Frequently Asked Questions

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Do you take lampshade commissions?

Yes! And that includes renewing your old or thrifted shades, and historical replica work. Check out commissions for more info.

How often do you restock?

Most of my lampshades are made to order, but I restock a small selection or restored lamps and ready-made lampshades once a month. Sign up for the mailing list at the bottom of the page to know first when new items are added!

What light bulbs do you recommend?

I only recommend LED bulbs. They are inherently safer, don't discolor and deteriorate fabric as quickly, and are better for the environment. I feel that soft white or warm-toned LEDs look best in most cases.

How do I care for my lampshade?

To preserve the colors of the fabric, it is best to keep your lamp out of direct sunlight. You can use your hairdryer's "cool" button on the "low" setting to regularly dust your lampshade. Some lampshades can also tolerate a light go-over with a lint roller, but please be extra careful with chiffon and feather elements. Avoid getting your lampshade wet - water can sacrifice its structural integrity and cause the dyes to run. If your lampshade's fringe has creased during shipping, you can lightly steam it, making sure not to saturate any part of the lampshade with water. In most cases it will relax naturally after a few days.

How do I care for my lamp base?

Care instructions vary depending on the material of the lamp. In most cases, a regular wipe-down with a soft dry cloth will keep your lamp looking sharp. Avoid the use of harsh chemicals or abrasives as they may damage the finish. Do not use these items in wet or damp conditions. 

How do you line your lampshades?

Most of the multi-panel lampshade frames that I use do not lend themselves to balloon lining because of their intricate shapes. Instead, these types of lampshades traditionally use exterior lining where the decorative outer fabric panels are paired with inner lining panels, all of which are individually sewn onto the binding secured around the struts. So, the struts and the lining panels are visible when you peek inside the lampshade. It’s an authentic touch that testifies to the hand-made nature of these lampshades.

What does your restoration process look like?

Lamps: First, each lamp's condition is carefully evaluated to determine the best course of action. Then the lamp is taken apart and cleaned. If necessary, I touch up cosmetic damage. I strive to maintain an age-appropriate look and will only spray paint the lamp if the original finish was damaged by previous owners.

During reassembly all lamps are retrofitted with polarized plugs, and most are rewired completely and outfitted with new sockets. I try to match the original look of the cord whenever possible, and, if intact, reuse the original metal socket casings for authenticity. Lastly, I attach new felt pads to the base to protect your furniture.

Lampshades: Salvaging vintage and especially antique lampshade frames usually requires a complete tear down. Frames are stripped of fabric and glue remnants, scrubbed, treated with rust remover, coated with a rust-converting base and painted. This process takes several days. Once the frames are dry, the struts are bound in fabric tape to serve as the base for stitching on the panels.

Are you an electrician?

No, I do not have any professional electrical licenses or certifications! While I do my best to ensure that my lamps are safe, including by using UL-listed parts, I urge all customers to employ a certified electrician to make sure that these vintage items are fit for their intended use and are in compliance of local laws and regulations.

How do you ship?

Stock items are shipped within 3-5 business days. Custom order timelines are determined during the commission process. Lampshade commissions typically take around two months to create and ship, but production time depends on availability of materials, complexity of design, and my workload.

Domestic orders are shipped with UPS Ground and include a signature requirement. Packages are insured and packaged securely. Lamps and lampshades may be packed in separate boxes for safer transport.

Do you ship internationally?

At this time I do not ship internationally, but, if you are abroad and interested in purchasing an item, please reach out - I may be ready to expand!

Where is the rest of my order?

Depending on the size, shape, and weight, lamp bases and lampshades may be packed in separate boxes to keep these fragile items safe in transit. Please allow a few extra days for the rest of your order to arrive.

Do you accept returns?

Due to the fragile nature of the these items and the perils of shipping them, returns are not encouraged, but I will be happy to work with you to resolve any issues! Please don't hesitate to reach out via the contact form if you have any questions about your order.