Size
Choosing the right size of lamp shade can be tricky, but with a bit of simple math, you can be well on your way to creating a stunning lamp. For the height of the shade, try to adhere to the “40 percent” rule. That is, when you consider 100 percent of your lamp’s height, the shade should make up about 40 percent of that. Determining the best width is easy: simply choose a shade that is approximately double the size of the base. For example, if your base is eight inches wide, a lamp shade that is around 16 inches wide will create a pleasing visual balance.
Translucency
When you are shopping for lamp shades, it is also important to consider how much light you would like the lamp to give off, and what type of mood you hope to set in your room. If you want a bright, cheery atmosphere and increased ambient light in a room, a transparent shade is your best bet. Because they don’t allow light to be filtered through the shade and instead direct light up and down, opaque shades are wonderful for creating a dramatic mood. Semi-transparent shades provide ample task illumination while also acting as a design element in a room.
Shape
Just as lamp bases come in all different shapes and styles, so do lamp shades. When considering what shape will best complement your base, a good rule of thumb is to aim for an element of design synergy. If you have a simple lamp base, the shape of your shade can be quite varied, whereas if you have a more complex base, a basic shade may be best. A few of the most common lamp shade shapes include:
- Bell
- Coolie
- Empire
- Oval
- Drum
- Rectangular
- Square
If you are uncertain which shape will best complement your lamp base, the lighting specialists at M&M Lighting are happy to help! Schedule an appointment with one of our lighting experts today!
Color and Texture
The type and color of material that the shade is made from will be one of your biggest style considerations, and whether you choose a leather lamp shade or a glass Tiffany shade, you want to be sure that it complements the rest of the room’s design and your aesthetic preferences. For example, smooth shades provide an elegant and modern appearance whereas pleated shades work well to create a more traditional-looking lamp. Additionally, you want to take the color and material of the base into consideration when choosing the material for your lamp shade to ensure your lamp has a cohesive style.
