Video by beau sam.
How to know what size lampshade to buy.
Be sure of the fitting you need.
If your lampshade is tapered the bottom of the shade follows this criteria.
Measure lamp for shade size.
Calculate this by measuring the widest part of your lamp base and multiplying it by two.
Make sure the lamp shade is wider than the widest part of your lamp body.
Don t slim down too much.
Similarly many design experts suggest that shade s width be roughly equivalent to the visible height of the lamp base.
If you ever come home from the antique market with a new lamp base sans lampshade take heed of this golden rule before rushing out to grab any old covering.
Here are our guidelines for how to measure a lamp for a shade.
The bottom edge of the lampshade should fall midway on the neck of the lamp.
The best shade will mimic the base of the lamp and the shape of the table.
Choosing your lampshade s diameter width your lampshade should be at least 2x wider than the widest part of the base.
So now that you know your lamp base shape it s time to grab a tape measure.
Floor lamp shades should clear the widest part of the bulb by at least 3 5 on each side of the bulb unless using compact fluorescent bulb.
You don t want the socket or the switch to be visible.
When shade shopping the shade size refers to the width across the bottom of the shade.