Lamp Shades

How to Choose the Right Lamp Shades

Getting the right lamp shades and lamps for your room is important because lighting plays such a big role in the look and feel of a room. It affects the whole ambience. The right lamp shade can enhance the whole picture and feeling you are trying to create, whereas one which clashes in any way can quickly ruin your room scheme and undo any of the great design decisions you have made with window treatments, furniture and floor coverings.

No need for bare bulbs

No need for bare bulbs

Color

Many people automatically choose white or cream colored lamp shades as they believe that this is a “safe” choice (and sometimes because there is not much else available in their local store). However white and off-white can look a little stark and are only right in an all-pale or minimalist room. Most rooms look best with a little warmth and color in decoration and you need to continue this through to your shades by choosing an equally rich color tone. If you shop online you will find just the right color of lamp shade to suit your room.

Size

The interior design rule of thumb for selecting the size of lamp shades is that the shade should be no larger than a third of the size of the lamp base height and ideally should just cover the lighting elements or hardware of the lamp. You want the bulb to be covered but not the base. The lampshades that most people buy are too large for the base. Don’t buy all your lamp shades the same size thinking that they should match – unless you have matching bases!

When measuring you don’t need to include decorative elements such as tassels – just the solid part of the shade.

For a normal table lamp the diameter of the base of the lampshade should be within two inches of the height of the lamp measured from the bottom of the light bulb fitting to the base.

For safety reasons make sure that the fabric of the lamp shade will clear the bulb with plenty of space – the higher the wattage of the bulb the more clearance is required between the bulb and the shade. If you’re worried about a shade you’ve chosen check that the part of the shade nearest the bulb does not get hot within 5 minutes of switching on the light.

Shape and style

The shape of the shade should be in keeping with the lampbase. A plain simple base lends itself to a simple shape whereas a fancy antique fitting deserves a more elaborate shade and an Asian style lamp goes well with a hexagonal shaped shade.

If your decor has a particular theme such as a particular historical period or designer style then choose lamp shades which suit that. You can get help by looking at pictures of whole room schemes which are in a similar theme including the lighting and lamp shades used. You can find these easily online.

Also consider where you lamp is going to be in relation to its surroundings. Some lamp shades mean that the lamp could not sit close to the wall or surrounding furniture.

What if you can’t find the right shade?

There are thousands of lamp shades to buy online but if all else fails you can buy custom shades made up in the exact size, color, shape, style and fabric you require.

Lamp Shades : Interior Design Tips

Welcome to Lamp Shades Central. This is a resource for those looking for advice and information on all kinds of lamp shades and especially for those who have an interest in making the most of their home decor using the effect of lighting.

Interior design is a complex subject but when it comes to lamp shades there are just a few principles to consider. (See our article on how to choose lamp shades if you want the low-down on selection).

However just because a few simple principles are involved, don’t neglect your lighting when you are designing a room.

Lighting is key to how the room will look and feel as well as how comfortable it is to carry out various tasks or activities.

Two bedside lamps with shades

Two bedside lamps with shades

It makes sense that each type of room is different when it comes to lighting – kitchen or bathroom lighting needs to be very different from lighting a study or family room. Although bedrooms may need the same type of lighting you probably don’t want to select the same lamp shade for each room. You need these to match the bases of the lamps you have as well as the decor, color scheme or theme of the individual room.

Whatever lighting you choose, a bare bulb is not a good look whether on your table, in a floor lamp or hanging from the ceiling.

If you want to spend a bit of time sourcing just the right lampshades then a temporary solution may be needed. Instead of spending a few weeks or months without lamp shades, purchase a few simple inexpensive fabric lamp shades to cover your bare bulbs. Just don’t let your cheap temporary solution be a permanent fixture. Make sure you do take the time to select replacement lamp shades which will enhance your rooms as soon as possible.

You are probably also looking to purchase a lampshade or two once you have an idea of what you want to buy. We don’t sell lamp shades – the advice here is independent – but you will find plenty of sites to be able to purchase lamp shades of all types whether contemporary, Chinese or Victorian, glass chandelier or silk bell shape to suit your decor and furniture.

When you are ready to make your choice you may want to browse online stores and see what is in stock and maybe order a catalog or two. You’ll find plenty of choice so you are very likely to find exactly what you need online (and even if you don’t you can use the custom option offered by a number of companies).