Judi's Lampshades, Inc. One-of-a-Kind Designs by Judi Sadan, Handmade in the NYC Studio.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1.  Why are you rated the best? 2.  Do you have a price list? 3.  Do you work with designers? 4.  Do you offer discounts? 5.  Do you personalize custom lampshades? 6.  Can I design my own lampshade? 7.  What are some popular Lampshade Styles? 8.  What are some examples of custom smocked shades? 9.  How do I measure a shade? 10. How do I determine a good shade size for my lamp? 11. What are shadow free shades? 12. Should I get a light or dark shade? 13. What is the difference between a soft and a hard shade? 14. What is dupioni fabric? 15. What is Pongee silk? 16. What is shantung fabric? 17. What is a pleated lampshade? 18. What is lampshade lining & interlining? 19. What is lampshade piping? 20. What is lampshade gimp? 21. What is an Uno shade? 22. What is a Clip-On shade? 23. How do I care for my lampshades? 24. What is task lighting? 25. What is decorative lighting? 26. What is a portable lamp? 27. What is an Accent Lamp? 28. What is ambient lighting? 29. What is a Boudoir Lamp? 30. What is a Buffet Lamp/Candlestick Lamp? 31. What is a bridge arm lamp? 32. is a torchiere lamp? 33. What is a Harp? 34. What is a Washer? 35. What is a European fitter? 36. How can I tell the difference between European & American fitters? 37. How do I measure the harp? 38. My lamp doesn't have a harp? 39. What is a finial? 40. What is a riser? 41. Why use a frosted bulb? 42. What is a canopy? 43. How can I achieve more light in room? 44. How much Wattage is RIGHT for my room? 45. How can I save energy? 46. How do I determine the proper size chandelier for a dining table? 47. How do I determine the proper size chandelier for a foyer? 48. What is a pendant? 49. What is the difference between glass & crystal? 50. What size pool table fixture do I need? 51. What height should I hang a pool table light? 52. What's the proper height to install wall sconces? 53. Do you accept international orders? 54. Do you design & manufacture shades for commercial spaces? 55. Why do your lampshades seem more expensive than other stores? 56. What is your return policy? 1. Why are you rated the best? For the past 14 years, Judi’s Lampshades has designed and produced exquisite couture lampshades defined by quality and sincerity. Our fabrics and trims are rich and sophisticated, our colors are fresh and unusual, and our styling is always unique. All of our work is crafted with integrity by experienced hand sewers in Brooklyn, NY. Every detail is important to us, from the most elaborate design to the simplest seam. The studio is highly recognized for its diversity. An eclectic collection includes designs such as: Victorian, Art Deco, Mid-Century, Classic and Modern. Our ultimate goal is to create a lighting style that reflects the owner's tastes. And our customers get more than what they expect. 2. Do you have a price list? We have no standard price list or catalog. Since we constantly add new one of a kind shade designs no catalog would ever be up to date. Generally, our small simple shades for chandeliers and sconces start at about $25 each, our paper shades for table and floor lamps range from $100 to $350 each, and our hand sewn silk shades range start from about $125 depending on size, shape and how elaborate the style. 3. Do you work with designers? Yes, we gladly work with the trade as well as retail clients. Naturally designers get trade discounts. 4. Do you offer discounts? Join our mailing list for updates on available discounts. We also offer trade discounts. Please add me to you mailing list 5. Do you personalize custom lampshades? Our specialty is to offer personalized shades by choosing our beautiful fabrics & our custom made trims or you can use your own. We recover existing shades or customize a new one for you. We are dedicated to carefully select the right size, style, and color. Please consider the following when designing a shade: STYLE: Stretched, shirred, or pleated SHAPE & SIZE: The universal way of specifying size is Top x Bottom x Height (along the slant or center height). Square and rectangular lampshades are measured "flat-to-flat". TRIM: Self-welt edges or trim (indicate top and/or bottom edges). FABRIC: We carry a range of solid colored silks & linens. You may also send COM (Customer's Own Material). Please send a cutting or "memo" of the fabric you intend to use so that we may make sure it will work. Sample cuttings of our fabrics are available upon request. LEAD-TIME: 4-6 Weeks plus delivery time. 6. Can I design my own lampshade? You can create that special one-of-a-kind shade by choosing any fabric, shape, & trim. With the assistance of our design experts you can see what looks best for you. It's easy! By mixing & matching there are dozens of wonderful possible combinations from which to choose. 7. What are some popular Lampshade Styles? Empire Lampshade - a round shape with straight sloped side. The shade slope is not exaggerated but rather at a traditional angle, the most popular type of shade sold. Bell Lampshade - the same as an empire shade except the side is curved not straight. Drum Lampshade - a round shape with straight side where the top and bottom diameter are near each other creating a cylindrical or drum type of shape. They compliment modern settings. Coolie Lampshade - a round shape lamp shade with straight or curved sloped side. The shade slope is exaggerated since the top diameter is much smaller than the bottom diameter thus resembling a Chinese coolie hat. Square Lampshade - four equal sided shade Bouillotte Lampshade - a short drum/bell drum shade.Bouillotte Lampshade - a short drum/bell drum shade. Rectangular Lampshade - length & depth of shade are different sizes. Oval Lampshade – elliptical form. Hexagon Lampshade - six sided lamp shade. Octagon Lampshade - eight sided lamp shade. Cut Corner Lampshade - the corners are cut straight across instead of a right angle. Inverted Cut Corner Lampshade - the corners are cut inward in a curve instead of a right angle. Out round Corner Lampshade - the corners are rounded outward in a curve instead of a right angle. Scallop Top/Bottom Lampshade - the top or bottom edge is wavy or curved in a scalloped instead of being straight. V Notch Lampshade - the top or bottom edge has a "V" shaped design instead of being straight. Gallery Lampshade - the bottom edge has a wide gallery section which may have a different decorative treatment. Fancy Square Lampshade - a square top bell shape shade with square bottom with each bottom side has a one out scallop. Uno Lampshade - a shade where the shade fitter is large enough to screw over the socket. The shade is not attached to a harp. 8. What are some examples of custom smocked shades? Diamond Smock Any Length/Size Available To Inquire Gothic Smock Any Length/Size Available To Inquire One Row Smock Any Length/Size Available To Inquire 9. How do I measure a shade? 10. How do I determine a good shade size for my lamp? Measure your lamp from the bottom to the top of the neck and then multiply by 0.75. This figure is usually the tallest a standard shade should be. A shorter shade can be fine too depending upon the style. For a round base, measure the bottom straight across, then multiply by 2 to arrive at the shade's appropriate width. For a square base, measure the bottom on the diagonal. 11. What are shadow free shades? Traditional shades have the vertical metal ribs close to the fabric shade and the ribs are visible causing a shadow. On the other hand, with shadow-free modern shades, the vertical metal ribs lie away from the shade. When the bulb is turned on, the vertical wires are much less visible. 12. Should I get a light or dark shade? Light lampshades do a better job at illuminating the room. On the other hand darker shades can cast light for a more dramatic look. 13. What is the difference between a soft and a hard shade? It depends on the material used to make the shade. A soft shade is always fabric stretched over the top & bottom rings of a wire ribbed frame. Soft shades create an elegant look. A hard shade does not have any framework other than the top & bottom rings. The material can be paper or laminated fabric. These are usually modern looking shades. 14. What is dupioni fabric? It is a popular lampshade fabric with a rough nubby surface used for a contemporary look. 15. What is Pongee silk? It is one of the most popular fabrics used for quality traditional shades. 16. What is shantung fabric? It is a popular traditional lampshade fabric with a rough nubby surface. 17. What is a pleated lampshade? The shade fabric folds back on itself creating a pleat. There are many forms of pleating creating different patterns & pleat sizes. IE: knife pleats (straight vertical side folds), boxpleats (two under folds pressed towards each other), contrapleats (informal gather), shirred pleating (uniform gather), etc. 18. What are lampshade lining & interlining? They are additional surfaces applied to the inside of a lamp shade, used to filter or reflect light. 19. What is lampshade piping? It is vertical piping of material covering the vertical wires of the lampshade frame. 20. What is lampshade gimp? It is a braid used to accent the top & bottom edges of a lampshade. 21. What is an Uno shade? A shade has a 1" ring with inner threads which screws onto the lamp socket, and is used on vintage bridge lamps. 22. What is a Clip-On shade? A bulb clip is used on chandelier shades. 23. How do I care for my lampshades? Lampshades can fade unevenly in the sunlight. Rotate the shade from time to time. Do not use strong wattage. Chandelier shades need no more that 25 wattage bulbs to avoid excessive heat. Never allow fabric to touch bulbs! Periodically take a blow dryer on a cool setting and blow the dust off your shade. Handle the shade gently & use a soft brush for removing dust between pleats. Never use a vacuum cleaner. 24. What is task lighting? It is lighting used in the kitchen, bathroom, for applying makeup, reading or dressing, etc. 25. What is decorative lighting? Decorative chandeliers, pendants, table lamps, etc. add style. Lampshades do not need to be just functional today. People used to think a lampshade must be white & provide maximum light & were made to keep the glare out of our eyes. Our sculptural artistic shades provide ambience & pull a room together. 26. What is a portable lamp? These fixtures can be plugged-in to a wall socket, and that are easily moved. 27. What is an Accent Lamp? It usually has a shade from 9" to 14" bottom diameter wide and total lamp height no more than 24". Localized and directional lighting used to highlight, focus attention or dramatize a room. 28. What is ambient lighting? It provides an area with overall, non-specific illumination, radiating a comfortable level of brightness. 29. What is a Boudoir Lamp? It is for the bedroom, next to the bed. 30. What is a Buffet Lamp/Candlestick Lamp? It is a portable lamp, usually tall and slender and suitable for use on a buffet, with height generally no taller that 36". 31. What is a bridge arm lamp? It holds the shade downwards, and used for reading. 32. What is a torchiere lamp? It is a floor lamp with a shade that directs light upward. 33. What is a Harp? Harps are metal devices, which come in half-inch increments, that suspend the shade at the correct height above the base. A harp can raise a shade to show the lamp's elegant neck, or lower a shade to hides the base's socket. 34. What is a Washer? A washer (1/2" ring) fits on a harp which holds the shade & a finial is screwed on the top. The washer can be sprayed chrome or any color. 35. What is a European fitter? European lamps usually use an uno fitter, a large flat ring that sits on the lamps base and then locked in by a separate gadget.. American unos use Edison sockets. 36. How can I tell the difference between European & American fitters? The Edison type uno fitter has a ridge & is threaded. The European fitter has a flat disc type ring. 37. How do I measure the harp? Harps are measured from the bottom of the saddle to the flat part below the finial post. Harps are available in 1/2" increments. Most traditional shades are designed to work with harps from 8 -12". Harps consist of the harp saddle (the inverted u-shaped bracket immediately below the lamp socket) and the harp itself, which usually snaps into the saddle. 38. My lamp doesn't have a harp? If your lamp doesn't have a harp bottom attachment, you can use a clip-on bulb adapter which attaches to the shade and clips onto the bulb. The finial is secured through the adapter. Bulb clip adaptor:     harp attachment:   39. What is a finial? It is a decorative detail on the top of a lamp or the very bottom of a chandelier. 40. What is a riser? It is a small metal extender used to raise the shade. Usually 1-2”, a riser screws in to the top of the harp and the shade sits on the riser and the finial screws on top of the riser. 41. Why use a frosted bulb? Frosted bulbs are a great way to soften the light from open fixtures. 42. What is a canopy? It is a fixture part that covers an outlet box in the ceiling. 43. How can I achieve more light in room? Mirrors, glass and metallic surfaces can help bounce light around the room. Spaces with ample task lighting are more efficient rather than illuminating the entire room. 44. How much Wattage is RIGHT for my room? Do not use too bright overhead fixtures. The light from overhead can not only be harsh, but can be really unflattering. Lighting can really set the mood & transform any room by using low watt bulbs to create flattering and inviting light. Use several light sources (ie: table lamps & sconces with 25+ watt bulbs rather than a single ceiling fixture with one 300 watts. 45. How can I save energy? Just remember to turn off the lights when you aren't using them. The new compact florescent light bulbs are good because they do not create as much heat. 46. How do I determine the proper size chandelier for a dining table? A good rule of thumb is to choose a chandelier with a diameter equal to 1/2 the width of the table. For instance, if the width of your table is 54", select a chandelier that has a diameter of 27". The chandelier should be hung so the bottom of the fixture is approximately 30" above the tabletop. 47. How do I determine the proper size chandelier for a foyer? To determine what size chandelier would fit best in a foyer simply add the room dimensions together. For example, if your foyer is 12' by 16,' add 12 + 16 = 28. The proper size chandelier for this foyer would be approximately 28" in diameter. 48. What is a pendant lamp? It is a ceiling fixture that usually features a shade larger than 10" in diameter which is suspended by a single pole or chain extending from the ceiling canopy. 49. What is the difference between glass & crystal? Crystal is made by adding lead oxide to glass. The lead in crystal is what makes it sparkle. It also makes crystal heavier than glass. The higher the lead content, the better quality the crystal. In Europe, glass must contain at least 4% lead to be called crystal. In the US, glass must have 1% lead content. Swarovski crystal has at least 30% lead content. 50. What size pool table fixture do I need? Size fixture to the size of your table. A two or three light fixture (40"-60") is adequate for a pool table up to 7 feet long. 51. What height should I hang a pool table light? Usually the fixture should be hung 33 to 36 inches above the table. The fixture should hang low enough that the light does not shine directly into the eyes, while high enough where it does not interfere with play. The bottom of the billiard light should be at eye level. 52. What's the proper height to install wall sconces? Sconces should be installed on the wall 60" from the floor. If you choose to utilize sconces to illuminate hallways, then the sconces should be placed eight to ten feet apart. 53. Do you accept international orders? We are happy to ship internationally since we do ship anywhere in the world. 54. Do you design & manufacture shades for commercial spaces? Yes, our shades are made for homes & commercial establishments, including hotels & casinos. 55. Why do your lampshades seem more expensive than other stores? Each one of a kind creation is completely thought out from the beginning design, which includes shape, fabrics, trims, illumination, etc in our Brooklyn studio. All rust proof frames are custom hand made by our talented American frame maker. To add more shade protection our staff carefully hands wraps each wire. Then the shade is painstakingly hand sewn to perfection. 56. What is your return policy? All sales made through the website are final. Examine all shipping cartons and packaging immediately upon receipt, and report damaged materials to the shipping carrier immediately.

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