While most people wouldn’t give a lamp shade a second look, an ill-fitting lamp shade is the sort of thing that can stick out like a fly on a wedding cake, distracting from all the other smart design choices that have been made in a room. So, how can you ensure that your lamp shade will fit both its fixture and setting, without taking a trip to a pricey lamp shade shop?
When fitting a lamp shade, pay attention to proportions, style, and connectors. A shade should be based on the lamp base’s dimensions and it should be no more than two-thirds the size of the base. Match the shade with the overarching theme that ties the room together. Use the right lamp shade connector.
While that is the quick and easy answer, it doesn’t necessarily cover all of the nuances that this topic can hold. Be sure to read on if you would like to know more about lamp shade fitters, different styles of lamp shades, how to match a lamp shade to a room’s décor, and more. But next, we will be looking at further details on how to ensure the proper lamp shade size for your lamp’s base.
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Ensuring a Proper Lamp Shade Size
Fitting a lamp base and shade together is a deceptively simple task. As long as you know a few basic measurements, and stick to conventional design choices, you’ll be able to easily install a shade that fits the base of your choice properly. Best yet, you’ll save yourself a trip to the pricey local shade shop and avoid a conversation with whatever snooty salesperson is working there as well, a true win-win!
When sizing a lamp shade yourself, follow these steps to help safeguard the proper fit for your shade’s situation:
- You want a shade that will be roughly 40% the size of your lamp’s total height. You can eyeball this measurement easily by seeing if your potential shade is two-thirds the size of your base’s height.
- Make sure your shade’s width is no more than twice as large as your lamp base. Ignoring this could lead to a top-heavy lamp that easily tips over. Your shade should overlap your base by at least an inch on all sides.
- The neck of the lamp, the part of the base that is connected to the socket and harp holder, should not be visible when the shade is installed.
- Make sure that your lamp shade and base fit compatibly. This will require that they use the same style of lamp shade fitter, or for you to replace the harp on your existing base, a relatively painless DIY project.
- Ensure that your new shade will fit comfortably in the space that it will be used in, too large a shade will invite possible accidents, too small a shade will look odd.
That’s all you need to do, you’re finished!
And there you have it, a step-by-step guide to getting the perfectly fitted lamp shade for your lamp in just five easy steps. While this won’t work for some exotic or custom lamps, the above is a great guideline to use when picking out a lamp shade yourself. If you would like a handy video primer on the same material, Architectural Digest has one for you here.
Common Lamp Shade Fitters
The piece of hardware that connects a lamp’s shade to its base is called a fitter. With few exceptions, every lamp shade fitter can be broken into four distinct types: spider, clip-on, screw-on, and uno. Most lamp shade fitters will usually incorporate the base’s harp (or the wire that is bent up and around the bulb) as the point of attachment. Below we will look at each style in more detail so that you can more easily tell them apart.
- Clip-on shade fitters: The simplest type of lamp shade fitter would have to be the clip-on style. Installation for this type of shade fitter is exactly as easy as the name would imply, it only requires the shade to be “clipped-on” to the bulb. Due to this design choice, most clip-on lamp shades are only compatible with standard or candelabra (candle-style) bulbs, as they need to fit snugly around a bulb to work properly.
- Spider lamp shade fitters: Spider fitters are slightly more complex than other types of fitters, commonly being attached to the harp by a saddle and topped with a piece known as a finial. This means that a spider-fitted shade will sit on top of the lamp’s harp, effectively hiding it out of view, a design ideal that many strive for.
- Uno lamp shade fitter: This sort of fitting, sometimes also referred to as a Nardi fitting, is a common style of fitter that you will find on modern bases. The lamp shade secures directly to the base by sitting on the light bulb socket that it is then threaded into, due to this, it requires a specialized base. Once in place, the shade will be secured by the lightbulb itself.
- Screw on lamp shade fitters: These types of fitters hold the shade in place in a manner that is most similar to uno fitters, that is by securing its instrumental wires to those of the base through the use of a screw-on decorative topper that fits under the bulb itself. This type of fitter is easy to install and size for as long as you know the diameter that will be screwed into.
Different Styles of Lamp Shade Shapes
Lamp shades can be differentiated by either their style or their construction. Different styles of lamp shades will match with different styles of base and the décor that is already present in the room. Besides the style of fitter your lamp shade uses, they most likely will be differentiated by their shape. Below are some of the most common varieties of lamp shape type that you are liable to come across when looking for your own.
Square Lamp Shades
Square lamp shades are obviously recognizable by their rectangular or square shape. These types of shades are very modern looking and pair best with square bases, especially if they are made of materials such as metal or stone. One example of an effective contrast would be mixing a stone sphere lamp base with a square lamp shade for an effective and modern take on a side table lamp. Square lamp shades provide plenty of light and are ideal for task lighting.
Empire Lamp Shades
Empire lamp shades are distinguished by their tapered shape. With a narrower opening around the top and a larger portico at the bottom, these lamp shades are great at dispersing light and directing it where it is most useful. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the empire-style is seen as the most prototypically classy type of lamp shade. When in doubt, go for an empire style shade, they are an understated option that adds class to any room.
Round Lamp Shades
Including shade shapes such as drum or oval, round lamp shades are among the most common types of lamp shades produced. You are most likely to come across multiple options when considering round lamp shades, so it pays to know your dimensions ahead of time. While these shades may be circular or oval in nature, they are different from other round styles in that they will be the same diameter at both the top and bottom of the shade.
Bell Lamp Shades
Bell lamp shades are prized for their understated and elegant design. This design normally takes the shape of gentle sloping curves that spread outward from the top of the shade to the bottom and give the appearance (somewhat) of a bell. These shades work best as an accent light as they are able to softly diffuse the light produced by the base outward for maximum coverage both above and below.
Dome Lamp Shades
Lastly, we have dome lamp shades. These shades are great if you are hoping to flood the area below the shade with light. This is because dome lamp shades will taper outward towards the base and direct light down and focus it in this direction. If you have a décor that is more classic or traditional in nature, this is the type of shade for you.
In addition to the above shapes, there are also ways to differentiate lamp shades based on their construction or the materials that they are made of. For example, most cloth lamp shades are referred to as being lined with linen. That linen is attached to either a rigid or soft surface, depending on its design. Other lamp shades can be made of glass, metal, or particleboard.
Do Lamp Shades Need to Match in a Room?
One question many people have is whether lamp shades in the same room need to be matched to each other. This makes sense as most people are familiar with a matching set of table lamps and think that this principle must apply to all lamp shades in a room. But is it a rule that lamp shades in a room need to be matched?
While there can always be an exception for whatever design or style is in use, in general, there is no rule that lamp shades in a room must match. In fact, sometimes your aesthetic will require that they boldly contrast. Unless the lamps come as a pair, there is no need to match their shades.
However, this doesn’t mean you can just mix and match a variety of different types of ill-fitting lamp shades and hope no one notices. Having lamp shades that are different can be good, but ones that are too disparate will only cause visual confusion. For this reason alone, it is best to link all lamp shades in a given room by some common thread.
So, what are some ways that you can get your lampshades to blend together without having them match exactly? Well, you can try having a room’s lamps all have shades that are pleated, this will offer a traditional look, or going with matching smooth shades will offer a matching contemporary vibe. The best thing you can do, however, is to match your shade with its surroundings, something we will go into in further detail next.
How to Match a Lamp Shade to a Rooms Décor
One of the hardest aspects of picking a new lamp shade is trying to ensure that whatever shade you choose will fit the larger style of the room it will be placed in. This might seem like a relatively simple task, but it is one that is absolutely essential to nail if you want your new shade to blend seamlessly into its new home.
While it is hard to give one-size-fits-all advice when it comes to ensuring a match for everyone’s shade and design preferences, however, there are a few guiding principles that almost anyone should follow when picking a lamp shade for their space.
- Match tones found in base and room:
An easy way to make sure that your shade doesn’t look out of place is to match it to key colors already found in the environment that it will be placed in. This means taking into account the colors that are already in the room and base and choosing which ones you want to pick out to complement. Feeling overwhelmed? Pick a favorite accent color and try to match it with your new shade.
- Consider doing a DIY inner foil:
If you have a lamp shade that you would like to reflect more light, or just one that you want to give some visual pop to, consider trying a DIY project where you line the inside of your shade with reflective foil. Not only will this deflect more light out into the surrounding space, but it will also provide an eye-catching design element that can jazz up any area. For more on how you can try it yourself, check out this video.
- In the bedroom, go for more opaque as opposed to clearer shades:
Most lamp shade situations call for directing as much light away from the base and out into the room as possible, however, there are specific circumstances under which you might choose to opt for an opaquer lamp shade. For example, if the lamp will be placed at eye-level or in a bedroom, a brighter shade might not be better, and a less transparent shade might be preferred.
- Show caution with brighter colors:
Adding a novel color to your room’s design via a new lamp shade can be a tempting way to interject a splash of color into a monotone space. But think twice about the surrounding environment before opting for the lime green shades you might have your heart set on. Because, if the room has lighter colored walls, a brightly saturated lamp shade may lend the room an unearthly hue from the glowing of the illuminated shade.
- Match your base shape with your shade shape:
One of the simplest ways to make sure that your shade doesn’t look out of place is to play its shape off of the base that it will be paired with. Pair a square or angular lamp base with a similarly shaped shade. Conversely, round lamp bases should be paired with a round or hexagonal shade.
- Remember to always hide the harp:
The harp, as has been mentioned previously, is the wire that stretches around the socket and bulb that typically is used to attach a lamp shade. Any lamp shade is trying to accomplish two tasks; effectively diffusing light about the room and also hiding the internal structures of the lamp (such as the harp) from sight. When considering your own lamp shade, make sure it hides the harp from all normal viewing angles.
While matching a lamp shade to your particular situation may be difficult, the above tips should prove useful. One last piece of advice if you are having trouble matching colors, head to the paint store and pick up some swatches. When you find a swatch that has your room’s elementary colors on it, pay attention to the other tints that are provided, a darker or lighter shade would make a fine choice for your lamp shade’s color choice.
Extras to Consider
Besides the above-mentioned design tips, there are a few other additional features that you can add to some lamp shades that, while completely optional, can help provide the desired finishing touch. One such extra would be adding a finial, which is an inexpensive ornament that is usually screwed on top of a lamp shade. While a finial can describe several different design features, it is almost always used to describe a topper or “crowning” element.
One advantage that finials have is that they can easily match almost any room as they can come in a variety of sizes and styles. This also means that a finial can also be easily switched out if a room is repainted or a lamp shade changes. When considering what type of finial may work with your lamp shade, try to avoid mismatching metals or styles, as this can make a finial seem out of place.
If you have found a lamp shade, but it doesn’t have much ornamentation or a finial of its own, consider adding one to help even out the look of the shade. Darker colored shades should be topped with darker ornamentation, while lighter colored shades can look good with glass or gem finials. Whatever you decide, your new lamp will really look finished with its finial in place.
A finial is just one extra that you can add to a lamp shade, other fun DIY projects include repainting or upholstering your old lamp shades to give them a fresh look. Similarly, adding a fringe can be a fun addition if you are trying to give your lampshade a funky old-school vibe. There are several other DIY projects that can give your lamp an ombre effect or tie-dyed appearance. Further, replacing a pull-chain can easily spruce up a lamp’s tired look.
As you can see from the above, when it comes to adding extras to your lamp shade, the only limit is your imagination.
Common Lamp Shade Mistakes to Avoid
When choosing a new lamp shade for your space (besides the above tips) it can also be helpful to keep the following in mind so that you can prevent common missteps that can be made during the shade selection process.
Don’t place your lamp in high traffic areas:
This advice is especially true if you live with children or pets that might be more likely to run into your lamp and knock it over. In general, keep your lamps away from areas that get heavy foot traffic, or tight areas such as hallways or near doorways. In addition, always make sure cords are tucked away as they can also pose a tripping hazard.
Never put a lamp shade over a table it is bigger than:
Having a lamp shade that is bigger than the table it is sitting on is a bad idea for much the same reason why you wouldn’t want to place a lamp in a high traffic area, it’s liable to get knocked over. Larger shades are also more likely to be top-heavy and have a harder time staying upright due to this.
Make sure your bulb is properly vented:
Something that is important to consider is making sure your lamp shade is properly vented, this is a matter of safety. Higher wattage bulbs will require more space between the lightbulb and lamp shade. The size of clearance that is required will be dependent on the bulb that is being used, but it can range from approximately 2 to 5 inches. If the inside of your lamp shade is hot to the touch after use, it may be too small.
Dark shades will offer less light:
If you are looking to use your lamp to brighten up a dark room, it is important to note that lighter shades will let more light filter into the room than a darker shade would. So, if you want the maximum amount of brightness, go for a white or cream-colored shade versus a black or darker-colored shade. Conversely, if you are trying to dampen a bright lamp, try a darker colored shade.
Don’t be afraid to embrace bold shades:
Too often the choice is made to adhere to tried and true styles of shades rather than giving more experimental lamp shade designs a chance. In this way, it pays to be willing to experiment with lamp shades that have a graphical flourish or tapestry elements. If done in a way that compliments the surrounding environment, rather than distracting from it, you’ll find a lamp shade can truly tie a room together.
Take your lamp base with you:
While the thought of dragging your floor lamp or lamp base through the local lamp shade depot might seem like a mortifying experience, don’t be embarrassed. And, if it’s possible, take your lamp with you to the store to help you get an idea of what potential shades may go with it. This will also help you with sizing considerations, as simply eyeballing it is rarely recommended.
Have more than just table lamps in your design mix:
While table lamps will be preferred if something like task lighting is required, that doesn’t mean that you should eschew all other types of lamps for them. You can always use floor lamps as well. Not only do floor lamps flood a room with light but they even can be used as a substitute for additional overhead lighting. The best part is, with their elongated bases and versatile style, floor lamps will naturally stand out on their own.
Hopefully, with the following common mistakes in mind, choosing a lamp shade for yourself will be that much easier. As long as you arm yourself with the right information, such as the dimensions of your lamp’s base and the space around it, getting the right shade should be a piece of cake. And with your new shade in place, you’ll have an understated design piece in place that should last for years, enjoy!
We’re Always Here to Help!
There you have it, almost everything you could need to know in order to help guarantee your next lamp shade pick is a winner. We’ve looked at the different types of lamp shades and their connectors, how to ensure you size your lamp shade correctly, and even some common mistakes you should try to avoid when picking a shade out of your own.
Do you have further questions? Think we’ve missed something that is worth mentioning? Need clarification on a specific lamp shade situation? Feel free to sound off below and we will try our best to help out, as always, thank you for reading!