How-To: Measure Your Shade
Picking the perfect shade for your lamp does not have to be hard! Grab your ruler and use these guidelines so you can feel confident in your choice.
Good to Know
All lampshades are referred to by their bottom diameter (top diamter x bottom diameter x height). So a lampshade that’s labeled as 8" x 16" x 10" is referred to as a 16” shade.
Measuring the Width
Your shade should be about twice the width of the base.
Proportion is the key – too tall and the effect will be top heavy, but too short and your lamp will look out of balance.
Measuring Height
Your shade should be about 2/3 of the height of the base.
The shade should hide almost all of the metal neck of the lamp, and you never want the bottom of your harp to show. Trade your harp for the correct size if needed.
Troubleshooting
- Is your shade the correct size but it still doesn't look right? Check the harp. If a harp is too short or too tall, the shade will be positioned in the wrong place. Consider our Sorella Glenn Harp Kit to help find that perfect fit.
- There are always exceptions to these rules when you consider how your lamp is being used. For instance, a pair of tall buffet lamps needs narrow shades.
If you are still not sure, please contact us with lamp pictures and dimensions. We're happy to help.
Visit Us
The Lampshade Library
141 Market Street
Charleston, SC 29401
Mon - Sat: 10am - 5pm
Sunday: Closed or by appointment only.