Need help to determine, correct lampshade for your lamp!

1. measure your lamp base

the key to a well-proportioned lampshade is a balanced size ratio with the lamp base.

• total height: the lampshade should be roughly one-third of the total height of the lamp base (from the bottom of the base to the top of the harp or socket, but not including the finial).

• shade width: the diameter of the bottom of the lampshade should ideally be close to the height of the lamp base itself, or at least twice as wide as the widest part of the lamp base.

2. match the shape

the shape of the shade should complement the shape of the lamp base. 

• round bases (urn, ginger jar, sphere) generally work best with round or drum-shaped shades.

• square or rectangular bases look good with square, rectangular, or sometimes hexagonal shades.

• candelabra or candlestick bases are often paired with more traditional bell or empire shapes. 

3. consider the style and function

• transitional style uses drum shades frequently for a clean, modern look that diffuses light well.

• empire or bell shades offer a more traditional aesthetic and direct light downward efficiently.

• materials: a dark shade directs light down and up, creating ambient mood lighting, while a light or translucent shade allows light to pass through, brightening a room.

4. determine the fitting type

you need to know how the shade attaches to the lamp:

• harp and finial: this is the most common type. the shade has wires that rest on a U-shaped wire frame (the harp), and a finial screws on top to hold it in place.

• uno fitter: popular on some floor and desk lamps, this fitting has a ring that screws directly onto the lamp socket itself beneath the bulb.

• clip-on: used for small, sometimes candelabra-sized bulbs. the shade simply clips onto the bulb.

if you provide the approximate measurements of your lamp base (height and width), i can give you more specific recommendations.