By Jim Hoyle
There is hardly any more confusion in the lighting industry than how to select a replacement glass shade for a torchiere lamp.
First let us define a torchiere lamp. A torchiere lamp is any table or floor lamp whose light is directed upward by means of a glass, metal, stone, plastic or other type of reflector. These lamps take many forms and are made of many materials but most commonly made as floor lamps.
The word "Torchiere" is derived from the French word "Torche" torch.
These popular lamps provide excellent area lighting because they bounce light off the ceiling and diffuse it throughout a large area of the room.
There are four (4) basic types of torchiere glass.
1) Dish type torchiere glass (most common) is a dish or bowl shape glass shade with a 1 5/8" wide center hole that simply slips down over the electrical socket and rests upon a metal or plastic holder. There is a threaded ring which screws down over the electrical socket to hold the glass in place. This type torchiere glass is usually frosted white, beige or plain white.
2) Reflector waffle pattern opal white torchiere glass is a cone shape glass shade available in two (2) common sizes: 2.75" fitter that is 10" wide and the other is a 2.25" fitter that is 8" wide. This torchiere glass usually has a waffle type pattern pressed into the surface of the glass although there are some with no pattern in the glass. These torchiere glass shades were very popular in the 1920's and 1930's and were found on many 6 way floor lamps that had 3 arm lights plus a center light. They are also available on some modern lamps as well as some floor lamps without arms. Many of these lamps are designed for a fabric lamp shade to rest upon the reflector glass. This arrangement not only provides excellent area lighting but also excellent reading light.
3) Long neck torchiere glass is a larger glass, usually around 13-16" wide with a long neck that fits down inside a 2.75 - 3"" wide holder. This glass shade has the appearance of a very wide funnel with neck. These are the most expensive type of torchiere glass shades.
4) Stiffel replacement torchiere glass is made specifically to fit lamps from this lamp maker.
If you need further help selecting the correct torchiere glass for your lamp, be sure to contact a professional full service lamp company with lots of experience with torchiere lamps.
Good luck on all your lighting projects.
Best Regards - Jim Hoyle
Biography: Since 1979 Jim Hoyle has owned and operated Lamp & Home Outlet - North Carolina's Most Exclusive Unique Lamps and Lamp Shades. Jim designs and manufactures fine cast metal table lamps and floor lamps and collects, sells, repairs, restores and appraises antique lamps from special acquisitions and estates worldwide. His company also specializes in lamp and home decor factory buyouts and warehouse closings.