While you don't typically convert an Uno shade's fitting to a spider fitting itself, you can adapt a lamp base designed for an Uno shade to use a spider mount shade.
Understanding Lamp Shade Mounts: Uno vs. Spider
Lamp shades come with different types of fittings that attach to the lamp base. Two common types are:
- Uno Mount: This fitting has a ring or collar that sits directly on the lamp socket below the light bulb. The shade is secured in place by the light bulb being screwed into the socket on top of the fitting.
- Spider Mount: This fitting consists of wires that meet in the center and rest on top of a harp. A finial then screws onto the top of the harp, holding the shade in place.
Because these mounting methods are fundamentally different (one attaches to the socket, the other rests on a harp above the socket), you cannot simply alter the metal ring on an Uno shade to work as a spider mount.
Adapting Your Lamp Base for a Spider Shade
The practical solution is to modify the lamp base setup to accept a spider shade. According to the reference, if your lamp base is an uno mount but you want to use a spider mount shade, you can achieve this by using an adapter + harp kit.
How to Adapt Your Lamp Base
This process involves adding a harp system to your lamp base, which is necessary for spider shades.
- Assess Your Lamp Base: Confirm your lamp base currently uses an Uno shade mount.
- Obtain an Adapter Kit: You will need to buy an adapter + harp kit. These kits are specifically designed to convert Uno socket setups to accept a harp for spider shades.
- Measure the Uno Collar: As the reference states, "Measure the inner ring of your uno collar (the size is typically for the E26 lightbulb size (36mm)) to get the right size." This measurement ensures you purchase an adapter kit that fits correctly onto your lamp's socket.
- Install the Adapter: Follow the kit instructions. Typically, the adapter fits onto your existing lamp socket, providing a base for the harp.
- Attach the Harp: The harp mounts onto the adapter.
- Place the Spider Shade: The spider fitting on your new shade will rest on top of the harp.
- Secure with a Finial: Screw a finial onto the threaded post at the top of the harp to hold the spider shade firmly in place.
| Step | Action | Key Detail from Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Identify Need | Uno mount lamp base needs spider shade. | "If your lamp base is an uno mount but you want to use a spider mount shade" |
| 2. Get Solution | Purchase an adapter kit. | "buy an adapter + harp kit" |
| 3. Ensure Fit | Measure the Uno collar. | "Measure the inner ring of your uno collar... to get the right size." |
| 4. Note Typical Size | Understand standard sizing. | "(the size is typically for the E26 lightbulb size (36mm))" |
| 5. Install | Attach adapter and harp to lamp base. | Part of using the "adapter + harp kit". |
| 6. Mount Shade | Place spider shade on harp. | Allows use of a "spider mount shade". |
| 7. Secure Shade | Fasten with a finial. | Standard process for spider shades. |
By using the correct adapter and harp kit, you can effectively use a spider mount shade on a lamp base that was originally designed for an Uno shade.
