Lamp Shade Buying 101
Add an instant dash of style to your existing décor – simply by changing the lamp shades on your lamps, chandeliers or fixtures! Our simple guide takes you through the process of how to buy a lamp shade – the steps to choosing a style, fabric and color that’s right for you.
Rule 1: Don’t Buy the Same Old Thing
Most lamps or fixtures can look good with a number of different shade shapes and styles. So don’t just automatically buy a new shade that’s exactly like the one you’re replacing. Get ideas from our assortment of table lamps or floor lamps—keeping an eye on the various shade types while you browse.
Rule 2: It All Starts at the Top
A new shade can make a lamp look classy or simple, bigger or smaller, change it from traditional to contemporary, and add just the right amount of drama, flair or elegance.
Rule 3: What’s in a Shape
In general, a shade’s shape should follow the contour of a lamp. This is not a hard and fast rule, but it holds true in most cases.
So, for example, if the base has curves, go with a curved shade shape. If a base is straight, choose a shade with straight edges, even if they’re angled.
Some other shape rules-of-thumb to consider:
- Bottom-heavy lamps can be made to appear lighter by the addition of cone-shaped shades on top.
- Square lamps take square lamp shades, round lamps take round.
- Lamps that incorporate round and square elements can take a square shade or a modified square shade.
Rule 4: Shapes Part 2 – Look at the Details
The way a shade is shaped can also be a factor.
- Fluted shades say elegant, refined and traditional.
- Pleats are more casual and homey.
- Scalloped edges imply a relaxed, gracious mood that’ perfect for bedrooms.
- A bell shade is a highly adaptable, chameleon look, capable of fitting in a wide range of décor schemes.
Rule 5: Color
Shades have traditionally been white, simply because they let the most light through and are the most functional at illuminating an entire room.
But color definitely has a role. Black lamp shades or colored shades direct more light down, adding drama and pools of light throughout a room for a sophisticated lighting statement. Or you could mix and match shade colors in a room for added visual excitement, or choose colors that don’t blend into the background wall treatments.
For chandeliers, changing the color and style of clip-on shades is an easy and instant upgrade that can enhance the look of your room. Lastly, ceiling light fixtures, once limited to neutral colors, are now available with colorful art shades, offering a beautiful upgrade to any room.
Some Color Tips by Lamp Base Type:
- Crystal Bases work best with white lamp shades.
- Polished Brass demands white while…
- Antique Brass looks better with off-white or cream.
- Porcelain or Ceramic Patterns – try a shade that picks up a subtle background color in the base pattern. Taupe and other natural color shades have long been some of our top selling colors.
- Wood and Iron can be matched with just about anything, but for a more contemporary look go white or try a fabric earth tone.
- Color on Color – try a gold shade on a gold lamp, red on red and so on for visual punch and pizzazz!
Rule 6: Fabric
A shade’s fabric can blend in with a room décor or boldly stand out, depending on the design statement you are trying to make. But there are some tips to keep in mind.
Silk shades look best in formal rooms or intimate bedroom settings. By contrast, linen, parchment and textured looks have a more casual, rustic feel that’s well suited for family rooms or dens. Hand-sewn or hand-painted shades add intimacy and softness to a room scene.
Rule 7: Accents
A new trend is toward crystal beaded accents or trim, which lend additional sparkle and brightness to a room. Depending on the base and the level of decoration, such shades can be casual comfy to tre chic!
Other shades accents include fabric trim, colored glass tassels, leather trim and even feathers.
Rule 8: Proportion
Set a shade next to a base. Ideally, the shade should be 2 to 3 inches shorter than the base. A shade is at the proper height when just a half inch of the lamp neck (the part of the base just below the socket) is showing. Avoid choosing a shade that fails to cover the socket’s underpinnings.
And remember that when the lamp base is highly decorative, keep the shade plain. When a base is plain and not very detailed, you can safely add a fancier, splashier shade and still keep an eye-pleasing lamp / shade proportion.
Rule 9: Rules Are Made to Be Broken!
Trust your own eye and personal tastes. After all, you have to live with and be pleased with your shade choices. If it works for you, go with it. For more information, check out the links and the video below.