A typical mogul floor lamp A mogul lamp or six way lamp is a floor lamp which has a large center light bulb surrounded by three (or four) smaller bulbs that may be candelabra-style or standard medium-base bulbs, each mounted base-down. This entire setting is typically covered, at least partially, by a large cylindrical (or bell-shaped) fabric shade which is fitted over the reflector bowl, an upturned, white-colored glass, hemispherical diffuser surrounding the center bulb. The top of the lamp is usually designed to sit just above eye-level of an average adult person standing next to it, to avoid unpleasant glare from unshaded bulbs. The bulb socket in the center has a larger diameter (an E39 or E40 mogul base) than a regular E26 or E27 Edison screw light socket, and is typically made of cast porcelain for the higher temperatures. Mogul-base lamps are available for industrial use in larger power ratings (250-1500) and in halogen, mercury vapor, high-pressure sodium and Metal-halide lamp configurations.

Compact fluorescent mogul-base bulbs are also available, as are adaptors to allow medium-base bulbs to be used in mogul sockets. There are usually two three-way switches near the top of the floor lamp to operate the bulbs. One controls the three-way center bulb, and the other turns on one, two, or all three (or four) of the peripheral bulbs. The center bulb may be very high power (often a three-way, 100-200-300 watt bulb), where the others are usually 60 watts or less. Some models have a night light in the base operated by a foot switch. This design allows sixteen different combinations of brightness to be obtained. The result is that one lamp can provide a very soft, diffuse glow or quickly adjusted to illuminate an entire room, and everything in between. Popular in the 1920s and 1930s, mogul lamps can be obtained in thrift or antique stores and can still be purchased new. Mogul lamps are also the subject of a mathematics problem concerning the number of possible combinations of power that can be obtained.

As it turns out, the name "Six Way Lamp" is somewhat deceiving since there are in fact 16 possible combinations (without the night-light), including combinations with all lamps of either switch off. The term probably comes from the fact that the design incorporates two "three-way" switches.How do you determine shade height? The height of a table lamp shade should be approximately the height of the base (to bottom of socket) x 60% up to 70%. The height of a floor lamp shade should be approximately the height of the base x 30% to 40%. Measure shade height along the slant. The diameter (width) of a table shade should NEVER exceed the height of the base (to the bottom of the socket) and should be within 2″ of this dimension. Floor lamp shades should clear the widest part of the bulb by at least 3.5″ on each side of the bulb (unless using compact fluorescent bulb). Lampshade size is usually expressed in terms of its diameter (16″ shade has a diameter of 16″). Are certain shade styles better for certain base styles?

If so, do you have any pointers for matching the two? Are there any “no-no’s” when it comes to choosing a shade? If you’re debating between two similar shades, is it safe to go bigger or smaller? Just like outdoor wall lights, it’s better to go larger to allow more wattage (click here for wattage and shade size guide). Is there a shape of shade that flatters most bases? Choose a shade with a shape that follows the general contours of the lamp. Wedding Guest Dress MidiSquare lamps look best with square shades and round lamps look best with round shades. Silver Tape Top CurtainsA shapely lamp can take a shapely shade. 210 Delivery And Moving ServiceAn interesting alternative is to repeat the shape of the vase stand (as opposed to the vase shape) in the shade.

For example, try a square shade on a round ginger jar with a square wood base. Are there any shade shapes that are particularly hard to get right? The more slender the body of the lamp, the shallower the shade can be. Extremely-flared shades are sometimes tricky to get right. Often you will need to change the size of the harp on your lamp when you change the lampshade. The more flared the shade, the shorter the harp you need. Lamps with more than one socket need to have wider and shorter shades and you may need a salesperson’s guidance. Should the shade kiss the top of the lamp’s base? Should we see a little of the harp/hardware part of the lamp? The bottom of the lampshade should come to the top of the body of the lamp so that no mechanical parts except 1/2 the neck show. The bottom of the shade should also fall at the eye level of the user. Most harps are interchangeable so you may need to purchase a new harp with your new shade. Harps come in regular and heavy (higher end lamps) and are usually imprinted in the top with their size in inches.

©2011 Shades of Light. Tags: correct lampshade size, lamp shade, lampshade fittings, lampshade size, lampshades on Wednesday, February 2nd, 2011 at 5:00 am and is filed under Inspired Blog, Lighting Tips & Techniques. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site. Free Returns* on our best-selling floor lamps. Enhance the beauty and feel of your home with thousands of top quality floor lamp designs for reading, relaxing and more.ContemporaryTraditional - ClassicTorchieresTask - ReadingArc LampsTiffany Brass - Antique Brass Designer - Hand Painted Seedling by Thomas Paul 48 in. or less - Small 49 in. - 60 in. 61 in. - 72 in. 73 in. and up - Extra Tall Specials NewMost PopularFree ShippingFree Shipping and Free ReturnsQuick ShipSale On SaleDaily SalesClearance Items Find the Best Floor Lamp for Your Lighting NeedsWe have thousands of great floor lamp designs to help you create the beautiful look you want for your home.

Consider your lighting needs - do you need an ambient look for the bedroom or a design specifically for reading? Perhaps you just want a great brand name to add general lighting and that perfect finishing touch to your living room!Keep these tips in mind as you shop:Consider a torchiere. These standing lamps direct their beams up to the ceiling, making them ideal for general illumination.Stylish arc designs are ideal for open seating areas in the family or living room.Standing floor lamps with side lights offer both a primary light source and adjustable reading lights.Halogen styles are best for reading and other tasks because of their bright, white light. Energy efficient choices include LED and styles with low voltage bulbs.You'll find all the top brands at Lamps Plus - some names to look for include Dale Tiffany, Quoizel, George Kovacs, Kathy Ireland and Fredrick Cooper. For modern designs, browse our large collection of Holtkoetter, Lite Source and Robert Abbey. Plus, enjoy Free Shipping on our best-selling floor lamps.*For advice and recommendations, call 800-782-1967 to speak to one of our professional lighting associates.