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Diffusers and Diffuser Shades

Diffuser lamps are often confused with Torchiere lamps. As you can see by comparing the two diagrams, they are very different.

Diffusers are a glass "bowl" which forces the light upwards providing bright, indirect lighting to illuminate a room.

Many people think that the diffuser should be a shade in itself and look for one that is fancy or colored. Such is not the case. A diffuser is simply a milk glass bowl that is made to diffuse the light upwards. A fabric shade then sits on top for aesthetics and to soften the glare from the bright bulbs.

Diffusers are also called the I.E.S. reflectors because of the development of Illuminating Engineering Society (I.E.S.) standards which encouraged better lighting in America through higher wattage output and the development of the 3-way bulb.

Diffuser lamps are still very popular today because of the great light they provide. They take large "Mogul" bulbs in the center which are very high wattage and therefore, are a powerful light source without being harsh.

The top (T) measurement of a diffuser shade should be 1" or greater than the diameter of the diffuser itself. The bottom (B) measurement of this shade for a 3-candle floor lamp, such as the one in the diagram, should be 18" or greater.

Click HERE to go to Diffusers and Diffuser Shades page in our On-line Catalog

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