Whether you’re looking to add a touch of personality to your home or just need a functional overhead light, choosing the right lampshade for each room can be challenging.
From ceiling fixtures in bedrooms and living rooms to retro industrial-style wall sconces in kitchens and bathrooms– there are so many options available that it’s easy to get overwhelmed. But with the right tips and tricks, it doesn’t have to be difficult!
In this blog post on how to choose lamp shades, we’ll walk through how to choose the best lampshade for any space — from selecting the correct size shade relative to a lighting fixture, picking complementary fabrics, all the way down to accessorizing with finials. With these guidelines in hand (literally), you’ll find yourself well on your way toward creating a beautiful illuminating scheme!
What is Lamp Shades?
Lampshades are a type of lamp cover used to soften the light from a bulb, while also adding an element of style. They come in various sizes and shapes — including drum, empire, bell, conical and more — as well as a range of fabrics and colors to fit any home design aesthetic.
It’s incredibly important to carefully choose the right size and shape of lampshade for each room, as the wrong one can make a room feel awkward or too dark.
11 Step-by-step Guidelines on How to Choose Lamp Shades
Step 1: Determine the Correct Size
When shopping for a lampshade, the first step is to measure the lamp’s base. Then find a shade with the same measurements, keeping in mind that there should be at least a few inches between the bottom of the shade and the top of the lamp. If the shade is too small, you’ll end up with a lot of glare coming from the exposed bulb. But if it’s too big, the shade will block most of the light and make the room feel dim.
Step 2: Consider Light Output
The key to finding an effective lampshade is understanding light output. Choose shades designed for either up-lighting or down-lighting, depending on your desired purpose. Up-light shades are typically more open at the bottom and are used to create ambient lighting or highlight certain areas within a room.
Down-light shades are usually taller in height and provide direct light downward toward work surfaces like desks and tables.
Step 3: Select a Complementary Fabric
When selecting fabric for your lampshade, consider how it will look in the room. If it’s a bright and bold color, it might be best suited in a smaller space like an entryway or hallway. For larger living areas like a family room or bedroom, opt for fabrics with patterns that complement the existing décor.
Step 4: Decide Between Hardback or Softback
Lampshades come in both hardback and softback varieties. Hardbacks are usually made of cardboard-like material covered in fabric, while softbacks are constructed from heat-resistant fabrics mounted onto frame wires.
Both styles have their own set of benefits; hardbacks provide more structure which is helpful for larger shades, whereas softer lampshades can add texture to any room (and diffuse light more effectively).
Step 5: Pick the Right Shape
The shape of your shade should also be considered. Drum shades are cylindrical and can provide a modern, minimalist look in any room; bell shades are more traditional and can lend a soft, elegant touch to an area; and empire shades offer a formal vibe with their inverted diamond shape.
When selecting a shape, keep in mind that it should complement the style of the base lamp as well as other furniture pieces within the space.
Step 6: Choose Your Finial
Finials are small decorative caps used to secure a lampshade onto its base. They come in both metal and crystal varieties, so you can choose one that best suits your taste. Metal finials are usually more affordable and come in a wide range of styles, while crystal finials tend to be more expensive but add a touch of sparkle and glamour to any room.
Step 7: Install the Shade
Once you’ve selected your desired shade, it’s time to install it. Before doing so, make sure you have all the correct tools for the job; if you don’t they can often be purchased cheaply from home improvement stores. Be careful not to overtighten the hardware when attaching the shade and ensure that it is level before turning on the lamp.
Step 8: Confirm Measurements
When measuring for your new lampshade, double-check that both the base and shade are level. If they’re not, you might need to adjust the final or trim the wireframe of the lampshade itself; it’s always best to err on the side of caution when doing this as an improperly fitted lampshade can have dangerous consequences.
Although it may seem like a tedious task, taking the time to get this step right is essential for safety.
Step 9: Take Time for Trial & Error
After installing your new lampshade, take some time to test it out in different lighting conditions. This will give you a better understanding of how the shade affects the light output in each room and can help you make adjustments accordingly.
For example, if it’s too dark or too bright in certain areas, consider switching out shades or adding additional lamps with different wattages to balance out the light. It’s best to experiment with different lampshades until you find the perfect fit.
Step 10: Don’t Forget the Bulb
When selecting a bulb for your new lampshade, make sure it’s compatible with the wattage of the shade. Too high of wattage can shorten the lifespan of the shade and cause potential fire hazards, so it’s important to do your research beforehand.
It’s also recommended to opt for LED bulbs instead of traditional incandescent ones, as LED bulbs last longer and use less energy. But make sure to check that your lampshade is rated for LED bulbs, as some shades might not be compatible.
Step 11: Enjoy Your Results!
Once you’ve followed these steps on how to choose lamp shades and installed your new lampshades, all that’s left to do is stand back and admire your hard work! With any luck, you’ll have achieved an inviting atmosphere in each room — one that perfectly combines both form and function.
Congratulations on taking the first step toward creating a beautiful lighting scheme for your home. Now, enjoy the warm glow it casts! Always remember to choose a lampshade that fits your personal style and home decor. Happy shopping!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do Lampshades Come in Different Sizes?
A: Yes, they do! Lampshades come in a wide variety of sizes and shapes, including drum, empire, bell and conical. Be sure to measure the size of your lamp before purchasing a shade to ensure it fits properly.
Q: What is the Difference Between Hardback and Softback Lampshades?
A: Hardbacks are typically made from cardboard-like material covered in fabric, while softbacks are constructed from heat-resistant fabrics mounted onto frame wires. Both styles have their own set of benefits; hardbacks provide more structure which is helpful for larger shades, whereas softer lampshades can add texture to any room (and diffuse light more effectively).
Q: How Can I Avoid Overtightening My Lampshade Hardware?
A: When installing your new shade, make sure you have all the correct tools for the job; if you don’t they can often be purchased cheaply from home improvement stores. Be careful not to overtighten the hardware when attaching the shade and ensure that it is level before turning on the lamp.
Q: What is a Finial?
A: A finial is a small decorative cap used to secure a lampshade onto its base. They come in both metal and crystal varieties, so you can choose one that best suits your taste. Metal finials are usually more affordable and come in a wide range of styles, while crystal finials tend to be more expensive but add a touch of sparkle and glamour to any room.
Conclusion
After reading this article on how to choose lamp shades, you now know how to choose the best lampshade for your home. From looking for a shape that will fit the base to considering the size, material, and pattern, there are many essential factors that come into play when choosing your lampshade.
Whether you opt for solid colors or printed patterns, Pantone colors or more muted shades, there is something out there that will perfectly fit your space.
Regardless of what type of lamp shade you have chosen though, make sure it’s one that you love and will make your home look inviting and welcoming. Now that you know how to choose proper lamp shades an exciting new task awaits – how to measure thickness of glass in a window!
Window measurements are so important when making sure everything fits right so that’s why it’s essential to measure correctly. Make sure to research the right way and take notes along the way because a few wrong measurements can cost big time. Good luck on your project!