How to Measure a Lamp Shade
Shopping for a new lamp shade may seem like a daunting task. There are thousands of sizes, styles and colors to choose from. With these few simple steps, measuring for a new lamp shade is pretty straightforward. Please remember the style and shape of the shade can change the way it appears on the lamp. We can fit the shade to the lamp by changing the harp or adding a riser to give it a perfect fit.
Take these few simple measurements:
- Measure the top diameter.
- Measure the bottom diameter.
- Measure the vertical slant.
Once you have these three measurements you are ready to begin shopping for a new lamp shade!
3 Steps to Select Shape & Size of Fabric Shade
Step 1: Selecting the shape of the shade
Fabric shades come in many different shapes. When choosing the shape, the lamp shade should be similar to the shape of the lamp base. Also consider the location of the lamp, as certain shapes allow the lamp to set closer to the wall or other furniture. Common fabric shade and lamp base shades include:
- Round
- Bell
- Cylinder
- Square
- Oval
- Rectangular
- Hexagon
A lamp base with an Asian motif looks good when paired with a Pagoda-style shade.
Step 2: Selecting the shade’s bottom diameter
The best way to determine the bottom diameter of the shade for your table lamp is to measure the lamp height from the bottom edge of the table lamp to the top of the lamp stem, just below the socket cap. The shade you choose for your lamp should have a bottom diameter that is within 2″, plus or minus the measured height of your lamp.
For example, if your lamp height is 14″ tall, the shade you select (depending on your preference for a small, medium or larger shade), should have a bottom diameter of 12 – 16″. Our fabric shade descriptions will describe the bottom diameter of each shade.
Step 3: Selecting the shade’s overall height
The overall height of the shade is directly related to the height of the harp. As a general rule, the overall height of the shade should not exceed the height of the harp plus 1/2″ and should not be smaller than the height of the harp minus 1/2″. If, for example, your harp is 7″ tall, the shade you select should have an overall height in the range of 7 1/2″ to 6 1/2″. Our fabric shade descriptions will provide the overall height of each shade.
The shade height is important because you want adequate coverage of the bulb, without covering the lamp base. Note: Fringe and tassel should not be included in the measurement of the overall height of the shade. Once you have selected the shade’s shape, bottom diameter and overall height, which would be appropriate for your lamp, you can match the shade’s shape and dimensions to our extensive selection of fabric lamp shades.
Need Help Measuring Your Shade?
Our Lamp Shade Professionals will help you find the right size and shape to complement your lamp. We even provide a free lamp safety inspection. Restoration Lighting Gallery is a full service lamp shade, repair and restoration store. We carry over 1,000 lamp shades in stock from chandelier size to custom made to order shades. We have every style, color, design and size. We can even make your shade to order with virtually any fabric or material – yours or ours!
Contact us to speak with a Lamp Shade Professional or Visit our showroom for full lamp shade services, including an Expert Lamp Shade Fitting and Free Lamp Safety Inspection.