What is your average timeframe for making?

We aim to have your shade(s) made within 2 weeks so long as fabric is available. More time is sometimes needed during very busy production times or for the intricate vintage shades and this is advised when quoting.

 

I have  an old lampshade that I would like to be recovered with a new fabric, do you do this?

Yes absolutely, this is a common request and recycling is always valued. There is a small price reduction given for using your original lampshade framing (if still in good order). In order for us to quote you will need to measure your shade and let us know these, to measure there is a universally recognised order, Top diameter x Bottom diameter x Height. Please see sketch to help.

 

My lampbase is very old and probably needs rewiring, is this something you can do as well?

We are happy to take this request on for you using our excellent contacts, or we can recommend them to you if you prefer to organise yourself.

 

I'm thinking of making an old vase into a lampbase, should I bring it to you?

Yes, again we can arrange this conversion work for you in combination with making a lampshade to suit it.

 

What are your payment options?

Bank deposit details are shown on your invoice, alternatively you are welcome to pay in cash or cheque. we do not currently have eftpos. If we are ordering fabrics for your job and/or new vintage frames you will required to pay a deposit before we commence.

 

Do you ship everywhere? and what are your costs?

Currently we can ship our shades anywhere within NZ...carefully!  Lampshades are quite fragile so we ensure we pack them well to avoid damage in transit.  Costs depend on the item and distance, so will be advised on an individual basis. We have also shipped shades further afield internationally, UK and Australia.

 

How much fabric or wallpaper will I need for my shade?

Great question and very important, people always underestimate what will be needed!  Please see this chart showing meterage for drum/coolie shades.  When selecting a fabric with a pattern you must also consider the direction it runs to predict how it will look on the shade and if it is possible.

 

Are there any particular fabrics that are NOT very suitable?

There are not many fabrics that are unuseable, however through experience we have found that some sheer silks/taffetas should be avoided for regular drum/coolie shades but these are fine for the traditional 'Downton Abbey' shades.  Also very heavy upholstery fabrics are tricky and some bulky velvets.  We can advise on an individual basis so just ask us and we can let you know :)

 

Can you use fabric I supply?

Yes absolutely we can, just contact us or refer to the chart to find out the amount you will need and type for the size of shade you are wanting.

 

If you are able to line a shade, do you charge extra for doing this?

Yes all regular shades can be lined with fabric or wallpaper, we charge $30+gst for this. Most traditional/vintage shades are lined with stretchy/silky lining which finished them off nicely but not essential.

 

Is there a rule of thumb about the size of a shade?

As a general rule of thumb, the diameter of the shade should be at least as much as the bottom of the base to the top of the neck of the base you have, but rules can always be broken ;)

There is no single right shade for table lamps but there can be plenty of wrong ones. It is always advisable to bring your base with you to try out different templates of shades. A shade that is half as tall as the lamp from base to socket is pleasing to most people; likewise a shade that is two to three times wider than the widest part of the base will usually look balanced. Going smaller with a shade can make an older base look more contemporary but not always the case.

 

What shapes are popular?

Shapes really depend on the individual's taste and the type of lamp base you may have. Popular for some time now has been the drum shade and even more so the tapered drum which suits retro interiors. We have been noticing the comeback of the very angled 'coolie' shade too and of course the squares/oblongs, cylinders and ovals are always a hit in the right room, on the right base ;)

 

I need a specific pattern on my shade, what do you need to know from me?

Primarily we need to know  which direction the pattern runs, ie widthways, selvedge to selvedge or lengthways. Depending on this will effect the amount of meterage of fabric you will need to buy. You also need to be aware that if ordering a shade that is tapered and wanting a pattern, the angle will effect how this looks. Please contact us to discuss.

 

What raw materials do you use, are they heat resistant?

We used styrene (plastic sheet)for the standard lampshades we make. The fabric or paper is carefully adhered to this. This styrene is usually white but can be opaque or transparent depending on the look you want and the light effect you want.  The styrene creates rigidity, attaches the top and bottom rings and protects the fabric from heat, also helping to reflect the light source. The lampshade framing is made of wire and powdercoated white generally. If requested it can be other colours or left bare metal.

 

I bought my lampbase from abroad and I'm not sure what sort of lampshade fitting I need.

The NZ standard lampholder fitting is called a BC Bayonet fitting (22mm).  But commonly new imported lamps have the larger E27 fittings (40mm) so just check when you order and if in doubt just ask. We can then supply a 'reducer' washer so that it can be reduced and used on either type of lamp base.

 

There are other lampshades that are different again ie American fittings which have a Harp and Finial with washers.   We are happy to advise when you contact us.

 

How do you calculate how to 'sit' the shade correctly on the base?

 

To avoid the bottom of the ugly lamp fitting, lamp shades are usually 'recessed' 40mm up from the base. The amount of recess determines where the shade sits on the base. To make sure we produce a perfectly sitting shade you will need to measure the recess required by holding your lampshade in the correct position and measuring how much higher or lower the fitting needs to sit - this measurement will then either need to be added to or subtracted from 40mm. This diagram may help explain ;)