When considering making a decorative lamp shade, it is essential to remember that every shade starts with a frame. The frame or lamp shade frames are the unseen skeleton of a shade and determine its shape, balance and longevity. Whether you are re-covering a family heirloom, making your first Victorian style lamp shade or simply replacing a bent, rusty or faded frame, the frame or lamp shade frames that you use will set the tone for your finished shade. Here at LampShadeLady, we start with the frame, as a good frame will enable a shade to last for decades, not seasons. An expensive silk or even a hand-cut lace will not look right on a frame that has not been square when constructed.
Why Lamp Shade Frames Matter More Than You Think
We generally think of lampshades in terms of covering – fabric, trimming, fringe, etc. But the frame is the structure upon which all of this is constructed and it is so very important. Frames are made of wire of varying gauges, and these wires are joined together by soldering. If the wire is too thin and is poorly welded then it is likely to bow in the heat of a room or with use and this can have a devastating effect on the overall appearance of a lovely lampshade.
Collectors of vintage lamps are usually keen to retain the original frames of Victorian lampshades. This is largely because these frames are strong enough to withstand the repeated covering and uncovering of a shade and therefore can be beautifully restored to their former glory. Also, the structure of the frame dictates the shape of the covering and this is particularly important for more unusual shapes, such as bell-shaped shades or those with very sharp angles. In order to ensure that these shapes retain their form, the spacing of the ribs and the number of them must be carefully considered. Even the softest of silks will produce a beautifully smooth surface when draped over a well-made frame with correctly spaced ribs.
Our steel frames, finished with a brass top fitter, offer the strength and stability needed for restoring true antique lamp shades or Victorian antique lighting. The brass fitter adds a refined, period-appropriate detail that complements the majority of Victorian hardware, helping complete that classic look. Remember that the finish of the frame is a very important part of the structure and will determine how long it will last before it requires any form of maintenance.
Choosing the Right Lamp Shade Frames for Your Project
Not every shade will require the same frame. The Bell, Drum, Empire, Tulip and Half-Shade are all unique in shape and require specific frame designs. The height of the shade, the top ring diameter and the bottom ring diameter all need to be in proportion to the lamp it is to sit on. Measuring twice and getting it right first time will save so much time and anguish in the long run. Also, it's worth thinking about how you intend to cover the shade. Deeply curved frames are generally best suited to fabrics that have been gathered or pleated in some way. Straighter drum shaped frames are best covered with a single panel of fabric that can be draped smoothly over the frame.
The Flower Tulip Lampshade Kit is a great option for makers who wish to purchase the frame and finishing supplies all at once. The kit contains a medium tulip wire frame and all of the necessary supplies to complete a beautiful Tulip Lamp including seam binding, lining, lace, silk chiffon fabric, French scroll trims and 6” fringe. If you require frames for individual restoration projects or for larger quantities of decorative lamp shades that you sell, LampShadeLady offers a wide variety of custom Victorian Lampshade Frames which are offered in the Victorian Lampshade Supply Catalog and are custom made to order in all shapes and sizes, not mass produced.
Lamp Shade Frames and the Rise of Decorative Lamp Shades
Many of the current trends in lighting have a focus towards texture, softness and personality. One of the easiest ways to bring these elements into a room is via decorative lamp shades. The pleated shapes, layered fringing and richly trimmed edges of the lamp shades are a big part of their appeal. However, all of this lovely texture would be wasted without a suitable frame to support it. This is where the lamp shade frames do their most important work. A frame with sufficient rib strength to hold the deep pleats of a shade without collapse is needed. Also a frame with the correct curve to allow fringe to hang evenly is required.
Add finishing touches to your plain covered lampshade frame with our 6" Long Thick Victorian Lampshade Fringe. The fringe can be custom dyed to match your silk or linen lampshade covering, as well as the color scheme of your room. The fringe creates visual weight at the base of the shade, helping to counterbalance very tall and thin lamp shade frames so they don’t appear to be top-heavy. The frame is the structural component of your lamp shade. The finishing touches on top of the frame are what give your lamp shade personality and style.
Caring for Your Lamp Shade Frames Over Time
Lighting supplies can last for decades. Treating the lamp shade frames with care can ensure that they last for years to come. Drying lamp shade frames, storing them carefully to avoid pressure on them, and cleaning lamp shade frames with a soft cloth after they have been taken down will help to prevent rust and pitting. This is especially important for frames made of metal as they are more prone to rusting than other materials. When an older decorative lamp shade starts to look tired it is usually a case of the covering, linings, and trim having worn out. This means that rather than having to start from scratch and make a completely new lamp shade it is possible to have the existing lamp shade frames re-covered. Victorian and antique-style frames are particularly suitable for re-covering as they can be difficult to find with the exact proportions, and the frames are usually made with soldered joints which last well. It is wise to check lamp shade frames annually for signs of wear and tear, such as looseness of joints, bending of ribs, and signs of surface rust. Any wobble in a seam is usually a sign that the frame needs to be re-soldered. Treating the frames with respect and checking them regularly will ensure that they can be re-covered and restyled on many occasions.
Lighting projects often center around more visible components such as fabric, trim, fringe and finishings but it is the lamp shade frame that ultimately provides support and structure to decorative lamp shades allowing them to stand up straight for decades. Care and attention in the selection of frames, the use of correct materials and strong wire and the finishing with trim, fringe, etc. all rest upon the frame of the lamp shade. For those new to making decorative lamp shades, or for experienced makers wishing to update their techniques for making Victorian-style lamp shades, LampShadeLady’s Victorian Lampshade Supply Catalog offers a range of custom-made Victorian-style lamp shade frames, as well as a range of lamp shade making kits and finishing materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are lamp shade frames made of?
Our lamp shade frames are made from steel wire, formed into rings and ribs and either welded or soldered at the joints, with a brass top fitter for a refined finish. Properly soldered steel frames hold their shape well and are widely used for Victorian-style reproductions.
2. How do I know what size lamp shade frame I need?
Measure the height, top ring diameter, and bottom ring diameter you want, then compare those to your lamp base and bulb clearance. The right size keeps the finished decorative lamp shade in proportion with the lamp itself.
3. Can I reuse an old lamp shade frame instead of buying a new one?
Yes, and it is often the better option. As long as the rings and ribs are not bent or rusted through, an old frame can usually be cleaned up and re-covered rather than replaced.
4. What is the difference between a Victorian lamp shade frame and a modern one?
Victorian lamp shade frames typically have more pronounced curves, additional ribs for deep pleating, and proportions built for fringe or bead trim, while many modern frames use simpler drum or empire shapes.
5. Do lamp shade frames come pre-covered or do I need to add fabric myself?
Frames sold on their own, such as those in the Victorian Lampshade Supply Catalog, are uncovered and built to be finished with your choice of fabric, lining, and trim.
6. What is included in a lampshade kit versus a bare frame?
A kit like the Flower Tulip Lampshade Kit includes the wire frame plus the seam binding, lining, lace, silk chiffon, trim, and fringe needed to finish it, while a bare frame is just the wire structure.
7. How do I keep my lamp shade frames from rusting?
Store frames in a dry area, avoid stacking heavy items on top of them, and wipe down any exposed metal after cleaning to prevent moisture from sitting on the joints.
8. What shapes of lamp shade frames are available for decorative lamp shades?
Common shapes include bell, drum, empire, tulip, and half-shade frames, each suited to a different fabric style and lamp base.
9. Can lamp shade frames be custom dyed or finished to match my decor?
The frame itself is typically left in its natural wire finish, but accessories like the 6" Long Thick Victorian Lampshade Fringe can be custom dyed to coordinate with your chosen fabric and room colors.
10. How long do well-made lamp shade frames typically last?
A sturdy, properly soldered frame can last for decades and support multiple rounds of re-covering, which is why many people invest in a quality frame rather than replacing the entire shade each time the fabric wears out.