How To Size A Lampshade To A Lamp

How to Size a Lamp Shade

When shopping for new and replacement lamp shades on our site or in our stores, y'all'll see shades listed with a set of unlike measurements. These measurements are always listed the aforementioned manner: the altitude in inches across the top, across the lesser, on the slant (if applicable), and the height.

To learn more most measuring shades, read our tips beneath and spotter our video from the Lamps Plus YouTube channel:

If you are happy with the size of the shade y'all are replacing, only measure the quondam one with a ruler or retractable tape measure. Once you get these dimensions, it'southward much easier to observe a shade that will properly fit your lamp.

Four Measurements You'll Need

A – Top diameter
B – Bottom diameter
C – Vertical camber
D – Vertical height

What Type of Shade Plumbing equipment Practise You Demand?

In addition to the size of the shade, you'll also need to know what blazon of fitter your lamp uses. A "fitter" is the component that a lamp shade uses to attach it to the lamp trunk. There are three types of lamp fitters:

1. Spider fitters
2. UNO fitters
3. Clip-on fitters

1. Spider Fitters with Harp
This is the most mutual blazon of fitter for table and flooring lamp shades. (Bonus: at Lamps Plus, we include it complimentary with each buy.)

2. Uno Shade Fitters
You volition typically detect this fitter on smaller table lamps. Considering the shade attaches straight to the socket by using a permanently installed wire, no harp is needed. (Note: This type of shade is usually congenital into the blueprint of the lamp and is not ever easily replaceable.)

3. Prune-On Shade Fitters
These fitters are ordinarily paired with smaller accent lamps and chandeliers. As the proper name suggests, they clip directly onto the calorie-free bulb with no boosted hardware. And, in that location are besides large clip-on shades for table or floor lamps.

But Volition My Shade Wait Right?

As you can see, measuring for a new shade is fairly straightforward. And since many lamps or fixtures expect slap-up with whatsoever number of shade shapes and styles, you don't necessarily need to purchase a new shade that's exactly similar the one you're replacing!

So how do you know if your shade volition match? Here are a few fashion tips to aid you know if your new shade volition alloy in or stick out similar sore thumb:

The Right Height: In nigh cases, your lamp shade should be roughly 2/3 the height of the lamp body.

The Perfect Contour: Similarly, many pattern experts advise that shade'southward width exist roughly equivalent to the visible height of the lamp base of operations.

Don't Slim Downwards Too Much: Make sure the lamp shade is wider than the widest part of your lamp body.

Keen Shape: Your shade should usually mirror the shape and contour of your lamp design. Direct, angular, or square lamps look all-time with square or rectangular shades. Curved, round, sloping lamps should incorporate similar shades (similar bell, drum, or empire styles).

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