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Fabric Shades Made Simple: Frames, Harps & Tips

Fabric Shades Made Simple: Frames, Harps & Tips

Fabric lampshades can seem tricky — with all the different types of frames, harps, and fittings, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. In this guide, we’ll break it down simply: how to understand the different components, what to look for when choosing a fabric lampshade, and tips to make sure you order exactly what you need. Whether you’re refreshing a room or specifying shades for a project, this guide will help make the process stress-free.

1. Types of Frames

The frame is the skeleton of the fabric lampshade and determines its shape, stability, and how it attaches to the lamp. Common types include:

  • BC Harp – Frame with a 29mm hole to sit on a bayonet lampholder (B22), usually sits approx. 40mm up from the bottom of the shade for table and floor lamps.
  • Euro Harp – Frame with a 40mm diameter hole to sit on an Edison screw lampholder (E27), usually sits approx. 40mm up from the bottom of the shade for table and floor lamps.
  • American Harp – Attaches at the top of the shade with a small 10mm hole.
  • Clip-on – Attaches directly to the bulb, usually for very small lamps or decorative lights.

�� Tip: Always check the lamp’s fitting before ordering a fabric lampshade — the wrong frame can make the shade unusable.

BC Harp

Euro Harps

American Harps

2. Understanding Harps

The harp is the metal piece that attaches the fabric lampshade to the lamp base.

Key points:

  • If you have a Euro harp (40mm) but a BC lampholder (29mm), you can use washer SA007 to make it fit.
  • If you have a BC harp (29mm) but an ES lampholder (40mm), it will not work — your only option is to rewire your lampholder. We offer a repair service if needed.
  • American harps are uncommon, but we can custom make them.
  • Fabric shades for pendants are always fitted at the top of the frame.
  • For batten fix shades, you will need a flat harp — these must be custom made

3. Ordering Terminology

Using the correct terminology when ordering fabric lampshades helps avoid mistakes:

  • Top Diameter (TD) – Width across the top of the shade.
  • Bottom Diameter (BD) – Width across the bottom.
  • Height – Vertical distance from top to bottom; if conical, measured down the slope.
  • Fitting type – Euro, BC, American.
  • Fitting style – Pendant, Tablelamp, or Batten Fix.
  • Fabric – Name and number if using our fabrics.
  • Finish – Double laminated or lining required.

�� Tip: Always double-check measurements and frame type before confirming an order — it saves time and avoids costly returns.

When ordering a fabric shade, using the correct terminology helps avoid mistakes:

  • Top Diameter (TD) – the width across the top of the shade.
  • Bottom Diameter (BD) – the width across the bottom.
  • Height – vertical distance from top to bottom - if conical then down the slop
  • Fitting type – euro,bc, american 
  • Fitting - Pendant, Tablelamp or Batten Fix
  • Fabric  - Name and number if using our fabrics
  • Double laminated or Lining required/ lining 

�� Tip: Always double-check measurements and frame type before confirming an order. It saves time and avoids costly returns.

 

4. Tips for Sizing & Placement

Lampshades are quite tricky to get the correct shade without having the base to try the lampshade on.  We recommend if you are local to bring in your base so you can try different shapes on.  If you are not local you can always send us a picture and measurements of your base and we can see if we have something similar to try on in the shop and send photos.  A couple of tips below
  • When a tablelamp is quite curved in design it tends to suit a shade with at least a slight taper
  • If you tablelamp has a very small footprint, a shade with a smaller diameter at the top would look better, don't go to wide at the top 
  • For table lamps: shade height should be about two-thirds the height of the lamp base
  • For standard floorlamps your smallest diameter is usually 450mm in diameter for it to look balanced

5. Colouring

Yes the colouring does make a difference to how the lampshade preforms
  • Light fabrics will evenly light the fabric shade and let the light come through
  • Dark fabrics will put the light down and the light up
  • Strong rich colours will create a glow in that colour

6. Final Thoughts

Fabric shades are an easy way to refresh a space, but understanding the components and using the correct terminology makes the process much smoother. Whether you’re a homeowner or working on a project, a little knowledge goes a long way in ensuring your shade fits, functions, and looks perfect.

�� Get in touch if you’d like samples or advice on choosing the right frame, harp, or fabric for your lamps — we’re happy to help!

Posted: Sunday 10 May 2026


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A family business with 46 years of lighting expertise, we offer everything from chandeliers to custom fabric lampshades. Our showroom is bursting with colour and lights, plus we provide parts for rewiring and reuse. Let our friendly team help you find the perfect lighting solution!

 


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