How to Choose a Lampshade Lighting Fixture
A beautiful lampshade can add to the beauty of your room while serving the purpose of additional lighting. The right lamp shade can transform a humdrum base into something exquisite, while the wrong lamp shade can make even the most stunning lamp look badly proportioned, inappropriate for the room or awkward to use. So how do you know which lampshade is right?
A good rule of thumb is to choose a lamp shade that is two-thirds the height of the base. This proportion will assure that the lamp will look balanced. This will also insure that the hardware underneath the shade like the harp and the neck will not show.
The widest part of the lampshade should be at least half an inch wider on each side than the widest point of the base. Also consider the location of the lamp. If it is going on a nightstand, you don’t want to crash into it every time you get in or out of bed. Same thing for a lamp on a hall table. Don’t let it stick out so far that you bang into it when you walk by. Seventeen to 20 inches is standard for a large lamp shade; anything over 20 inches risks looking too big.
Candlestick lamps can support just about any shape of shade, but if you have a base that’s round, it will look best with a round lamp shade. Likewise, a base that is square or angular generally looks best with a square lamp shade. The exception: If you are putting a square-based lamp on a round table, it’s okay to echo the table top by using a round shade.
If you will be using the lamp shade as an accent light, an opaque shade will be okay. If you need the lamp for task lighting like reading, a translucent shade will be appropriate.
Pleated lampshades tend to look more traditional, and are most appropriate in rooms furnished with antiques, or spaces that have a lot of pattern and detail. If the room is contemporary, go with a non pleated shade. If you have a contemporary room and really want to use a pleated lampshade, try a box pleat. Its geometric design tends to look a bit fresher and more modern than its traditional counterpart does.
LAMPS PLUS Springcrest Mushroom Pleated Shade 9x16x14.75 (Spider): A traditional and tasteful mushroom pleated lamp shade from the Springcrest Collection. White fabric with a mushroom pleat. Spider fitting. The correct size harp is included free with this shade. Measures 9″ at the top, 16″ across the bottom and 14 3/4″ high.
White Linen, shade with an over the bulb fitter by Renovator’s Supply: Add a warmth and softness only fabric can give. Feature fine Linen for a classic look. Can help create either a casual or formal atmosphere.
In Bloom Lamp with Shade by Bedtime Originals: Butterfly Nursery Lamp by Lambs and Ivy. This lamp features a wooden base with butterflies and a fabric covered lamp shade. Takes up to a 40 watt, standard sized bulb (not included). Has on/off switch on the light socket. Coordinates perfectly with Lambs and Ivy bedding and accessories. Measures 10″ x 17.5″ high.
Sumersault ABC Baby Lamp with Shade: ABC Baby – a colorful patchwork in blues, green, red and cream. Unusual combinations of texture are seen in the cream corduroy, sherpa and suede accents used throughout the group. This vibrant collection has whimsy, unusual patchwork detail, interesting appliqu?? work and beautiful accessories which coordinate perfectly. This ABC Baby Lamb Lamp w/ Shade is the perfect addition to your little one’s nursery.
Lamp Shade Cover Costume by Paper Magic: Lamp Shade Cover transforms the ordinary to the ultimate Halloween Haunt. This Lamp Shade Cover is 1 multiple skull design, adjustable to fit lampshades up to 16 inches diameter and 10 inches high. 2 pieces per pack.
Eddie Bauer Lamp & Shade Little Builder by Crown Crafts Inc.: The Little Builder Lamp and Shade will add that finished touch to your nursery. Wood base is the wrecking ball truck with a decorative fabric covered shade. Lamp is UL Tested, uses Maximum 40 Watt Light Bulb. Coordinates with a full line of infant bedding.
Clamp-on Lamp – Purple Shade by American Lighting: Uses one standard 60-watt light bulb (not included); rotary on/off switch. Heavy-duty flexible chrome gooseneck 13H”. Modern translucent blue shade. Durable clamp base. Preassembled.
LAMPS PLUS Swarvoski Crystal Ball Lamp Shade Finial: Swarvoski crystal ball lamp shade finial provides an extra glamorous touch. Measures 1 3/4″ high.
Paper Floor Lamp – Square Shade by Adesso: Floor lamp with 46″ paper shade. MDF laminated wood base. Foot step switch. Requires 3 60-watt standard bulbs (not included).
Tadpoles Basics Gingham Lamp Shade – Red: reat for coordinating with Tadpoles lamp bases and bedding collections (sold separately), this Tadpoles Gingham Lamp Shade red from Sleeping Partners features a clip that fits onto a standard 40 watt lightbulb. The 8-inch tall shade measures 5 inches diameter at the top and 10 inches diameter at the bottom.
