Choosing the right size lampshade makes a huge difference to the look and feel of your lamp. Go too small and it can look a bit awkward, like a hat that’s shrunk in the wash. Fortunately, it’s easy to get it right.
Here are a few quick rules of thumb to help:
- As a general guide, your lampshade should be around two-thirds the height of your lamp base.
- The diameter of the shade should usually be wider than the base – at least matching it, ideally a touch more.
- If in doubt, it’s usually better to size up – a shade that’s slightly too big often looks far better than one that’s too mean and poky.
- For table lamps, aim for balance: you want the bulb hidden, the lamp stable, and the proportions pleasing.
- For floor lamps, go for depth and drama – larger shades suit their scale.
- And for smaller rooms, choose a more compact shade to keep the space feeling airy.
Quick tips:
- If your shade wobbles or shows the bulb, it’s probably too small.
- If it looks top-heavy or casts shadows too low, it might be too big – but it’s still usually the lesser evil!
- Still unsure? Try paper templates or measure your current shade for a starting point.
Explore our full range of lampshades by size to find the perfect fit.
