What fitting do I need?
Congratulations, you have now found or inherited your beautiful lamp base and now you need to marry it with the perfect shade.
The right fitting is essential, otherwise the pattern may appear upside down or your shade may not fit at all.
With table or floor lamps there are 2 main types of fitting. Outside of the USA the European Uno fitting is standard but can be found worldwide on bases from retailers like Ikea. The fitting slips over the bulb holder and is secured in place before the bulb is replaced on top. There are 2 standard diameters of the hole in the middle of the fitting, 40mm and approx. 25mm; my fittings have a removable flexible adapter that means they should fit most lamps.
USA lamps normally have a harp/spider fitting. Take a look at any US legal drama and the smartest desks will have elegant lampshades with a small finial appearing from the top. A harp shaped fitting (which comes as part of the lamp) attaches under and around the bulb. At the top of the harp is a removable finial that allows you to attach the lampshade at the top.
For ceiling/pendant lights the fitting is the same as the European Uno fitting, except it is at the top of the shade instead of at the bottom. These can also be used on ‘goose-neck’ lamps.
