I know. We know. Do UNO ?

Over the last couple years I have noticed a geometric increase in the number of requests that we receive for a certain UNO type lamp shade. 

The UNO lamp shade has been around for a long time but due to the overwhelming influence of low priced Chinese imports, it is like a cold virus and is unfortunately spreading very rapidly and being used in ways and in areas where it really does not belong.

First it is important to define a couple of terms. The “SPIDER” is the wire structure near the top rim of the shade frame which radiate outwards from the center. The “FITTER” is the very center section of the spider that fits onto the lamp or lamp hardware. There are different fitter types and each will be addressed in detail below.

The “HARP FITTER” is the most secure method used to attach a shade onto a lamp. It is a metal wire and somewhat "U" shaped hardware piece that comes in many different lengths to accommodate different shade lengths. The harp fits into a "SADDLE" which is another smaller (3") metal hardware piece which is built onto the lamp immediately beneath the electrical socket. When the harp is snapped into the saddle, it creates a very secure and long lasting mount for the lamp shade. Most harps have a swivel feature near the top which allows the shade to be tilted at an angle so you can aim the light for better reading and work projects.

The “CLIP FITTER” fitter method is a wire assembly that simply clips onto the bulb. It is normally built onto and is an integral part of the lamp shade. The clip adapter is also available as a separate component and can be attached to any shade to convert any shade to a clip on shade. This lamp shade fitter is recommended for smaller lamp shades only because it becomes very unstable when used with larger shades.

The “CHIMNEY FITTER” shade has a very large fitter hole in the center so that it can slip down over a glass chimney commonly found on oil lamps. 
The “UNO FITTER” is the last type of lamp shade fitter although there are some other specialty fitters which you are unlikely to encounter. The UNO shade is similar to the chimney fitter shade in that the center hole is large enough to slip down over the electrical socket or is threaded so it screws onto the rim of the electrical socket.

The UNO shade has some serious issues to consider. First, it can be an electrical hazard if disturbed because it rests directly on the electrical assembly. Second, when you need to replace the UNO shade you are forced to use another UNO shade. Replacement UNO shades are simply not available except at a very few full service lamp shops. Even then you are lucky to find even a single size available. Third, the UNO shade is very unstable and when it becomes unstable you are not only ready for a new lamp shade but probably a lamp repair.

A genuine antique lamp with a UNO fitter shade is a very special and separate consideration that can only be addressed on an individual basis. Do not change anything on an antique lamp without first consulting an experienced antique lamp professional.

Summary: If you have a UNO lamp shade we recommend that you change it to a harp fitter lamp shade (excluding antique lamps). Simply add a saddle ($ .50) underneath the socket then select your favorite replacement shade. You will need a harp (about $ 3) of the correct size which is usually 3” shorter than your shade. A lamp and shade shop will fit the shade and harp for you. You will have a much sturdier and safer lamp and shade plus changing shades in the future will be easy.

- Jim Hoyle

Biography: Since 1979 Jim Hoyle has owned and operated Lamp & Home Outlet - North Carolina's Most Exclusive Unique Lamps and Lamp Shades. Jim designs and manufactures fine cast metal table lamps and floor lamps and collects, sells, repairs, restores and appraises antique lamps from special acquisitions and estates worldwide. His company also specializes in lamp and home decor factory buyouts and warehouse closings. Comments and questions are answered personally. His company's website contains a wealth of free information about lamps and lighting: www.hoylelamps.com.

Visit his store personally at 2233 East Main Street, Lincolnton, North Carolina about 25 minutes from Charlotte.

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