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 OvalPagoda
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
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💡 FAQ - Light Bulbs

 

🔹 What are the main types of consumer light bulbs?

The four most common types are:

  1. 1.Incandescent – Traditional bulbs, inexpensive but inefficient. 

  2. 2.LED (Light Emitting Diode) – Very energy-efficient and long-lasting. 

  3. 3.CFL (Compact Fluorescent Lamp) – More efficient than incandescent but contains small amounts of mercury. 

  4. 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.