Complete Guide to Lampshade Making Kits and Fittings for the US and Canada

Dannells Admin
Sep 18
4 min read

Are you based in the US or Canada and dreaming of creating your own handmade lampshades? You’re in the right place!

We stock a wide and ever-growing selection of lampshade making supplies designed specifically for makers across North America. Whether you’re crafting a one-of-a-kind piece for your home, making thoughtful gifts, or starting your own lampshade business, we’ve got everything you need.

In our comprehensive guide, we’ll introduce you to our US and Canadian product range, highlight each product's key features, and share helpful resources to support you on your lampshade-making journey.

Understanding Lampshade Fittings

Across North America there are a wide variety of light fittings for attaching your handmade lampshade to either a table or floor lamp, or a pendant, which hangs from the ceiling.

To accommodate this variety, we offer Lampshade Making Kits to suit each different styles of fitting:

Drum Lampshade Making Kits with US Spider Fitting (1/2" Washer) and Ring Sets specifically for Harp and Finial fittings, featuring a ½” washer / spider connector.
Imperial Lampshade Making Kits, which has an EU/ UK fitting that can be converted for Harp and Finials, using our EU/UK Lamp Holder to Harp Finial Converter.
Lampshade Making Kits, with an EU/ UK fitting that can be used, without adaption, on continental light fittings, such as those from IKEA.

Drum Lampshade Making Kits with US Spider Fitting

Using the most traditional North American lamp fitting, our Drum Lampshade Making Kits with US Spider Fitting (1/2" Washer) are suitable for table and floor lamp bases that use a Harp and Finial or vertical or rod system, which holds the shade in place. Available in 20cm, 30cm, 40cm and 45cm diameters, the utility ring features a ½” washer/ spider connector, which simply slips over the Harp fitting.

US Spider (1/2" Washer) Circular Lampshade Ring Sets

Featuring the same ½” fitting as our US Drum US Spider/Washer Fitting Lampshade Making Kits, our US Spider (1/2" Washer) Circular Lampshade Ring Sets give you the flexibility to create a lampshade with a height that suits your specific needs. This can be done by using a compatible Drum or Cylinder Panel which measure 150mm, 200mm, 250mm or 300mm high.

Alternatively, if you’d prefer to make a lampshade that is higher or lower in height than our Stick It® pre-cut panels, consider buying a roll of our Stick It® Self Adhesive Lampshade Backing, which allows you to cut your exact height requirements.

Special Edition Gold Spider Ring Set

For an elevated handmade lampshade, try our special edition 30cm Spider (1/2" Washer) Circular Lampshade Ring Set in stunning Vintage Gold, which pairs beautifully with our Gold Brushed Stick-It® and Spanish Metallic Stick-It®Lampshade Making PVC. This combination will undoubtably bring decadence to a Harp and Finial table lamp near you!

Harp & Finial Sets

Harp & Finial Lamp Fitting Sets are our latest (and shiniest! ) addition to our American and Canadian lighting range, and if you’re living in North America, the chances are you’ll have come across a Harp & Finial fitting.

If haven't, the harp is a U-shaped metal frame that attaches just below the lamp socket and curves up around the bulb, providing sturdy support for the shade. At the top of the harp is a small threaded rod, which holds the shade’s spider fitting and a finial, a decorative knob, that screws down, holds everything securely in place.

Alongside our new stylish, gold and silver Harp & Finial Sets in our range, we’re also bringing you a contemporary twist on this traditional lampshade fitting, with a sleek Black Harp & Finial Set.

All three finishes are available in heights of 8”, 10” and 12”.

How to choose a Harp Fitting for your lampshade

To which size of Harp & Finial Set is suitable for your lampshade height, follow our simple formula below.

To find the right size harp you need to measure the following:
- Height of lampshade
- Fitter recess (this is the measurement from the top of the lampshade to the central spider fitter, which connects to the harp)

Formula - Height of lampshade - Fitter recess = Harp height

This measurement will give you harp that sits level with the lamp holder / lower harp fitting on your lampshade base.

For a lampshade that hangs over the lamp holder / lower harp fitting, to hide these, reduce the height of your harp by one or two inches, to achieve your preferred lampshade overhang.

Imperial Drum Lampshade Kits with Harp Finial Converter

Our Imperial Lampshade Making Kits are ideal for ensuring your handmade lampshade will fit either a European, UK or Harp and Finial light fitting, as each kit includes a EU to UK Lampshade Reducer / Convertor and a Harp Finial Converter, Adapter System.

With sizes ranging from our smallest drum diameter of 8”, ideal for a nightstand or study table lamp, through to our largest diameter of 18”, suitable for a tall floor lamp or as statement pendant shade in a hall or dining area, you can choose the size that will work for your space.

Watch our YouTube video, where our professional Demonstrator, Sam explains, what’s in a Needcraft US Imperial Kit and how to make one!

Harp Finial Converter / Adapter System

Available to buy separately (or included in our Imperial Drum Lampshade Making Kits), this clever converter / adaptor, means you can convert any of our Lampshade Making Kits, whatever their sizes or shape to fit a Harp and Finial lamp base fitting.

This two part system is ingeniously designed to convert for European (E27) and UK (B22) lampshade fittings, to fit Harp and Finial fitting using a sequence of durable and inconspicuous plastic adaptors.

It’s worth noting that there are two standard sizes for Harp systems, 1/4" and 3/8" and our Harp and Finial Converter/ Adapter System will fit them both.