
Full Answer
How to choose the correct lamp shade size?
- The width of the shade should be at least as wide as the widest part of the lamp and can be up to 2x the width.
- The shade should be 40% to 60% of the height of your lamp. ...
- If you buy a lamp without a shade, it typically comes with a harp, measure the harp and add an inch or so for the minimum height for your shade.
How to size a lamp shade for Your Lamp?
What Size Of Lamp Shade Do I Need?
- Get The Right Shade For Your Lamp. What you need to do first when you want to get the right lampshade is to check your lamp shape. ...
- Take The Right Shade Size. Now that we've determined what lampshade shape you should use based on your general lamp shape, let's learn how to measure what size lampshade you ...
- Other Things To Consider. ...
- Conclusion. ...
How to pick lampshade size?
There are three golden rules to remember when it comes to choosing a lampshade for table lamps:
- The width of the lampshade should be equal to the height of the lamp base.
- The height of the lampshade should be two thirds of the height of the lamp base.
- The lampshade should be wider than the widest part of the lamp base.
How big should a lampshade be?
The shade should be larger than the lamp base and one third of the lamp’s height. The shade needs to be at least 12 inches wide. The shade should be at least 8 inches tall if the lamp’s total height is 24 inches. Do all lampshades fit all lamps? The shape of the lamp shade should be matched to the shape of the lamp base.

What size should a lampshade be for a standard lamp?
The shade should be twice as wide as the lamp base, and one third of the total height of the lamp. So for a 6-inch lamp base, the shade should be at least 12 inches wide. And if the total height of the lamp (including the bulb and harp) is 24 inches, the shade should be 8 inches tall.
What size is a standard light shade?
As a rule, you should be looking for 15-20 cm wide shades for a smaller lamp base, between 20-35 cm for an average lamp base and anything up to about 50 cm for a larger lamp base.
How do you measure a lamp shade size?
0:181:32How to Measure a Lamp Shade - Replacing a Lamp Shade - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd size a lampshade. You'll need four measurements from your current shade when shopping for a newMoreAnd size a lampshade. You'll need four measurements from your current shade when shopping for a new shade. The top diameter. The bottom diameter the vertical slant and the vertical height. There are
How do you measure for a replacement lamp shade?
To choose the right lamp shade width, measure your lamp base and multiply by two. For a round base, measure straight across; measure diagonally for a square base. The widest part of your shade should be at least a half-inch wider than the widest part of your base on each side.
What are the 3 types of lampshades?
The three most common types of lamp shade assemblies are: spider, uno and clip on.
Do all lampshades fit all lamps?
Fitters are not interchangeable, so be sure to use a shade with the correct fitter for your lamp. There are the three common fitters: Spider, Clip-On, and Uno. The spider lamp shade is the most common type of fitter for table and floor lamp shades.
What are the different fittings for lamp shades?
There are three basic types of lamp shade fittings: spider fittings, uno fittings, and clip-on fittings: Spider Fittings: Spider fittings are the most common type of fitting for table and floor lamps and are used with harps.
How Big Should a lamp be on a table?
Typically, your table lamp should be no more than 1 ½ times the height of the table it will set on and the lamp shade should never be larger than the table. Light weight lamps are good for less active areas in the room. If you have children or pets a heavier lamp will be more stable and safer.
What size harp do I need for my lamp?
Guidelines for determining which Harp Lamp Shade to select Bottom-diameter of Lamp Shade: approximately 1”-2” less than lamp-base height. Bottom diameter should not exceed lamp-base height. Lamp shade proportions should reflect lamp base proportions.
How do you measure the height of a lamp?
Measure from the surface you are placing the lamp to eye level. This is your base measurement. To find the average height of the shade, divide the base measurement by three.
What is the harp of a lamp?
Lamp harps are the metal wire lamp part that typically mounts below the lamp socket and supports your lamp shade (see Fig. 1).
What is a light harp?
A lamp harp is the component of a lamp to which the lamp shade is attached. It typically comes in two separate parts, a saddle which is fastened under the lamp socket, and the harp itself which consist of a lightweight frame attached to the saddle at its lower end and extending upwards to a point above the bulb.
How do you measure a lampshade for a table lamp?
Place a measuring tape across the top of the lamp shade, from edge to edge and as close to center as possible, to find the top diameter. Write down this measurement. If you have a square lamp shade, measure along its width from corner to corner to get the top measurement.
How big should a lamp harp be?
Cup harps typically measure between 6” and 9”. Remember though – first we select the ideal replacement lampshade for the lamp and then we select the harp size that will cause the lampshade to sit at the correct level on the lamp.
Can a lamp shade be too big?
A lampshade too large will appear top heavy and a lampshade too small will always look unbalanced. A great tip when trying to work out the best size lampshade for a table lamp is to measure the height of your lamp base, from the very bottom to the top excluding the bulb holder.
What are the different fittings for lamp shades?
There are three basic types of lamp shade fittings: spider fittings, uno fittings, and clip-on fittings: Spider Fittings: Spider fittings are the most common type of fitting for table and floor lamps and are used with harps.
How high should a lamp shade be?
Traditionally, the height of a lamp shade should be around half of the height of the lamp base. So, start by measuring your lamp base height, and then divide this measurement by two. For example, if your total lamp base height is 25 inches, then your shade should be around 12.5 inches high.
How to measure the diameter of a lamp shade?
To determine the total diameter for your new lamp shade, measure across the light at the widest part (this is usually the very bottom of the base) and then multiply this measurement by two. For example, if the diameter of the widest part of your lamp base if 10 inches, then your lamp shade diameter should be 20 inches wide. ...
How much clearance do you need for a ceiling shade?
It is best to leave a reasonable clearance from the bottom of the pendant to the floor (around 7 or 8 feet) so that people can comfortably pass underneath the spot where your ceiling shade is hung.
How should a lamp shade look?
As a rule, a lamp shade should complement your light without taking away from the design of the lamp base, or the room. It's preferable to look for a shade that isn't a) too wide, b) too tall, or c) too short, as this will make the overall shape of your light look unbalanced. Traditionally, the height of a lamp shade should be around half ...
How big should a pendant shade be above a table?
A large dining table would be complemented by a similarly-sized large light pendant that is around a third or two-thirds of the entire width of the table. When shopping for a shade above a smaller table, think about proportions and ensure that the difference in size between shade and table isn’t too significant.
Can you go bigger on a lamp shade?
Of course, these are a guide, so if you want to divert from the traditional proportions for a lamp shade then you can go larger for additional impact and a more contemporary look. We wouldn’t advise buying a shade much smaller – this can bring the shade too close to the light fitting which makes it unsafe due to the heat emitted from the bulb.
Lamp Shade Size Guide Chart: How do I Choose Lampshade Sizes?
Choosing the right size lampshade (lampshade selection) can be such a headache especially if you do not have the lampshade size guide chart with you. Well, your ultimate lamp shade selection depends on what purpose you want the lampshade to serve.
Lampshade size guide chart and measurements
Do you want your house to scream fashion or class when it comes to lighting but you do not know what type and size of lamp shades to settle for that look? The lampshade size chart guide holds your hand to it.
Lamp Shade Measurements: How do I take the correct lamp shade measurements?
In order to get a quality lampshade, you should have the required shade size measurements prior to purchase. Here is a guide on how to go about taking the most critical measurements.
Choosing Lamp Shades For Various Uses
Different shades are suitable for various places, and so you need to understand the key things to look at when choosing which shade should be used where. This is how to go about choosing the right lamp shades for ceiling, table lamps, and floor lamps (floor lamp shade).
Choosing Designs and Colors
Here is the fun bit we all love! Do you need a replacement lamp shade (replacement shade) shade or you are totally green to lampshades?
Identifying Fitters for Lampshades
A lampshade fitter is a portion of the lampshade holder where glass lampshades make physical contact with the lamp. Lampshade holders come in assorted fitter sizes.
Common Lamp Shade Fabrics and Shapes
You have already taken the correct measurements of your lampshade, now what about the type of fabric and shape? Fabrics are an essential consideration that you need to look at when shopping for that lampshade.
How tall should a lamp shade be?
The Right Height: In most cases, your lamp shade should be roughly 2/3 the height of the lamp body. The Perfect Profile: Similarly, many design experts suggest that shade’s width be roughly equivalent to the visible height of the lamp base.
What are the different types of lamp fitters?
There are three types of lamp fitters: Spider fitters. UNO fitters. Clip-on fitters. 1. Spider Fitters with Harp. This is the most common type of fitter for table and floor lamp shades. (Bonus: at Lamps Plus, we include it free with each purchase.) 2.
Do you need to measure for a new shade?
And since many lamps or fixtures look great with any number of shade shapes and styles, you don’t necessarily need to buy a new shade that’s exactly like the one you’re replacing!
Do you need a harp for a lamp shade?
Because the shade attaches directly to the socket by using a permanently installed wire, no harp is needed. (Note: This type of shade is usually built into the design of the lamp and is not always easily replaceable.) 3. Clip-On Shade Fitters. These fitters are usually paired with smaller accent lamps and chandeliers.
What size drum shades are available?
The standard sizes for the handcrafted drum shades available through Rustic Artistry are 12”, 14” and 18” diameter. Custom sizes can be requested.
How tall is a drum shade?
Small 9 1/8” tall. Medium 9 7/8” tall. Large 10 7/8” tall. Drum Shades. Drum shades are generally thought of as a classic style shade. They can be used on most any kind of lamp if they are sized correctly. The look you may want to achieve can be determined by your paper choice and size.
What to do if lamp shade hangs down too low?
If your lamp shade hangs down too low and is covering up your lamp base, you need to get a taller harp that will raise the shade the appropriate amount. Don’t be afraid to play around, it’s important to get everything just right!
What is the top diameter?
Top Diameter: the measurement across the top.
Can you duplicate a lamp shade?
If you are replacing a shade on a lamp that the current size works well, these are the measurements you will want to duplicate as closely as possible. If you have a new lamp that needs a shade it can be helpful to try some different shades on that you already have to get an idea of the size that looks best.
How to determine the size of a lamp shade?
In selecting the shade's bottom diameter, the best technique is to get the lamp height starting from the bottom of the table lamp base to the top of the stem, which is just below the socket cap. Get a shade for your lamp with a bottom diameter within 2 inches, plus or minus, the height of your lamp.
What to consider when getting a shade for a lamp?
Here are other things you need to consider when getting a shade for the lamp. If you are getting a shade for a lamp with more than one sockets. Some lamps don't have a harp but have clusters. If your lamp has clusters, getting the accurate height of the shade would still be the same as the one with a harp.
What is the best lamp shade for a circular table?
What you need to do first when you want to get the right lampshade is to check your lamp shape. Round lampshade works best on a lamp with a circular base. At the same time, the square or angular form looks better with square shade as well. This is a general rule; however, it is not followed all the time because there is also some exception when it comes to decorating rules. Exceptions, just like if you are using a square lamp and put it in a circular table, a round shape will work best to complement both.
Do floor lamps have shade fittings?
If you are getting a shade for floor lamps with UNO sockets and bridge arms. Floor lamps with UNO sockets should have shades with UNO fitters. For the perfect fit, the shade's shapes should be the same as the shape of the lamp's base.
How big should a lamp shade be for a floor lamp?
Measuring lamp shades for floor lamps. Floor lamps take a shade with a bottom diameter of 16" or 18" or larger . Similar rules apply as for table lamp shades, where the shade needs to be tall enough to cover the hardware so that you don't see the lamp socket or fitter from the side.
How high should a lamp shade be?
A good height for lamp shades for table lamps is about 3/4 of the width of the shade, or 3/4 the height of the base up to the socket.
How much do replacement lamp shades cost?
Buying a new lamp shade for table lamps, floor lamps or light fixtures doesn't have to be expensive . After all, you probably already spent enough on the original lamp or light and would just like to add a lampshade or replace a missing or damaged one.
What is a floor lamp shade?
Floor-Lamp lamp shades. Floor lamps typically require a slightly larger shade than table lamps. Also due to the height of the lamp, they tend to look better with a drum or floor-style shade. A floor shade is almost a drum shade, except the sides are slightly slanted.
How does the shade of a lamp affect the light?
The correct shade greatly affects the kind of light the lamp gives off, as well as where that light is directed . Different types of lamp shades correlate to different functions for practical purposes, be it sitting nearby, at a distance, or as an ambient light source.
What is a spider shade?
Shades with a spider-type or UNO-type fitter usually have some distance between the top edge of the shade down to the center of the fitter. This makes the fitting less visible when viewing the lamp from the side but does raise the position of the shade by the drop distance.
Why do we need lamp shades?
A lamp "shade" usually covers all or part of a light bulb, to serve a few purposes: To protect your eyes from harsh glare . To direct the light in a certain direction for practical purposes.
