How to Pick a Lamp Shade
Aside from covering the light bulb on a lamp, lamp shades serve several purposes, including providing shade and adding decor to a room or space. You must consider many factors when picking a lamp shade, including where and how you will be using the actual lamp. Choosing an ideal lamp shape is an individual decision and is contingent upon your personal style and budget. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Measure your lamp's height and width. To measure the height of your lamp, start measuring from the tip of the lamp to the lamp's base. To get the width, measure the base of your lamp and double the resulting number. For example, if your lamp's base is 8 inches, record 16 inches as the measurement that you will need when purchasing your lamp shade. To measure lamps that are round-shaped, measure from left to right at the widest part of the lamp's base. For square-shaped bases, measure diagonally.
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Consider the dimensions of the lamp shade. Lamp shade size should complement lamp size. According to Ballard Designs, "Your shade should be about two-thirds the height of your lamp base (give or take an inch). Measure the top, bottom, depth and drop of the lamp shade that you want to purchase to ensure that it will fit properly on your lamp. (See Resources for a diagram demonstrating how to measure a lamp shade.)
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Note the shape of your lamp. Is your lamp round, square or hexagonal? Match the shape of the lamp shade to the shape of the lamp base. For example, consider a round-shaped lamp shade for a lamp that has a round-shaped base. Conversely, consider a square-shaped shade for a lamp that has a square-shaped base.
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Consider the lamp shade's fabric. Shades made from translucent sheer fabric or thin paper are ideal for allowing plenty of light in a room for reading. Shades made from opaque material, such as silk and parchment paper, are ideal for setting a mood in a space or room.
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Consider your personal decorating style. For a more traditional-looking shade, consider pleated shades that complement antiques. Consider decorative features, such as pleats, embroidery or painted ornaments on lamp shades to create a more contemporary look to your area, room or space.
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