Lamps are the awkward combination of a heavy base, a fragile shade, a glass bulb and a cable, in a carton that is usually tall. Packing each component for what it is, rather than packing the lamp as one object, is what makes the difference. This guide covers the specification; the lamp boxes product page is where to order.
Separate the components
| Component | Main risk | How it should be packed |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Weight damaging everything else | Its own compartment, held low and immobile |
| Shade | Crushing and frame distortion | Its own compartment, suspended or capped, never loaded |
| Harp, finial, small fittings | Loss, and puncturing the shade | A bagged set in a separate recess |
| Cable | Abrading the finish, tangling | Coiled and tied, in its own space |
| Bulb, if included | Breakage and glass in the pack | Its own protected cell, or shipped separately |
A divider between the shade compartment and the base compartment is not optional on a two piece lamp. Without it the base slides into the shade in the first drop.
Size the carton
- Measure each component at its widest and tallest point, with the shade measured across its bottom diameter.
- Decide the layout: side by side, stacked with a shelf, or shade over base with a rigid divider.
- Add cushioning. Applying the usual carrier guidance of at least 2 in on every face adds about 4 in to each plan dimension, unless an insert holds the components clear of the walls.
- Quote internal length x width x depth and state that the figures are internal, since double wall board adds real thickness on the outside.
Board and insert
Most lamp cartons are double wall corrugated. The insert does the real work: corrugated end caps or a fitted tray that carries the base by its widest, strongest surface, with the shade held at its rim rather than its face. The die is included, so a cut insert costs no more to tool than a generic pad, and it uses far less material than filling a large box with void fill.
The unpacking instruction is part of the pack
Lamps are frequently damaged by the customer on opening: a shade pulled out by its fabric, a base lifted by the harp. Print a short sequence inside the lid, use arrows or a number on each compartment, and put the fittings bag where it is found first rather than last. This costs one extra printed surface and prevents a share of returns.
Materials and finish
Corrugated stock is the base material for anything shipping alone. For a retail boxed lamp, a printed corrugated carton with a matte laminate looks considered and still ships. Kraft, standard white cardstock, textured and rigid press board are available where the box is a presentation piece inside an outer shipper. Finishes include gloss and matte lamination, spot UV, foil stamping and embossing.
Ordering
The minimum is 100 boxes, with pricing from about $0.48 per unit at bulk volumes confirmed on your written quote, and the die, plates, design support, US shipping and a digital proof included. Turnaround is quoted per job in three lanes, rush (expedited production plus air freight), standard (air) and cost saver (sea), from about 7 business days, plus 2 to 5 for delivery.
Order on the lamp boxes page, or send component dimensions and the assembled weight to the quote form and we will propose a carton and insert. Related: custom glassware boxes.
