Are you ready to choose a lamp shade? Whether your lamp didn’t come with a shade or you’re ready to replace your existing shade, getting the right shape, height, and width is important! Here’s what you need to know to find the perfect fit.
Not too long ago, I decided that I needed to replace my beige lamp shades with white ones. Now, you know I’m a neutral-lover so exchanging one neutral for another might not be for everyone. Maybe you are craving a pop of color and want to change out your white lamp shade for a gorgeous green one?!
Or what happens when you buy a great lamp base but it doesn’t come with a shade? How do you know what size or shape you should get?
Well, it turns out there are some simple formulas to help you out and I’ve rounded them up for you here.
What Shape Should You Choose?
To determine what shape of shade will look best on your base, start by looking at the base of your lamp itself. Is it round? Square?
An easy rule-of-thumb guide is to pick the shape of your shade is to match it to the shape of your base.
So for example, if your base is round, pick a type of round shade. If you have a square base, pick a square shade. Some bases can accommodate any style, though, like a candlestick base that has both round and angular elements.
Round or curved bases: Consider drum, bell, empire and round shades
Angular bases: Consider rectangle or square shades
Common Lamp Shade Shapes
Below I’ve created a graphic showing you some of the most common lamp shade shapes.
Round and Drum are the most similar and often the terms are used interchangeably. The difference is is that a Drum shade has shorter sides.
When it comes to angled shades, Bell is more traditional, whereas Tapered Drum and Empire are a bit more contemporary. The same is true for pleated shades versus smooth.
Fitting
Not all shades fit all lamps! You could pick the perfect shape and the perfect size, but if you didn’t consider the fitting, it won’t fit. There are three main types of lamp shade fittings: spider (harp), clip on, and UNO.
Before you select a shade, make sure the shade you purchase matches the fitting for your lamp.
Lamp Shade Height
Finding the right size shade is just like all the other items in our homes: rugs, coffee tables, nightstands, etc. Too big and they look top heavy. Too small and they look bottom heavy.
There are TWO ways to select the right height. I like to calculate each and use that as my RANGE.
Method 1
For the height, measure your table lamp from the bottom of the base to the top of the lamp (including finial if there is one). Divide that number by three and that’s the approximate height for your lamp shade.
Exampe: If your lamp is 30 inches from the base to the finial, your shade would be approximately 10 inches tall (30/3=10)
Method 2
Measure your lamp from the bottom of the base to the top of the socket (where the bulb screws in). The height of your shade should be 2/3 of this measurement.
Example: If your lamp is 21 inches tall from the base to the socket, your shade would be approximately 14 inches tall (21/3 = 7 and 7×2 = 14)
The Perfect Range
Depending on your lamp, sometimes these two methods will give you the same number and other times, they’ll be a few inches different. When they’re different, I use this as my range.
A Note About Floor Lamps
For floor lamps, measure from the floor to the bottom of the socket (where the bulb screws in). Select a shade that is roughly 1/4 that distance.
Lamp Shade Width
For the width, measure the width of your base at the widest point and double that number to get the right shade width.
Shade widths are noted by the width of the BOTTOM of the shade, not the top.
Additional Tips & Tidbits
- When placing a lamp against a wall, look for a square or rectangular shade that allows the lamp to be pushed flush against the wall.
- Always ensure the lamp’s socket is covered by the shade.
- If your lamp is placed higher where you can see underneath the shade, consider a taller shade.
- If you have a shade whose top is smaller than the bottom (Empire, Bell, Tapered), ensure that the top is at least the width of the base of your lamp.
- A top-heavy lamp shade (one that’s too big) will always look better than one that is too small.
- If your lamp is located in a busy area, pay close attention to the width as too big might get in the way.
- Don’t forget to dust your lamp shade! Yes, they DO collect dust!
- Material matters! Opaque shades give off light from only the top and bottom.
Rules are Made to be Broken
Like other design rules, sometimes they’re made to be broken! There are some dramatic examples of lamps with oversized shades. Or tall skinny lamps with tiny shades! The only thing to really pay attention to is that the components, like the socket, bulb, harp, etc, don’t show. Other than that, have fun with it!
Beautiful Lamp Shades
In researching this article, I came across a lot of beautiful lamp shades and I’ve rounded up some of my favorites for you here.
Sources: 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – 6 – 7 – 8 – 9 – 10 – 11 – 12 – 13 – 14 – 15
More About Lighting
- What is a Lumen and Why You Should Care
- Soft White vs Daylight Bulbs And Which to Choose
- 25+ Best Cordless Lamps: My Top Picks
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