How Do You Measure Lampshades?

When buying for a new lamp shade, your eye is your judge. However, if you are not yet confident with your style choice, advice on how do you measure lamp shades will give you a boost.

We are here to give you the help you need to choose the right size and shape of shade for your lamp. Let’s begin.

Replacing Your Lampshade

There are a lot of lampshades available in each shop. They come in different colors, scales, designs and prints, sizes, and shapes. Choosing one for your lamp can be overwhelming—if you are not prepared.

Read the next sections to guide you through the process.

Lampshade Size

Let’s get down to the main topic of this article: how do you measure a lampshade?

All lampshades in stores are labeled or listed with these measurements to serve as your guide:

1. Top diameter of the lampshade
   
2. Bottom diameter of the lampshade
   
3. Slant (side) measurement
   
4. Height of the lampshade
   

Know that you do not need to replace your old lampshade with an identical one. However, if you are happy with your old lampshade’s size, you can measure it using the four dimensions and match them with the shades available in your preferred store.

If you are willing to buy a whole new shade, here are the general rules on how do you measure for a new lamp shade:

1. Lampshade diameter. Measure the height from the lamp base to the bottom of the socket cap. Give or take two inches to this measurement to determine the appropriate bottom diameter for your new lampshade. Another tip: your shade should be more extensive than the widest part of your lamp body.
2. Lampshade height. Measure the height of the lamp harp. The overall height of your new lampshade should not exceed the height of your lamp harp, give or take ½ inch.

Here’s a tip about bulb wattage: the wattage depends on the size of your lampshade. So, the bigger your shade, the higher wattage you can have.

Lampshade Style

A round or hexagonal lamp shade will work well for your lamp with a round base. For a lamp with a square or angular base, a square-styled shade will be a perfect match. The key point here is for the lampshade shape to mirror the shape of your lamp base or body.

Lampshade Material

Should you go for an opaque or a translucent lampshade?

Your decision depends on the purpose of your lamp. Translucent shades—made of sheer paper or fabric—helps you with reading and adding ambient light to your room.

On the other hand, opaque lampshades—made of silk, thick parchment, and similar materials—create defined, vertical beams that highlight objects and set a mood.

Design And Prints

Choose a lampshade with a bold or ornate design to compliment a lamp with a rather plain base. Consequently, more subtle or subdued design of lamp shade will work well with a heavily accentuated lamp base or body.

Conclusion

Now that you know how do you measure lamp shades and other general rules of lampshade selection, we will share the top tip to you: break the rules. As we have said in the beginning, your eye is the judge. If it looks good, and it fits with your personal style—go for it!