One of the questions I’m asked often is, “Will this lampshade fit my lamp?” And it’s a good one - because choosing the right fitting is just as important as choosing the right shape or fabric. So I thought I’d share a simple guide to the most common lampshade fittings, and how they relate to our Issy Granger hexagon lamps and lampshades. 

Lampshade Fittings in the UK 

Here in the UK, the fitting I use most often, and the one you’ll see across our collection - is the duplex fitting. This works with a separate shade carrier, which sits on the lamp base and supports the shade. I love duplex fittings because they’re reliable, flexible, and make it easy to change shades as your space evolves.

You’ll also come across gimbal fittings, which attach directly to the lamp holder. These can sit at either the top or the bottom of the shade, depending on the lamp’s design. Our small hexagon lampshades use a fixed gimbal fitting, making them ideal for bedside lamps where a neat, balanced look is essential. 

We also offer Ceiling Spider Shade Carriers that allows your shade to hang from a ceiling bulb. 

Lampshade Fittings in the US 

For our US customers, the most familiar option is the harp and finial fitting. A curved metal harp rises from the lamp base, the shade rests over it, and a finial secures everything in place. We offer US finial fittings across our lampshade range, so our hexagon lampshades can be paired beautifully with a harp shade carrier. 

Candle Clip Shades

You may also hear about candle clip fittings, which sit directly on the bulb. These are typically used for smaller wall lights rather than table lamps, but they’re worth knowing about if you’re working with more delicate lighting. 

Lighting Size Guide 

To keep things simple, our lampshades come in three hexagon sizes, each designed to work seamlessly with our hexagon table lamps: 

Large hexagon shade – suits a 6-inch or 5-inch shade carrier, depending of size of lamp and neck height

Medium hexagon shade – suits a 5-inch shade carrier

Small hexagon shade – features a fixed gimbal fitting 

Our hexagon wooden table lamps are designed to suit the large or medium shades, creating a confident, sculptural statement. Our bedside lamps pair perfectly with the small hexagon shades, keeping proportions soft and considered.

One detail I always recommend checking is the plastic reducer ring - sometimes called a washer. These sit inside the carrier ring and reduce its size, allowing a shade to fit a smaller lamp neck. If your shade feels just a little too loose, a reducer ring could save you a great deal of trouble. 

Once you understand fittings and proportions, choosing the right lampshade becomes intuitive - and even a little fun! [SHOP LIGHTING]