Shady Advice
A little advice, inspiration and general lampshade-related nonsense
How to Measure for a Lampshade: Getting the Size Right
Let's be clear, there isn't a magic formula for choosing the right size lampshade, BUT, there are a few guidelines to help you in your decision making. Do remember though, if you want help, give me a holler at SeriouslyShady@outlook.com
So, to the pointers... Start with what you're putting your shade on. For a table lamp, look at the size of the base and the table it is sitting on; as a general rule, the shade should be at least as wide as the base, but going a little bigger can work beautifully if you've got the space.
With a floor lamp, think about the scale of the whole thing, a substantial lamp can take a generous shade, while a more delicate base will usually suit something smaller.
For a ceiling pendant, look at the size of the room, the ceiling height and what sits underneath it. A large room or high ceiling can carry a much bigger shade, while a smaller room doesn't necessarily mean you have to go small. Sometimes a generous pendant is exactly what the room needs. Also, think about what you'll see from underneath. A double-sided shade gives you the chance to make the inside just as beautiful as the outside, whether that's another pattern, a contrasting colour or simply a fabric that deserves to be seen. Because if we're going to make a lampshade, we might as well make it interesting from every angle.
The space around the shade matters just as much as the lamp itself. Think about the area it has to live in and what is around it; furniture, walls, doorways and, particularly with floor and table lamps, the people who have to move around it. If it's going over a dining table, the table itself is a useful guide to scale. If it's on a bedside table, think about how much room you actually have and what the shade will look like from bed. The aim isn't to find the mathematically correct size; it's to find something that feels properly proportioned in the space.
And finally... don't assume the size of the shade dictates the size of the print. A small shade can absolutely have a big print. You might only see part of the design, but that can be exactly what makes it interesting.
