A shade ring is a threaded ring that screws onto the outside of a lamp holder to clamp a lampshade, glass shade or shade carrier in place. It is one of the simplest but most important small fittings in electric lighting, used on pendants, wall lights and table lamps to hold a shade securely around the bulb.
Early brass lamp holders for bayonet and screw lamps were usually made with shade rings, and the rings were often decorated with knurling or simple turned mouldings. Holders and rings were made in standard sizes so that shades with matching openings could be fitted easily, a convention that continues with modern fittings, although threads and diameters vary between British, European and American standards. On antique fittings the shade ring is easily lost or replaced with a mismatched modern part, so originality and correct fit are worth checking, particularly when a fitting is being rewired. A loose or cross-threaded ring can allow a glass shade to slip, and overtightening can crack it, so a thin heat-resistant washer is often used between ring and glass. Replacement brass shade rings are widely available to suit restored fittings.
