Lamps are my favorite vintage accessory. I love how a lamp can be so beautiful and truly make the statement in a vignette. Furthermore, they are functional. I much prefer lamplight instead of overhead light! However, selecting the perfect shade to compliment your lamp and home decor is critical! Here’s a simple guide on how to select the best shades for your lamps.
Shape of Base = Shape of Shade
Let’s get back to basics, y’all. The first rule of selecting a shade is that the SHAPE of the SHADE should mimic the SHAPE of the LAMP BASE. For example, in the above photo, the lamp bases are square so I topped them with a tapered square shade. In a dream world, I mimic the curves of the lamp and find a gorgeous green silk taffeta square pagoda shade with lovely concave curves. Until then, these square shades get the job done.
Gold Greek Key Lamps // Blue Velvet Blackout Drapes (I added the trim) // Lucite Hardware
Our bedside tables have a rectangular based lamp, and I maintained that shape by topping them with rectangular shades.
These lamps have round bases and thus have a round shade.
These lamps have uniquely shaped bases. A round would work on the lamp on the left, but the angles of the shade truly enhance the overall shape. A square shade would fit the lamp on the right, but the angled shade plays up the angles of the vase.
The Shade Diameter Should be Double the Lamp Diameter
In selecting the right size, a general rule of thumb is that the diameter of the shade should be double the widest part of the lamp base.
Notice how this shade is wide, but completely in proportion (double) the widest part of the lamp base.
When to Use a Tapered Shade
Extremely strong tapered shades are very outdated (think about those cream accordion micro pleated shades that have about a 4 inch hole at the top and a 20 inch diameter at the bottom; yeah those are granny), but there are times when a slightly tapered shade is appropriate.
If I had done a straight drum shade on this lamp, it would have been in proportion with the width of the base. However, the overall height of this made the large drum feel too big. Adding a slightly tapered shade reduces that “too big” scale of the shade. So the bottom of this shade is double the widest part of the lamp but the slightly narrower top makes that not feel so overwhelming.
Exceptions to the Shade Rules
This lamp has a square base but the shade is actually a hexagonal shade. A square should would work but the hexagonal shape still plays up the angles in a unique way.
Sometimes, the space you are putting a lamp in will dictate what type of shade you can put on the lamp. For example, I really wanted (and needed a light source) on this secretary, but there wasn’t enough space to put a drum shade that is double the width of the lamp base. The solution is this oval shade. It adds the round shape and scale from the front of the lamp, but is narrow and allows it to fit the surface area.
This lamp has a square pedestal, and, while the the base is square, it’s a very rounded square. A square shade would have a felt a little too harsh on the soft curves of the lamp. I used a drum shade!
This lamp has a square base, but I felt that a round shade played up the circular motif of the palm fronds extending out.
Height of the Shade
Another general rule is that the height of the shade should be just a little shorter than the height of the lamp base. This is VERY GENERAL as there are always adjustments based on where the lamp will be used and the function of the lamp (will it be on a buffet or on a side table?).
Notice how this shade is just a little shorter height than the height of the lamp base.
Exceptions of the Shade Height Rules
This pair of lamps is extremely tall. If I went with a shade that was as tall as the lamp, they would be massive! I played up the modern feel by using a shade that was almost double the width of the base, but kept the shade height short to make it a more appropriate scale.
This is a pair of very small lamps. If the shade on there was based on the height of the lamp, it would have felt very squatty. Adding a shade with a bit of height gives the lamp a more elegant feel.
Add Color with Shades
Shades don’t have to be basic white! A black shade can add formality (although it’s not my preference) and a colored shade can enhance the decor of your room and bring out other colors in the lamp.
See how this turquoise shade brings out the beautiful blue tones in the pheasants in the lamp base.
Navy suede adds formality and texture to this gold metallic lamp.
Silk shades a touch of elegance but the turquoise color keep it light and fun.
Fabric and Upholstered Shades
From time to time, I’ll create an upholstered shades. I love adding pattern and color on shades when the lamp base is neutral.
Designer Shades
If your budget allows, consider adding designer shades in designer fabrics. I ohh and ahh over Sorella Glenn!
Check out The Shade Shop on Instagram.
Shade Sources
Now go get you some fabulous shades and light up that room! For basic white drum shades, I try to find those locally at At Home. When searching for shades that have beautiful angles and seams or wide pleating, I check my local lamp shop. Lamps Etc. on Lauren’s Road or The Little Lamp Shop in the Rock House for those of you in Greenville. Shades of Light is an EXCELLENT source for those hard to find sizes and colors without paying $300 for a single shade, but do expect to pay around $100-150 for a quality shade. Ballard Design is another phenomenal source for colored shades with seams and they also carry a few fabric patterned and pleated shades.
Light Up Your Life
Happy shade shopping! And if you need personal assistance on how to find the best shades for your lamps, my design services are available! I’d love to help you find the best shades for your lamps and space.
