Universal Diffuser 50cm - White

A flat frosted disc in opal white, this is the diffusing panel that sits beneath a ceiling fitting and takes the hard edge off the light passing through it. At 50cm across it is one of the larger sizes, and the frosting is even from rim to centre, with no metal trim or centre boss breaking up the face. Switched off it reads as a soft pale circle; lit, it spreads the glow across the whole face rather than letting the lamp show through.

It is the part people come looking for when an original panel has cracked, yellowed or gone brittle with age, and the wide diameter suits the bigger flush fittings found on landings, in kitchens and in the hallways of flats and offices. We also sell it to people putting together fittings of their own, where a broad diffusing face is wanted over a group of lamps. Being non-electrical, it does no work on its own; the lamp, and the switching of it, belong to the fitting it serves.

Moulded acrylic keeps the weight down and makes it far less nervous to handle than glass, though it will scuff, so cleaning wants a soft cloth with warm water and a little washing-up liquid, then a dry cloth to finish. Solvents, polishes and anything gritty will haze the surface for good. It carries a one year warranty. The same plain face comes in smaller diameters, and where you want a touch of metalwork at the middle we stock versions with a polished chrome, satin nickel, antique brass or black centre detail. Kept plain like this, it is the one we reach for when the fitting below has enough going on already.

How wide is it, and how thick?

It is 500mm in diameter and 2mm thick, so it is a slim panel rather than a deep bowl.

Does it come with a lamp?

No. It is a non-electrical part, so the lamp is whatever the host fitting is designed to take.

What is it made from?

Frosted acrylic in opal white, weighing 0.34kg, which makes it much lighter and less fragile than a glass panel of the same size.

How should I clean it without marking it?

Warm water with a drop of washing-up liquid on a soft cloth, then dry. Avoid white spirit, glass polish, scouring pads and abrasive creams, all of which will dull acrylic.

Are there smaller versions of the same plain design?

Yes, we stock the plain frosted disc at 300mm, 400mm and 450mm as well.

Will the frosting hide the lamp behind it?

The frosting is even across the face and diffuses the light rather than leaving it clear, so the lamp reads as a soft glow rather than a bright spot.