FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose the right ring size?
Your lamp base or ceiling fitting will be your guide. Does it take a bayonet bulb or a screw fit bulb?
If a bayonet bulb choose 'Bayonet bulb fitting'
If a screw fit bulb choose 'Screw bulb fitting'
How do I choose the right size and shape for my lamp base?
Size
After countless conversations with customers I've come to the conclusion the 'right size light shade' is entirely subjective!
In most cases the proportions will look better if the shade is large enough to cover the metal fittings of the stand.
Also consider where your shade will be located and how much space you have.
For ceiling or pendant lights consider how big your room is and the height of the ceiling.
More information about choosing a lampshade
Shape
I stock tapered and straight sided drum and barrel shaped lampshades.
If you still have the original light shade this often offers a good guide to the size and shape that will suit the proportions of your base or stand. However, a switch from a traditional style lamp shade to a more contemporary straight sided shade can offer a more up-to-date look.
This is especially true for traditional wooden floor stands which can be up-dated when their older style (and often moth eaten) lamp shade is replaced.
More information and dimensions of lampshade sizes
Can I supply my own fabric?
Absolutely! I'm happy to use fabric that you may have left over from curtains, or you have a particular colour / pattern that you've found.
I work best with fabric of a certain 'weight' which is best found with quilting cotton or upholstery fabric.
If you supply your own fabric the quoted price of a lampshade is reduced and the amount depends on shade size.
Guide to how much fabric needed for a variety of lampshade sizes
Please don't hesitate to contact me at shadesatgrays@gmail.com or on 027 541 4696 with any queries.
Fabric can be sent to Shades at Grays, 40 Grays Road, Plimmerton, Porirua 5026.
Where can I find a good choice of fabric for light shades online?
There are a range of fabric stores online in New Zealand which you can find by using the search term 'fabric nz' or 'quilting fabric nz'
These are the ones I surf most often :) Prices vary.
Miss Maude (for textured plain fabrics)
There are, of course, a huge range of overseas fabric stores. If choosing supplies from these please check their delivery fees and shipping times. Often the cost of the fabric is very reasonable but the shipping fee can more than double the total price.
Where do you deliver to and how much does it cost?
Deliveries can be made to all addresses that are served by courier services. I use Parcelwings that uses NZ Post courier deliveries.
The exact shipping cost is calculated at check out. Cost ranges depending on size, the area it is being shipped to and whether it is a rural address.
In the North Island for a non-rural address the delivery fee ranges from around $12 for a small light shade to $28 for a large tapered shade.
I charge a $9.50 flat fee for deliveries in the Wellington region.
The prices for the South Island, non-rural addresses, range from around $15 to $45.
Occassionally, the website shipping calculator overestimates the cost. This most often happens if 2 or more shades are ordered. If this occurs I provide a refund.
If you have any queries about the shipping fee please don't hesitate to contact me at shadesatgrays@gmail.com or ring me on 027 541 4696
Can you ship lightshades safely so they arrive undamaged?
I have sent hundreds of lightshades in the post to destinations around New Zealand and have only ever had one shade that was damaged in transit.
I pack all my light shades personally and ensure they are well protected.
I use as much recycled packaging material as possible.
My cartons are practical and well packed - but to be honest they are not always pretty! I welcome feedback :)
Do you have a shop?
I sell my work online and at markets around the lower North Island (and sometimes further afield). Upcoming markets
I do not have a shop, but I welcome people to my 'workshop' aka the dining room if you would like to discuss a particular project or want to check out fabric or light shade size in person.
Please contact me (Sue) to arrange a visit at shadesatgrays@gmail.com or ring me on 027 541 4696