you in on a little known secret. You do not have to lug the lamp shade back to the store, you can purchase one of two very handy gadgets. A harp is the horseshoe shaped metal bracket that fits around the light bulb, which your lamp shade sits on. This harp is available in sizes from 6″ to 14″, with 1/2″ increments. This is used to get the shade where it needs to be. The other is riser. This is a brass piece that fits on the end of your harp. It screws onto the threading. This will raise the shade from 1/2″ to 2″, in half inch increments. These are two of the most important parts of shading a lamp, they solve most every problem!
My best advise is, when possible, bring your lamp with you to get the proper fit. We offer that service at our store. When you cannot, as when purchasing from the internet, contact the person or business you are dealing with, and make sure the specs of the shade are close to yours, unless you are certain they are. We do not mind questions, we welcome them. We do not want you to have an ill fitting lamp shade! So please feel free to call me toll free 1-866-447-0403 and I will be glad to answer all of your questions about lighting, or visit us at www.lampandshadeoutlet.com.
Thanks, Barbara
