Swap an old lampshade for a new one safely, with the light off and the bulb cool.
LS-01Turn the light off and let the bulb coolSwitch the pendant off at the wall switch. If it's been on, wait at least 15 minutes before touching the bulb — it can be hot enough to burn you. Don't rely on the switch alone if you'll be handling the bulb holder itself; if in doubt, turn the circuit off at the consumer unit.
LS-02Check how your current shade attachesLook underneath the shade to see the fitting type. A spider fitting is a small ring with clips that grips the bulb holder — common sizes are 27mm, 30mm and 40mm. A gimbal fitting has a swivel ring, and some shades simply clip straight onto the lampholder body. Match your new shade's fitting size and type before you buy.
1 each · New lampshade (correct fitting size) LS-03Set up safely to reach the pendantUse a proper stepstool or stepladder, not a chair or box. Make sure it's on a flat, stable surface and someone knows you're up there if the ceiling is high. Keep one hand free to steady yourself.
1 each · Stepstool or stepladder LS-04Remove the old shadeIf it's held by a spider fitting, squeeze or unclip the arms from the bulb holder and lift the shade away. If it has a finial (a small screw-on cap), unscrew that first. Support the shade with one hand as it comes free so it doesn't drop.
LS-05Check the bulb while you're up thereWhile the shade is off, check the bulb is the right type and wattage for the new shade — some shades state a maximum wattage on the fitting. Swap the bulb now if it needs replacing, since you're already at the fitting.
1 each · Replacement bulb (correct cap fitting, e.g. B22 or E27) LS-06Fit the new shadeClip the new spider fitting onto the bulb holder the same way the old one came off, or screw the finial back on if that's how it's held. Make sure the shade sits level and isn't gripping only one clip. Give it a gentle wiggle to check it's secure before letting go.
LS-07Check clearance from the bulbMake sure the inside of the shade doesn't touch the bulb, especially with halogen bulbs which run very hot. Fabric or paper shades sitting against a hot bulb are a fire risk. Adjust the shade's position on the fitting if it's too close.
LS-08Test and tidy upSwitch the light back on at the wall to check it works and the shade sits straight. Fold down the stepstool, put tools away, and dispose of the old shade and any packaging.
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