A Broad Base

The student lamp shade is characterized by a broad base which can sit on a ring, or an inverted tripod. Toward the top, the broad base starts tapering inward and then ends in a cylindrical or out-flare configuration at the top lip. The base ring can sit on a lamp base, or hang from chains to form the basis for a swag lamp. Similar designs to this include the gas lamp shade as well as the school lamp shade.

Take a look at our schematic for an archetypal example. Note the distinctive cylindrical piece that rises from the top, almost as if were separate from the dome-like base.

Oil, Gas and Electrical

The cylindrical piece of a student glass lamp shade is an opening that likely served as an outlet for the heat of a gas or oil fire before the advent of electrical lighting, making this an example of old-style antique glass lamp shades. This is in line with the industry's and consumers' preference for designs that hark back to a different era, despite the fact that the opening serves little purpose. Such antique or vintage designs are much desired and can command a high price.

Small and Large Versions

The diameter of the broad base is a good way to characterize the size of the student lamp shade. Small ones are 6 inches or so, whereas large ones can run up to 12 inches in diameter. A width of 6 inches means the glass lamp shade is small enough to be accomodated on a desk, table top, bedside nightstand as a reading light. Such sizes may be called mini lamp shades. The larger widths are more suitable for larger end table lamps or torchiere lamps that illuminate the whole room of a house.