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LIGHTING - Measuring glass shades & fitters

fitter diagramHow are glass shades measured?

There are three important dimensions for glass shades: fitter size, height and width. The fitter size is the outer diameter of the lip which is inserted into the fixture’s shade holder. The height of a glass shade is taken from the base of the fitter lip to the bottom of the shade. The width is measured across the widest portion of the shade, which may be the top, middle or bottom, depending on the shade type.

How do I determine the correct size glass shade for my light fixture?

To determine the correct size glass shade, simply measure the inner diameter of the shade holder (fitter) on your fixture. Common diameters for shade holders are: 2 1/4", 3 1/4", 4", 6", 10" and 12". Select a shade with a corresponding fitter diameter. See the diagram at left.

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