Lampshades can be an important decorative element in a room, but they also serve functional purposes like softening and directing the light from a lamp. When choosing lampshades, there are some key factors to consider regarding their size, shape, material, and style in relation to the lamp and room. Understanding the general guidelines for pairing lampshades with lamps and rooms can help ensure you select shades that are both aesthetic and functional.
Lampshade Basics
First, let’s review some lampshade basics. Lampshades come in a variety of shapes, sizes, materials, colors and patterns. The most common shapes are drum, empire, bell, coolie, and square/rectangular. Materials range from fabric like cotton, silk or linen, to materials like acrylic, metal, wood, or parchment. The size of the lampshade depends on the size and brightness of the light bulb. Generally, lampshades range from 10 to 20 inches tall and 12 to 20 inches wide, though larger drum or rectangular shades can be 24 inches or more. The height helps direct the light upwards or downwards, while the width helps soften and diffuse the light.
Follow the Lamp Size Guidelines
Choosing the right size lampshade for the lamp is important for both form and function. The size should be in scale and proportion to the size of the lamp base it sits on. Shade size is determined by the lamp type, bulb wattage and light direction:
| Lamp Type | Recommended Shade Size |
| Table lamp with 40-60W bulb | 12-14″ tall x 12-14″ wide |
| Table lamp with 75-100W bulb | 14-16″ tall x 14-16″ wide |
| Floor lamp with 60-75W bulb | 16-18″ tall x 12-16″ wide |
| Floor lamp with 100-150W bulb | 18-22″ tall x 16-20″ wide |
Typically for table lamps, choose shades that are no more than 2 inches taller or wider than the base. For floor lamps, allow for up to 4 inches taller and wider than the lamp base. An oversized lampshade can look top heavy and overwhelm the lamp base. An undersized shade will not properly diffuse the light. Follow these general size guidelines based on bulb wattage.
Consider the Lamp Style
The lampshade shape and style should complement the lamp style. For traditional lamp designs like a ceramic ginger jar, look for a rounded empire or bell shape shade. For minimalist or contemporary lamps, a simple cylindrical drum shade works well. Check that the lampshade shape aligns visually with the lamp base – a drastic difference in shape can look mismatched. Also consider whether the lampshade material or pattern fits the lamp base material and color. A fabric drum shade pairs better with a metal base than a glass base, for example. Selecting a shade that complements the lamp base style creates a cohesive look.
Factor in the Room and Lighting Needs
Along with the lamp size and style, factor in the room size, ceiling height, decor style and lighting needs when selecting a lampshade. In a small room or one with a low ceiling, avoid an overly large lampshade that will overwhelm the space. For rooms with high ceilings, use taller shades to direct light downwards. In a traditional decor room, choose a classically styled lampshade like a bell or empire shape. For a modern room, go for a simple drum or rectangular shade. If you need task lighting, look for a lampshade that directs light downwards. For overall ambient lighting, use wider shades to cast light upwards and diffuse it. Consider the room and lighting purpose when choosing lampshades.
Use the Right Shade Height
The height of the lampshade affects the direction of light. Follow these guidelines for shade height based on the light you want:
| Lighting Purpose | Recommended Shade Height |
| Task lighting | Lower – approx. Base width x 1.5 |
| Balanced light | Mid height – approx. Base width x 2 |
| Ambient lighting | Higher – approx. Base width x 2.5 or more |
For a reading lamp, choose a shade no more than 1.5 times the lamp base width to direct light downwards. For general lighting needs, select a mid-height shade about 2 times the base width. To cast light upwards for whole room lighting, use a taller shade at least 2.5 times the base width. Keep these height guidelines in mind for the lighting effect you want.
Select a Proper Shade Width
The width and shape of the lampshade affects light spread. Follow these tips for choosing the right width:
- Wider shades spread light over a broader area.
- Narrower shades concentrate and direct light into a specific spot.
- Bell, empire and coolie shapes direct light downwards.
- Cylindrical and rectangular shades provide more ambient, widespread lighting.
- Use a narrower shade for focused task lighting.
- Go wider to soften and diffuse general lighting.
If you need a focused beam of light, choose a shade no more than 1.5 times the lamp base width. For soft ambient lighting, select a shade 2 times the width or larger. The width impacts light concentration vs diffusion.
Mind the Shade-to-Base Proportion
Maintaining the right proportion of shade size to lamp base size provides stability and aesthetic appeal. General guidelines for well-scaled shade-to-base proportion are:
- Table lamp: Shade no more than 2 inches taller/wider than base
- Floor lamp: Shade no more than 4 inches taller/wider than base
- Desk lamp: Shade roughly same height as base
- Chandelier: Shades typically 1/3 to 1/2 width of fixture
- Sconces: Shades around 1/2 to 3/4 width of backplate
- Ceiling fixture: Shades just under 1/2 width and height
Avoid dramatic differences in size between the lampshade and lamp base. The shade should not appear too small or oversized compared to the base size and proportions. Follow the general guidelines for your specific lamp type.
Pay Attention to Socket Placement
Check that the socket placement on the base coordinates with the lampshade top opening. Lampshade openings come in standard sizes to accommodate various socket placements, labeled as:
- Small fit opening: 2″- 2.5″ diameter
- Standard fit opening: 2.5″ – 3.5″ diameter
- Large fit opening: 3.5″ – 4.5″ diameter
Measure the socket placement on your lamp to determine the right lampshade opening size. The socket should easily fit through the opening without the lampshade sitting off-center. Avoid gaps between the socket and shade opening which allow light to leak through.
Match Lamp and Shade Style
Creating a cohesive look requires matching the lamp and lampshade styles. Some guidelines for coordinated styles:
- Traditional lamp base: Empire, bell or drum shade
- Modern/contemporary lamp: Rectangular or cylinder shade
- Rounded lamp base: Bell, coolie or empire shade
- Square/angular lamp: Square, rectangular or cylinder shade
- Ornate lamp: Decorative embroidered or patterned shade
- Plain lamp: Solid color or simple texture shade
The lampshade shape, material and embellishments should align with the lamp base shape and design style. Avoid radical style differences like pairing an ornate lamp with a plain shade. Match both the form and decor of the shade and base.
Consider Your Lighting Needs
The lamp’s purpose within a room determines optimal lampshade characteristics for controlling light direction:
- Task lighting: Lower height, narrower width to direct light downwards.
- Ambient lighting: Taller height, wider width to cast light upwards.
- Reading: Bell, empire or drum shade to angle light down.
- General illumination: Wider rectangular or cylinder shade.
- Subtle accent: Light-diffusing material like linen or silk.
- Dramatic accent: Opaque shade to spotlight base.
Select shade height, width, material and opacity to appropriately direct and control the light for the lamp’s intended use. Tailor the shade to your specific lighting needs in the space.
Choosing the Right Shade Material
The lampshade material impacts the lighting effect. Common shade materials and their characteristics are:
| Material | Lighting Effect |
| Fabric: linen, cotton, silk | Soft, diffused ambient lighting |
| Parchment | Warm, ambient lighting |
| Wood | Directed, ambient lighting |
| Stained glass | Colorful, focused accent lighting |
| Metal, ceramic | Directed, task-type lighting |
| Acrylic, polyresin | Bright, focused spot lighting |
Lighter fabrics like linen and silk help diffuse the light, while opaque materials like acrylic or metal concentrate the light. Choose sheer fabrics for a soft ambient glow, and heavier materials to direct light into a beam.
Factor in Energy Efficiency
The amount of light transmitted through a shade impacts energy efficiency. Keep these tips in mind:
- Lighter colors allow more light transmission.
- Sheer fabrics like linen and silk allow maximum light to pass through.
- Thicker, opaque materials like wood, metal or acrylic block more light.
- Avoid excessive embellishments which can further impede light passage.
- Use Energy Star certified lamps and LED bulbs to maximize efficiency.
Maximize light throughput with lighter shade colors and sheer fabrics to maintain brightness with lower wattagebulbs. This increases energy efficiency while providing sufficient illumination.
Conclusion
Choosing the ideal lampshade requires factoring in size, shape, material, style and lighting needs. Follow the guidelines for proper scale and proportions relative to the lamp base and room size. Select stylish shades that match the lamp design, and tailor the direction of light for task or ambient purposes. Use sheer shade materials to maximize brightness and energy efficiency. With the right lampshade you can both enhance your lighting and decor.
