Glass Shades: A Quick Guide

At Clark Vintage Lighting, we have antique, vintage, and reproduction glass shades of all varying shapes, sizes, colors, and designs. Whether you’re restoring a period piece or updating a fixture for everyday use, understanding shade types and fitter sizes makes the process much easier.

You’re always welcome to stop by the shop to look through the antique shades we have on hand, and we can also help source reproduction glass through our suppliers if you need something specific.

Common Fitter Sizes

Most glass shades attach to a fixture using a “fitter”, the part of the shade that sits inside the shade holder. The fitter size determines what will actually fit your fixture.

The most common sizes you’ll see are:

• 2 ¼" — Most common for sconces and small pendants

• 3 ¼" — Often used on flush mounts and mid-sized fixtures

• 4" — Common on larger pendants and some schoolhouse fixtures

• 6" — Used for larger shades and globes

• 10" — Typically for student shades and larger down-light fixtures

• Student shades — Usually 10", flared, and designed for table lamps or hanging student fixtures

If you’re not sure what size you need, a quick measurement will tell you.

How to Measure Your Fitter

To find the correct fitter size:

1. Measure the inside diameter of the shade holder (the ring or opening the shade sits in).

2. Measure edge-to-edge, straight across the center.

3. Don’t measure the outside of the shade holder. Only the inside lip.

4. Round to the nearest standard size (2 ¼", 3 ¼", 4", 6", or 10").

If you’re unsure, send us a photo of the socket area and the holder and we can help figure out what you need