How to Measure a Lamp for a Lampshade

You have found the perfect lamp base but need a lamp shade for it. No need to fear that it will be hit and miss trying to find a lamp shade that is neither too small nor too large, necessitating many trips back to the store. All that is needed are a few simple steps for measuring your lamp and you will be able to easily pick out a lamp shade in the perfect shape and size.

Things You'll Need

• Cloth measuring tape

Instructions

1. Determine what shape you want for your lamp shade. It is usually best to keep the shape of the lamp shade similar to the shape of the lamp base. If the base is round, for example, use a round lamp shade.

2. Measure the lamp base height to determine the bottom diameter measurement for the lamp shade. Place the end of your measuring tape on the bottom edge of the base and measure up right under the base of the socket cap where the light bulb screws in.

3. Choose a lamp shade with a bottom diameter measuring within 2 inches (bigger or smaller) of the lamp base height. For example, if the lamp base height measurement is 12 inches, then the bottom diameter for a lamp shade could be 10 to 14 inches.

4. Determine the height for your lamp shade by measuring the height of the lamp harp, which is the metal wire part of the lamp base that holds the lamp shade. Measure from the bottom of the bulb socket cap to the top of the harp.

5. Choose a lamp shade with a vertical height within one-half inch of the height of the harp.

References

• Antique Lamp Supply
• Building Materials 365