A new lampshade is one of the easiest ways to refresh a room, but the wrong size can make a lovely lamp look odd. These simple rules will help you pick the right one first time.
Lampshades for table lamps
Height
A good starting point is for the shade to be about two-thirds of the height of the lamp base (measured from the bottom of the base to where the bulb fitting starts).
Width
The shade's bottom diameter should be roughly the same as the height of the lamp base, and wider than the widest part of the base. That keeps the lamp looking balanced rather than top-heavy.
Cover the fitting
When you look at the lamp from the side at eye level, you shouldn't see the bulb holder or the metal harp. If you can, the shade is sitting too high or is too short.
Lampshades for floor lamps
Floor lamps suit larger shades. As a rough guide, go for a bottom diameter of at least 40cm, and make sure the bottom of the shade sits just above eye level when you're seated nearby, so the bulb stays hidden.
Ceiling and pendant shades
- For a room around 3m x 3m, a pendant shade of roughly 30 to 40cm works well.
- Over a dining table, choose a shade about half to two-thirds of the table's width, hung roughly 75cm above the tabletop.
- In hallways and low ceilings, keep at least 2m of clearance underneath.
Check the fitting type
Lampshades attach in different ways. Make sure yours matches your lamp or ceiling fitting:
- Duplex or dual fitting: works on both table lamps and ceiling pendants. A reducer ring switches between them.
- Table lamp only: sits on the bulb holder of a lamp base.
- Pendant only: hangs from a ceiling rose. Never use one with a bulb over the maximum wattage shown.
Choosing a shape
- Drum: modern and versatile. Suits straight-sided bases.
- Empire or tapered: classic, and suits curved or traditional bases.
- Pleated: soft and on-trend, great with ceramic bases.
- Rattan and woven: warm and textured, with lovely patterned light.
Browse our lampshades, and read our lighting guide for bulb fittings and brightness.