FAQ - How To Measure a Shade
A shade is usually referenced by 3 measurements, Top Diameter, Bottom Diameter and the Slant Height, in that order.
If the Top Diameter is 9 inches, the Bottom Diameter is 12 inches and the Slant Height is 11 inches, then shade would be referenced as 9"x12"x11".
Measurements should be take from the outside edges of the shade for accuracy.

INFO - What's in a Shade?
Not all shades are alike! Below is an assortment of different shade shapes & styles as well as the materials available that can come together to make just the shade you're looking for.
Shade Shapes
Empire | Drum |
British Empire | British Drum |
Bell | Retro Drum |
French Bell | Tall Drum |
Coolie | Cylinder |
Oval | Square |
Tapered Oval | Square Bell |
Racetrack Oval | Cut Corner Square |
Chipped Oval | Rectangle |
French Oval | Tapered Rectangle |
Antique French Oval | Pagoda |
Chandelier & Sconce Shades |
Shade Styles
Soft Back | Pleated Fabric |
Hard Back | Shirred Pleat | Stick Shade | Side Pleat | String Shade | Smocked Pleat | Scalloped Shade |
Shade Materials
Anna | Silk |
Aberdeen Linen | Silk String |
Butcher Linen | Shantung Silk |
Homespun Linen | Pongee Silk |
Raffia | |
Burlap | |
Vellum | |
Kraft Paper | |
Windchime | |
Handmade Bamboo Stick Shades |
💡 FAQ - Light Bulbs
🔹 What are the main types of consumer light bulbs?
The four most common types are:
1.Incandescent – Traditional bulbs, inexpensive but inefficient.
2.LED (Light Emitting Diode) – Very energy-efficient and long-lasting.
3.CFL (Compact Fluorescent Lamp) – More efficient than incandescent but contains small amounts of mercury.
4.Halogen – A type of incandescent that is slightly more efficient and brighter.
🔹 What does “lumens” mean?
Lumens measure brightness. The higher the lumens, the brighter the bulb. Wattage measures power consumption, not brightness.
Approx. Lumens | Equivalent Incandescent Wattage |
450 lumens | 40 watts |
800 lumens | 60 watts |
1100 lumens | 75 watts |
1600 lumens | 100 watts |
🔹 What is color temperature (Kelvin)?
Color temperature affects the appearance of light:
•2700K–3000K: Warm white (yellowish - mimics incandescent bulbs)
•3500K–4100K: Cool white (neutral)
•5000K–6500K: Daylight (bluish white)
🔹 Are all bulbs dimmable?
No. Not all bulbs are dimmable—check packaging or product specs. Dimmable LEDs require an LED compatible socket and dimmer switch.
🔹 How do I choose the right bulb base?
Common base types include:
•E26 (standard screw base) – most common in U.S. homes
•E12 (candelabra) – used in chandeliers and decorative fixtures
•E14 (candelabra) – European base
•GU10 / MR16 – often used in spotlights or track lighting
🔄 Comparison: Incandescent vs. LED Bulbs
Feature | Incandescent | LED |
Energy Efficiency | Low (90% energy lost as heat) | Very high |
Lifespan | ~1,000 hours | 15,000–50,000 hours |
Brightness (lumens per watt) | 10–17 | 70–100+ |
Heat Emission | High | Minimal |
Cost | Low upfront, high over time | Higher upfront, saves over time |
Environmental Impact | Higher due to energy use | Lower, more sustainable |
Dimmable? | Yes | Often, but check packaging |
✅ Summary:
•LEDs are the best choice for most applications due to energy savings, long lifespan, and cooler operation.
•Incandescents may still be preferred for certain decorative or specialty lighting but are being phased out in many regions.