Lamp Glossary

Base: the bottom of a lamp that supports the shade and bulb. Bracket Lamp: a lamp designed to be wall-mounted. Many bracket lamps can swivel from side to side, and brackets can be made of a variety of metals, including bronze and brass, and shades can be metal or glass. Reflectors placed behind the bulb often help broaden the light's span. Globe: describes the shape of a lamp shade, particularly one that is rounded. Can also be used to describe a style of large light bulb.

Ladder Chain: a chain used on a hanging lamp that has links resembling a ladder. Most often made of brass or plated metal.

Lamp Shade: The shade serves the important function of blocking the glare from a light bulb and is usually the most decorative part of a lamp. The lamp shade can be made of glass, fabric, metal, or other more creative materials.

Track Lighting: a system of lighting that uses individual lamps mounted to a track and, in turn, mounted to a wall or ceiling. Each light moves, swivels, and can be directed in different areas of a room to light many areas all at once. Some tracks can also support pendant lamps, chandeliers, or other types of ceiling-mounted lighting.

Wall Plate: a plate attached to a wall that holds a lamp in place. The lamp can either be a bracket-style lamp or a pendant lamp.