Does your lamp need a new lampshade - but you don't know what lampshade fittings you need? Then, read on my friend. Because, it's true that lampshade fittings are not universal. Which means that not just "any lampshade" will fit your lamp. I’m here to break down common lamp and lampshade fittings so that you can confidently find the perfect lampshade to fit your lamp.

Lamp Base Fittings

Before diving into lampshade fittings, first you need to know what kind of lamp base you’re working with. Measure the width of your lamp holder (where the bulb goes) and check that it matches one of the following lamp base fittings.

Australian Standard Lamp Fitting (our lamps)

This fitting is designed for bayonet cap (B22) bulbs and uses a 28mm diameter lampshade ring. Our handmade ceramic lamps are wired with this fitting. As the name suggests this fitting is commonly used across Australia and New Zealand.

European Standard Lamp Fitting

This fitting is designed for Edison screw (E27) bulbs and uses a larger 42mm diameter ring. You’ll see these on lamps from retailers like IKEA.

Harp Fitting

Another common lamp fitting, that is popular in the US, is the harp fitting. This is the upside-down U-shaped wire frame that attaches to the lamp socket and stretches up above the the bulb. You place the lampshade on top of the harp and secure it with a decorative finial.

If your lamp holder doesn't match these fitting dimensions and it does not have a harp... you'll most likely need a custom lampshade creation. Contact us for assistance.

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Lampshade Fittings

There are multiple types of lampshade fittings and each one suits a particular type of lamp. I've listed all of the fitting types that we use to make lampshades at Bowerbird Collections. To choose which one will work for your lamp, either, check the fitting type on your old lampshade, or refer to the type of lamp that we recommend for each fitting type below. 

Base Fitting (most common)

The wire frame is fixed to the bottom of the lampshade. These fittings are commonly used for table and floor lamps. We use this fitting for all of our drum lampshades that are available in store and online.

Drop Fitting

The wire frame "drops down" from the top of the lampshade. We use these fittings when we make custom tapered lampshades.

Finial/Spider Fitting

Very popular in the US, this type of fitting works with a harp (see the harp fitting diagram above). You place the lampshade on top of the harp and secure it with a decorative finial. 

Top Fitting/Ceiling Pendant

The wire frame is fixed to the top of the shade and is used for ceiling lights and "goose neck" lamps.

Lampshade Ring Fitters

Now, let's talk about the rings or washers that attach to the lamp and secure the lampshade in place, because this measurement is crucial. When you ask "why doesn't my lampshade fit?" the answer is usually - "the ring was the wrong size".  

Australian Standard Fitter/Ring (ASF)

Fits the Australian Standard Lamp Fitting (our handmade ceramic lamps). Used with B22 bayonet bulbs and has a 28mm internal diameter ring.

European Standard Fitter/Ring (EURO)

Fits the European Standard Lamp Fitting. Used with E27 Edison screw bulbs and features a 42mm internal diameter ring. 

NOTE: You can also add a 28mm ring adapter to make this ring fit the Australian Standard Lamp Fitting too!

Finial Fitter/Ring

Has a 10mm internal diameter ring. It fits on top of a harp and is secured with a finial. 

Ring Adapter/Reducer

You can easily use a ring adapter to make a lampshade ring smaller. For example - a 28mm plastic ring adapter is easy to install and allows the larger European Standard Ring to fit the smaller Australian Standard Lamp Fitting. It's not so simple to go the other way, so it's best to measure the ring size you need before you buy!

Lampshade Recess

The final step is measuring the lampshade recess. The recess is the distance from the edge of the lampshade to the ring where it attaches to the lamp. 

This detail affects how "far down" the lampshade will cover when it's sitting on your lamp. If the recess is too small the lampshade will sit higher and might not cover the bulb and electrical components nicely.

Our lampshades have a standard 5cm (2") recess, which works well on most lamps. To check what recess will suit your lamp simply measure from where the lampshade ring will sit on your lamp holder to where you want the lampshade to cover (do not include the screw on cap in this measurement). 

TIP: Make sure to cover the electrical fittings. But, don't completely cover the "neck" of the lamp (if it has one) otherwise your lamp will look like it's hat has fallen down over its eyes... metaphorically speaking. 

If your lamp requires a different recess than the standard 5cm, we can custom make a lampshade with the perfect recess for you. Contact us for assistance.

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FAQs About Lampshade Fittings

How do I know which lampshade fitting I need?

Start by checking your lamp base. Look for whether it has a harp, what type of bulb it uses, and if the lamp holder (where the lampshade ring attaches to the lamp) fits either the Euro or Australian ring. If it's about 28mm, the Australian Standard Ring will fit; if it's 42mm, the European Standard Ring will fit. If your lamp has a harp fitting above the bulb - you need a Finial Fitting.

Finally, check the recess to make sure the lampshade will sit at the right height on your lamp. 

Can I use a lampshade if it doesn’t match my lamp fitting?

Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Although it's best to buy a lampshade with the correct fittings to match your lamp, adapters or converters are available. For example, you can convert a European Ring Fitter to an Australian Ring Fitter with a plastic 28mm adapter. You can also buy a harp adapter that fits either the Australian or European Lamp Fitting in order to use a Finial Fitting lampshade. 

But, it's not so easy to make the 28mm Australian Standard Ring Fitter fit the larger 42mm European Standard Lamp Fitting without Macgyver skills. 

What is a harp on a lamp?

A harp is the metal U-shaped piece that supports a finial/spider fitting lampshade. It sits over the bulb and is attached to the lamp base at the socket. The lampshade sits on top of it and is held in place with a finial.

What is the standard lampshade fitting in Australia?

The most common is the Australian Standard Fitter/Ring (28mm) that works with bayonet B22 bulbs. This is the size that matches our handmade ceramic lamp bases.

The next most common is the European Standard Fitter/Ring (42mm) that works with an Edison screw bulb E27.

Do Bowerbird Collections lampshades fit all lamp bases?

Yes, we can make a lampshade to fit any lamp base. But for simplicity we've limited the lampshade ring size options on our online store to fit either the Australian Standard or European Standard Lamp Base Fitting.

If you require a different fitting type, like finial or ceiling pendant, simply contact us and we'll process a custom order for you. Unless its a really obscure ring size, there is no additional cost for custom fitting types. 

Can I visit Bowerbird Collections in person?

Absolutely! Our boutique in Brisbane is open for visitors. Or you can shop online and we’ll ship your beautiful lampshade right to your door.

Does Bowerbird Collections make custom lampshades?

Yes! We love creating bespoke lamp shades to suit your unique lamp. Just get in touch to chat about your custom requirements.

Got more questions? Feel free to drop us a message. We love helping you find the perfect lampshade for your lamp!

Happy decorating!

Ellie Sweetman, Bowerbird Collections