How Do I Choose the Right Shade for My Table Lamp?
Size, shape and material all count when it comes to finding a shade that will perfectly suit your lamp base
Lamp bases and shades are typically sold separately, which means you have lots of choice but double the decisions when it comes to selecting a single piece of lighting. It’s essential to think carefully about this pairing. The right shade can transform a simple base, while the wrong design can make even the most gorgeous lamp look badly proportioned or unsuited to the room’s use and decor. So how do you put the two together? These tips and ideas will help you find a shade that perfectly fits its base and its surroundings.
Think about shape
A good rule of thumb is to match the shade to the shape of the lamp base. So if you have a circular base, choose a circular drum shade. If the base is square, choose a square shade, or one with an angular, tapered design.
A good rule of thumb is to match the shade to the shape of the lamp base. So if you have a circular base, choose a circular drum shade. If the base is square, choose a square shade, or one with an angular, tapered design.
Consider location
If you plan to place your lamp on a narrow piece of furniture, such as a mantelpiece or console table, oval and rectangular shades are ideal as they will fit close to the wall without losing the impact that a large light provides.
A comprehensive guide to lighting your home beautifully
If you plan to place your lamp on a narrow piece of furniture, such as a mantelpiece or console table, oval and rectangular shades are ideal as they will fit close to the wall without losing the impact that a large light provides.
A comprehensive guide to lighting your home beautifully
Work out the width
The widest part of the shade should be around a centimetre wider on each side than the widest part of the base. This creates balance and a nice pool of light below. It also prevents the shade from looking awkwardly perched on the base.
The widest part of the shade should be around a centimetre wider on each side than the widest part of the base. This creates balance and a nice pool of light below. It also prevents the shade from looking awkwardly perched on the base.
Think practically
When a lamp is positioned very close to a sofa, armchair or bed, make sure its size suits the space, and how you use it. You don’t want to crash into the shade every time you sit down, or roll over in bed. Make sure it does not extend beyond the edge of the table it is placed on.
When a lamp is positioned very close to a sofa, armchair or bed, make sure its size suits the space, and how you use it. You don’t want to crash into the shade every time you sit down, or roll over in bed. Make sure it does not extend beyond the edge of the table it is placed on.
Keep it simple
If you want a really flexible base that will work well with almost any style of shade, try a simple candlestick design.
If you want a really flexible base that will work well with almost any style of shade, try a simple candlestick design.
Complement colour
If your lamp base is very decorative or brightly coloured, a simple white shade is often the best choice, as it allows the base to take centre stage.
If your lamp base is very decorative or brightly coloured, a simple white shade is often the best choice, as it allows the base to take centre stage.
Pick the right material
A pale shade that is fairly translucent will allow plenty of ambient light through and can function as a reading light, as here. But use a soft-tone bulb so the effect is not too clinical.
Beautiful bedside lighting
A pale shade that is fairly translucent will allow plenty of ambient light through and can function as a reading light, as here. But use a soft-tone bulb so the effect is not too clinical.
Beautiful bedside lighting
Be darkly dramatic
If the lamps are working more as accent lights, rather than as task lighting or to boost the room’s light levels, then a darker shade is fine.
If the lamps are working more as accent lights, rather than as task lighting or to boost the room’s light levels, then a darker shade is fine.
Get creative
Some bases don’t play by the rules and rock an altogether more contemporary look. They call for some creativity in finding the right shade. Try different shades on the base to get a feel for what looks good. Here, a shade in the same colour as the base and with a similar linear look is a perfect fit.
TELL US…
Do you have any handy tips for teaming a shade with a lamp base? Tell us in the Comments below.
Some bases don’t play by the rules and rock an altogether more contemporary look. They call for some creativity in finding the right shade. Try different shades on the base to get a feel for what looks good. Here, a shade in the same colour as the base and with a similar linear look is a perfect fit.
TELL US…
Do you have any handy tips for teaming a shade with a lamp base? Tell us in the Comments below.
Roughly speaking, you want a shade that is about two thirds the height of the base. This ratio makes sure the lamp doesn’t look too top- or bottom-heavy.