How to Measure

DETERMINE HOW YOUR GLASS SHADE IS HELD IN PLACE AND ALWAYS TAKE MEASUREMENTS FROM THE INSIDE EDGE TO THE INSIDE EDGE.

Glass shades are undersized or less than their stated measurement.

If you are not sure contact us and we can help!

1. What is a fitter? A fitter is the holder that the glass fits into.

2. Does it sit on a round ring or tripod? You probably want a Student Shade. Measure the ring, inside edge to inside edge across the center. Standard sizes are 5", 6", 7", 8", 10", 12" and 14". Look under the STUDENT SHADE category in our store. 14" shades are also found under the PARLOR SHADE category. There is often a holder for a chimney within the larger ring. Again, measure that holder inside to inside and look under the CHIMNEY section. Chimney height is a matter of personal taste. If you are using another shade that sits around the chimney, you want the chimney to extend 2″-4″ above the top of the shade.

3. Is the glass lamp shade held in place by three screws and does it have a slightly flared neck? If so, measure the cup or holder, inside edge to inside edge. This will be slightly larger than the glass itself.

• If the holder measures 2 1/4", you are looking for 2 1/4" FITTER shades. You can also find 2 1/4" fitter shades.
• If the holder measures 3 1/4" or 4", you will find this size under the CEILING AND DISH GLASS category, as well as under the 3 1/4" or 4" categories.
• 6" and 8" sizes are shown under the CEILING AND DISH GLASS category.

4. Does your glass shade sit on a ring with no screws? You may be looking for a GONE WITH THE WIND globe. The ring will measure just over 4" and the globe will have a straight neck that just sits on the ring. There is usually a smaller holder for a chimney within the larger 4' ring.

What does neckless fitter size mean? This is the diameter of the hole measured inside edge to inside edge in the glass where the socket passes through.

What is a socket collar? This is sometimes also called the socket ring and threads onto the socket to secure the shade to a fixture.

6. Glass shades for Floor lamps can be confusing. We have found the most common types to be as follows:

• If your lamp is newer, and you need a glass with a 1 5/8"-1 7/8" opening, you may need shades found under the TORCHIERES FOR NEWER LAMPS category. The shade is placed on the lamp around the bulb socket, and a ring threads around the socket.
• Shades on older torchiere lamps have a longish neck that measures 2 3/4" which fits around an oversize Mogul light bulb socket. Look under the TORCHIERES FOR OLDER LAMPS category for this style.
• There is also very popular floor lamp, dating from the 1930-1950's, that looks like a torchiere but uses a different type of glass. If your floor lamp has a holder with screws, it will not take the older torch style. You need what is called an IES glass shade. Often the IES shade supports a fabric shade. Look under the DIFFUSERS FOR FLOOR LAMPS category.

7. Chimneys usually sit within several prongs or inside of a round gallery.  Again, measure inside edge to inside edge of the holder and then look under the CHIMNEY category. Measurement for glass chimneys in our selection are the outside dimension

8. Hurricane glass shades are commonly used on chandeliers and wall sconces. Measure the holder or cup will measure inside edge to inside edge. The glass itself is called a 1 5/8" fitter. Look under the 1 5/8" FITTER, CHANDELIER GLASS or HURRICANE categories for this style.

We carry many more styles and sizes of glass lamp shades - the ones listed here are some of the more common ones. Please check our Product Catalog to see many more categories of shades.  If you need more help with measurements, send a description, measurements and pictures via the contact page.