How to Determine Size of Shades for Lamps

Once you've found the perfect lamp, you need to determine the proper size of lamp shade for it. Three simple measurements are all you need to match the perfect lamp shade to your perfect lamp. Whether your lamp is large or small, these three measurements will help you select the right shade.

Instructions

1. Determine the height. Measure the height of the lamp from the base to the top of the shade. If there is no shade, measure to the point where the shade will be attached. The height of the lamp shade should be about 40 percent of this measurement.

2. Determine bottom diameter. Measure the height from the bottom of the base to the bottom of the light bulb socket. The diameter of the bottom of the lamp shade should be within 2 inches of this measurement. This measurement is also what determines the lamp shade's "size."

3. Calculate top diameter. The top diameter of the lamp shade should be about half of the diameter of the bottom of the lamp shade, unless the shade is a straight cylinder.

Tips & Warnings

• Lamps with a large base need lampshades with a large diameter and lamps with a small base should have a smaller diameter shade. Tall vintage lamps look best with shades that have the same diameter on top and bottom.