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.
A general guide is that the height of the shade should be roughly two-thirds the height of the table lamp base.
The width of the shade should be roughly equal to the height of the lamp base.
Keep in mind the width of the shade should also be wider than the widest part of the lamp base.
Most table lamps look good with a shade that is 5-15cm wider than the width of the base, so if your base is 20 wide, then a shade that is around 25-35cm wide will look balanced.
However, the size of the shade will depend on the style of the base. A column-style table lamp like the one shown above may look better with a narrower shade than a wide table lamp base.
WHAT IS THE BEST LAMPSHADE FOR A BEDSIDE TABLE?
The ideal bedside lampshade harmonizes with your bedroom décor, provides soft, comfortable lighting, and suits both the lamp base and bedside table size.
Proportion Guidelines
Shade height: Approximately ⅔ the height of the lamp base.
Shade width: Wide enough for balanced proportions.
For typical smaller bedside tables, opt for a 20–25 cm wide shade (bottom diameter) with a height of 12–15 cm for compact bases.
Style Recommendations
Empire or medium French drum shades: Versatile for modern or traditional bedrooms.
Cylindrical shades: Sleek and contemporary.
Colour & Fabric Tips
Neutral tones blend seamlessly with most palettes.
Darker or patterned shades add personality.
For bedtime reading, choose a slightly opaque lining to direct light downward gently without glare.
These choices create a cozy, functional bedside setup!
WHAT IS THE BEST SHADE SIZE FOR A READING LAMP?
The ideal size depends on your lamp height, bulb type, and desired light focus. For reading, prioritize bright, directed light on your book with minimal spill into the room.
Key Factors for Focused Light
Narrow shades, darker colors, and thicker fabrics concentrate light downward.
Wider shades, lighter colors, and thinner fabrics diffuse it more evenly.
Recommended Sizes
Desk/task lamps: Smaller shades (up to 20 cm wide) for concentrated light.
Table reading lamps: 20–35 cm wide for balanced coverage.
Best Shapes & Styles
Medium drum or empire shades: Offer good downward and gentle outward light.
Pendant shades (downward-pointing bulb): Excellent for focused downward illumination.
Taller shades allow more light escape at the bottom.
These choices ensure comfortable, glare-free reading!
HOW TALL SHOULD A TABLE LAMPSHADE BE?
The height of a table lampshade is crucial for both aesthetics and effective lighting.
Rule of Thumb
Shade height should be approximately ⅔ the height of the lamp base (measured from the base bottom to the socket/bulb holder).
Example: For a 45 cm base, choose a shade around 30 cm tall (not 15 cm as previously stated—corrected for accuracy).
This proportion creates visual balance:
Too short: Exposes the bulb, causing glare.
Too tall: Makes the lamp look top-heavy and reduces light output.
Recommended Heights
Standard table lamps: 25–40 cm.
Smaller lamps: 15–25 cm.
These guidelines ensure a harmonious, functional look!
How to size lampshades for Floor Lamps?
There’s no such thing as a “wrong” lampshade—if you love it, it’s the right one for you! Personal style reigns supreme, and experimenting with new fabrics, shapes, and colors is one of the easiest ways to refresh your home’s look.
That said, floor lamps (also known as standard lamps) can be trickier to pair with shades than table lamps. Their tall, narrow profiles require careful attention to proportion, ensuring the shade sits at the ideal height while balancing the overall silhouette.
General Guidelines for Floor Lamp Shades
Floor lamps typically need larger shades to achieve visual harmony. Here’s what works best in most cases:
- Bottom Diameter (Width): Aim for 40–50 cm (16–20 inches) or larger. This provides good balance against the lamp’s height and prevents it from looking top-heavy or undersized.
- Height of the Shade: Roughly 1/4 to 1/3 of the lamp’s base height (measured from the floor to the bottom of the bulb socket). This ensures the shade fully conceals the fittings and hardware without overwhelming the base.
- Proportion Tip: The shade’s widest part should extend beyond the lamp base for a polished look—often 10–20 cm wider than the base itself.
For slender column-style floor lamps, start with at least a 40 cm diameter. Tripod bases can handle even larger shades for a bold statement.
Quick Measuring Tips
- Measure your lamp from the floor to the bottom of the bulb holder.
- Divide that height by 4 for an ideal shade height starting point.
- Choose a bottom diameter that’s wider than your lamp’s base for balance.
These are flexible guidelines—room size, ceiling height, and placement also play a role. In spacious rooms, go bigger for impact; in cozy spaces, opt for slightly smaller to avoid overwhelming the area.
Ready to find your perfect match? Browse our collection of lampshades and transform your lighting today!