I restore lamp shades of all shapes, sizes and materials. The following pictures are of a table light lamp with a fabric lampshade that had a 150 watt bulb. The pictures are frightening! The elderly seem to be most at risk trying to read by a table light. A reading light with a metal shade for directional lighting should be used for reading. NEVER USE A FABRIC LAMPSHADE FOR READING.
Fire Damaged Fabric Lampshade used for Reading with a 150 Watt Bulb
This lampshade caught fire, but was handled immediately and did not cause a catastrophic situation. Fabric shades are for accenting a room and lighting a path through an area. Eco friendly bulbs are recommended for all fabric lined lampshades. LED Light Bulbs are the coolest lighting available. They stay cool no matter how many hours the light is on. They come in Candlelight, 40 Watt, 60 Watt Bulbs etc. I typically do not use more than a 40 Watt bulb in a fabric shade
Fire Damaged Fabric Lampshade used for Reading with a 150 Watt Bulb
Most often it is not even obvious that the lampshade liner is damaged until you dust or move the lamp. You can check the lampshade liner by simply touching it and applying slight pressure to see if it is a solid firm liner. Check the top of the shade as this is where the heat concentrates. Weak fabric lampshade liners shred and will actually turn to dust when slight pressure is applied.
Please take the time to check all your fabric lampshades as well as your children’s, parents, and grandparents lighting.
Have a Safe and Happy Holiday Season!