Contents
What is a finial on a lamp?
Lamp finials set on top of a lamp harp and hold a washer fitter shade to the top of a lamp. Any specialty lamp shops often offer a variety of unique lamp finials. It is an easy way to change the look of a lamp or give it a little more flair. They are often decorative or ornamental but can also be plain.
What are the parts of a lamp shade called?
Lampshade parts include a spider, fitter and a harp and finial. These parts work together to affix the lampshade to the lamp base.
What goes on top of a lamp?
Finials are decorative caps that fit over shades at the top of a lamp. They help secure the lampshade in place and complete the lamp aesthetics.
What is the top part of a lamp called?
A lamp harp is the component of a lamp to which the lamp shade is attached. It typically comes in two separate parts, a saddle which is fastened under the lamp socket, and the harp itself which consist of a lightweight frame attached to the saddle at its lower end and extending upwards to a point above the bulb.
How do you know what size harp to buy for a lamp?
If you require a different size harp than the one you have on your lamp, check under the finial base (see Fig. 1) and you will see a number that will indicate the height-size of the harp. With this number in hand you will have a reference point for acquiring a new harp that will best suit your needs.
How do I know what size harp for my lamp?
To measure lamp harp sizes, take a measuring tape or a ruler. Then, note how many inches it runs from the topmost part of the harp to the socket cap. Generally, the height of the lampshade should not exceed the measurement of the harp plus ½ inch, and should not be smaller than the lamp harp’s height minus ½ inch.
What size lamp harp should I buy?
The shade should be twice as wide as the lamp base, and one third of the total height of the lamp. So for a 6-inch lamp base, the shade should be at least 12 inches wide. And if the total height of the lamp (including the bulb and harp) is 24 inches, the shade should be 8 inches tall.
How does a lamp shade attach to a harp?
A screw attached to the top of the harp pushes through the round central piece of the spider, and the finial threads onto it, securing the shade to the harp. If your lamp base has a harp and finial attached to it, or a saddle affixed to the socket of the lamp that the harp slides into, you will require a shade with a spider fitting.
Can a harp and finial be used as an Uno lamp?
IKEA offers a wonderful selection of lampshades at reasonable prices but they have uno fittings and many lamps (especially older ones) feature traditional harp and finial fittings. You can change out the actual sockets of your lamp to uno sockets, but if you can’t find uno sockets or just want a simpler solution, then read on!
How do you remove a harp from a lamp?
Unscrew the finial and then squeeze the harp to remove it. Unscrew the on/off switch, then unscrew the actual brass socket from the lamp base. 4. Pop the socket itself apart. If you can’t get it to come apart by hand, use the edge of a dinner knife or letter opener to pop off the bottom. 5.
How is a spider fitting attached to a lamp?
Spider fittings are also called “washer fittings.” The harp is a “U” shaped piece of metal. The two ends of the harp slide into a saddle, which is a bracket attached to the socket of the lamp base. The finial attaches the harp and the shade together.