Home > Knowledge Base > Empire Shades

KB title

Empire Shades




Empire shade graphic
The classic cone or coolie shaped shade that is ideal for table lamps and smaller floor lamps. Empire shades are so called because they became widespread during the 1890s when electric light first started being used in Britain and the Empire which was at its zenith.
  • Our Empire shades have steeply sloping sides and are fitted with a round shade ring or ‘gimble’ that screws onto the light fitting below the bulb.

  • They come supplied with a plastic reducer ring that sits inside the gimble so the shade can fit bayonet bulbs as well as the wider screw in varieties.

  • We make shades in 5cm increments from 25-50cm wide.

Empire shade dimensions

Empire shade size graphic


Fitting

Empire wire frame
Reducer Ring

What fitting do your Empires have?


Our Empire shades are made from good quality white card that makes them self supporting. They have a circular wire frame, as shown on the left, which sits at the bottom of the shade, with a second smaller wire ring fitted to the top. Theshade ring - or 'gimble' - that fits the shade to your lamp base, is fixed around 4 to 6cm up from the bottom (depending on size) and is supplied with a reducer ring, as shown, that can be removed to ensure a universal fit.


FAQs


What shade do I need for a ceiling light?


We offer a selection of our most popular sized Empire Shades with pendant fittings. 
  • Pendant shades need a shade ring fitted at the top of the shade instead of at the bottom. 
  • We can make any of our shades in any of our fabrics with a pendant fitting as a bespoke item. Please contact our helpful sales team to discuss your requirements.

How big should my shade be?


For useful information about sizing shades for a lamp base see our Knowledge Base Guide
  • How to size for a Table Lamp 
  • The width of your shade should be equal to the height of your base.
  • The height of your shade should be two thirds the height of your base (divide the base height by 3).
  • Your shade should be wider than the widest part of your base.

What size do I need for a floor lamp?


For useful information on sizing shades for floor lamps, see our Knowledge Base guide
  •  How to Size for a Floor Lamp.
  • Measure the height of your floor lamp from the floor to the underneath of the bulb holder.
  • Divide this by 4 to get the right height of your shade.
  • The width of the shade should be wider than the base.

How much light will be let through?


Generally, the lighter the colour and weave of the fabric, the more light the shade will allow through. The darker and heavier the fabric, the more the light is channelled through the top and bottom of the shade. For useful information about fabrics andtheir use as shades, see our Knowledge Base guide - Lampshades FAQs

Can I use any of your fabrics?


Yes, we can make any of our Empire shades in any of our fabrics as a bespoke item. Please contact our helpful customer service team to raise a quote.

Can I use my own fabric?


Yes, we can generally make any of our shades in your own fabric, we just ask that you send in a swatch first so that we can be sure it is suitable. For more information, see our Knowledge Base Guide on Bespoke Lampshades.

Need some help?

Our Address

Jim Lawrence, The Ironworks
Lady Lane, Hadleigh
Suffolk, IP7 6BQ

Email us

Contact our friendly customer service team on sales@jim-lawrence.co.uk

Call us

Speak to one of the sales team on 01473 826685
Our telephone lines are open:  
Monday - Friday: 9:30am - 5pm