Lampshade Measuring Guide
We measure the lampshade across the diameter on the bottom of the shade. If this measurement is 30cm this would be known as a 30cm diameter lampshade.
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As a general guide we recommend:
small lamp bases 10-20 cm diameter shades
average lamp bases between 20-35 cm
large lamp bases 40cm+
Measuring a lampshade
When replacing your lampshade consider the following dimensions:
A - Top diameter
B - Bottom diameter
C - Slant (if applicable)
D - Overall vertical height
E - Height of lamp neck to lamp fitting
If you have a lampshade size that you already like, then you can use these measurements.
Proportion is key!
Think about the following:
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shape of lampshade
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style of lamp base
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location of the lampshade
What size lampshade do I need?
There is no single rule but the simplest way to measure the size of lampshade required is keep the lampshade size in proportion to the lamp base.
For the diameter - measure the widest part of the base and times this by two. This number will be the diameter required.
For the height - measure the height of the lamp base from the bottom to the connector. Your lampshade will need to be approx. 70% of the lamp base.
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If these measurements do no look correct for your base. Try the following tips:
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The rule of -/+ 5cm: measure the height of your table lamp from the bottom of the base to the top of the lamp stem just below the lamp holder. The lampshade should have a diameter of plus or minus 5cm of this measured height. For example: a lamp that is 40cm tall, would require a shade that is 35 to 45cm wide.​
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Width equal to height: the width of the lampshade (diameter at the bottom) should be roughly equal to the height of the lamp base.​
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2/3 height: the height of the lampshade should be about two thirds the height of the lamp base.​
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Wider than the base: the lampshade should be wider than the widest part of the lamp base.
FLOOR LAMP GUIDE:
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Floor lamps can be a little more tricky as they tend to be long and slender. We recommend using a lampshade larger than 30cm diameter on smaller floor lamps and 45cm on a normal size standard lamp.
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TOP TIPS:
Height ÷ by 4: measure the height of the lamp base from the floor to the bottom of the bulb holder, then divide by four to get the approximate height for the shade.
Pendant position: If you Lamp fitting is an arc/or where the fitting is at the top you will need a ceiling pendant lampshade.
Shape: Think of where your lampshade will be positioned. Drum lampshades take up more space than an oval and empire lampshades have more height.
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Ultimately, just your eye and what works best for the space. It is important to think of the location. A very large shade may be overbearing in a small room, where as a large room can handle an impressive shade.
WALL LIGHTS
Smaller width lampshades are suitable for wall lights. Make sure you measure the distance from the light fitting to the wall to ensure you have enough space. Candle clips, small drums, Squares, Rectangle and Oval lampshades are best suited.
What shape lampshade do I require?
The shape of the lampshade is of personal choice. Lampshades that follow the contours and mirrors the shape of the base work best together. If you have a round base similar shapes such as a drum, coolie or empire look best. Sharpe straight bases work better with square or rectangle lampshades.
Column style bases are versatile and work with nearly all shapes.
Once again always take into consideration the location of your lampshade to determine the best shape. Large drum lampshades can take up a lot of room whereas oval lampshades can fit closer to a wall.
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Berry & Grouse offers a large range of lampshade shapes and sizes. Click the link below to browse our standard range, but we can always make a bespoke size if required.
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