An Introduction To Lamp Shades

Lamp shades are decorative covers for lamps. They are used to diffuse and direct light coming from a lamp or light bulb. Shades can be conical, cylindrical, or take on other forms. They can fit floor, desk, or table top lamp models. Suspended lamp models are also very popular. Some lamps come with their own shades; others can be fitted with shades that can be bought at home décor stores. Shades can also be custom-tailored to fit lamps of all sizes.

Some lamps come with their own shades; others can be fitted with shades that can be bought at home décor stores. Shades can also be custom-tailored to fit lamps of all sizes. Many artists specialize in custom-made lamp shades.

Lamp shade crafter's handbooks are also widely available on the market. These contain instructions for creating complete lamp shades from scratch. They also have techniques on improving or repairing lamp shades you may already have at home. A common technique in refinishing old lamp shades is decoupage or pasting patterns over existing plain shades.

Maintaining lamp shades

Lamp shades are quite easy to maintain. Before attempting to clean your lamp and its shade, be sure to unplug the cord first. Take off the shade from the lamp. If it is made of fabric, use detergent and warm water to wash it (check if the fabric is color-safe). Just dip the shade in sudsy water and then rinse in clean water. Use mild detergents only; dish-washing liquids are fine. The cloth will stretch and sag while wet. It should tighten up again when it gets dry. To dry, hang over a bathtub or hang from an outdoor clothesline. You can also pat dry with a thick bath towel until it is almost dry and put it back over your lamp. The heat from the bulb will finish drying it out. If you are cleaning a plastic, plastic-coated, laminated, parchment or fiberglass shaded, merely wipe it with a lathered up cloth or sponge. Rinse with a clean damp cloth and then wipe dry.

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