Ship a Lampshade for Restoration: How to Prepare Your Shipment ?
Updated: Sep 23
Would you like to have an antique lampshade restored, but don't live near your chosen restoration atelier?
The good news is that it is perfectly possible to ship a lampshade for restoration from anywhere in France, and even internationally depending on the project.
With a few simple precautions, your lampshade can travel safely to the atelier.
In this guide, you'll discover how to prepare your shipment and protect your piece throughout its journey.
Why ship a lampshade for restoration?
In most cases, there is no need to travel to have a lampshade restored.
A few photographs are usually enough to carry out an initial assessment of the project.
Once the quote has been approved, simply ship the lampshade to the workshop so the restoration work can begin.
This allows you to have your lampshade restored wherever you are.
How to pack an antique lampshade
Packing your lampshade properly is essential to protect it during transit, along with its lamp base when necessary.
Rest assured: with the right-sized box and a few simple precautions, preparing your parcel is quick and easy.
Should you also send the lamp base?
There are two possible situations:
The restoration project does not require the lamp base to be sent.
In this case, simply ship the lampshade on its own.
The restoration project requires the lamp base to be sent.
This may be necessary to ensure that the colours and materials chosen for the lampshade are perfectly matched to the lamp base.
Depending on your project, we will let you know whether or not the lamp base needs to be shipped.
In either case, preparing your parcel remains simple.
Choose a box that is large enough
To protect your lampshade, we first recommend choosing a box that is large enough.
Once wrapped in bubble wrap, your lampshade should not touch the sides of the box.
Make sure there is enough space to protect your lampshade properly, along with its lamp base if it also needs to be shipped.
Protect the lampshade with several layers of bubble wrap
Wrap the lampshade completely in several layers of bubble wrap.
Use at least two layers !
Make sure the entire surface is well protected, including the edges and any pointed parts.
If you also need to ship the lamp base, protect it just as carefully
Whether your lamp base is made of brass, marble, alabaster, porcelain, stone, or any other material, even if you think it is sturdy enough to withstand shipping:
Don't skimp on the protection!
It's always better to overprotect it than not protect it enough. 😊
Spending €10 on bubble wrap—which you can reuse for future shipments—is far better than risking the loss of your piece.
How to protect the lamp base properly
Wrap the lamp base in several layers of bubble wrap, as if you were wrapping a tube, to protect its edges and corners.
Then, add extra padding around the thinnest parts of the lamp base, as these are the most fragile.
And don't forget the lamp socket!
It also needs to be carefully protected. Otherwise, you may have to replace it. If it happens to be an original brass B22 socket, finding a replacement can take time, as they are no longer manufactured. They can still be found through antique dealers or second-hand sources, but this is a hassle that can easily be avoided with proper protection.
Illustrated example:
Secure the bubble wrap properly
Finally, TAPE everything securely.
Be careful not to wrap it so tightly that the lampshade becomes distorted. The bubble wrap should be held firmly in place without putting pressure on the piece.
Your lampshade and lamp base are now properly protected and ready for shipping 📦
Prevent the contents from moving inside the box
Start by placing a layer of cushioning material at the bottom of the box.
Once your lampshade and, if necessary, its lamp base have been properly protected, place them inside the box.
The next step is to make sure nothing can move during transit.
To do this, fill every empty space with cushioning material, such as:
kraft paper
newspapers
old sheets and/or old clothes (one of our customers once shipped her lampshade using old clothes as cushioning, and it arrived in perfect condition)
or any other material that will keep the contents securely in place
Our advice: To prevent the lamp base from coming into contact with the lampshade, separate them well using cushioning material. If you wish, you can also place a sheet of cardboard between them for extra protection and complete peace of mind during shipping.
Cushioning material should be placed at the bottom of the box, around the contents to fill any empty spaces, and finally on top before closing the box.
Before sealing the box, gently shake it. If you can feel anything moving inside, add more cushioning material until everything is firmly held in place.
Seal the parcel securely
Once nothing is moving inside the box, seal it securely with strong packing tape.
Don't hesitate to reinforce the bottom, the top, and all the seams of the box.
Careful packaging significantly reduces the risks associated with shipping.
Do you only need to send the lampshade?
In most cases, only the lampshade needs to be shipped.
If your project also involves the lamp base, a pendant light, or a complete light fixture, this will be determined together during the initial assessment.
As every project is unique, we will let you know exactly what needs to be shipped before you send your parcel.
Which shipping carrier should you choose?
Most shipping carriers are suitable for this type of shipment.
The most important thing is to choose a service that includes parcel tracking and provides appropriate cover for the value of your piece.
For particularly old or fragile lampshades, you will receive specific shipping recommendations before sending your parcel.
What Happens Once My Parcel Arrives?
When your lampshade arrives at the atelier, it is carefully inspected.
This allows the condition of the piece to be confirmed and the planned restoration work to be reviewed.
The restoration then begins according to the agreed project.
Can I Ship a Lampshade from Another Country?
Yes.
Depending on the country of origin and the nature of the project, restoration services are also available for international clients.
Shipping arrangements are considered on a case-by-case basis to ensure your lampshade travels safely.
Need Advice Before Shipping Your Lampshade?
A few photographs are usually enough to determine whether your lampshade can be restored and to advise you on the safest way to prepare your shipment.
To discover the various possible services, consult the antique lampshade restoration service.
Before you send your piece, an initial assessment will answer your questions and help identify the most suitable solution for your project.
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