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Honored Contributor
Posts: 13,936
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Is there a rule about lampshade measurement ratio to the lamp?

I am furnishing a cottage from local auctions.  Many of these lamps need new shades.  Due to distance from stores to cottage, is there a rule of thumb about what size shades I should aim for?  I dislike doing returns so would like to reduce them if possible.  

Honored Contributor
Posts: 35,607
Registered: ‎05-22-2016

Re: Is there a rule about lampshade measurement ratio to the lamp?

Does this help?

 

download.jpg

Honored Contributor
Posts: 18,776
Registered: ‎03-13-2010

Re: Is there a rule about lampshade measurement ratio to the lamp?

I take my lamp base  with me and actually try on the new shades....

♥Surface of the Sun♥
Respected Contributor
Posts: 2,224
Registered: ‎01-26-2013

Re: Is there a rule about lampshade measurement ratio to the lamp?

Google is your friend.  It'll tell you how to measure for a shade.

Respected Contributor
Posts: 4,719
Registered: ‎03-19-2010

Re: Is there a rule about lampshade measurement ratio to the lamp?

[ Edited ]
 
To choose the right lamp shade width, measure your lamp base and multiply by two. For a round base, measure straight across; measure diagonally for a square base. The widest part of your shade should be at least a half-inch wider than the widest part of your base on each side.
 
Image result for how to measure for a lampshade
Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 5,914
Registered: ‎11-06-2011

Re: Is there a rule about lampshade measurement ratio to the lamp?

@depglass - I actually just researched this subject to buy some new lamps; I found this Ballard Designs page to be very helpful:

https://www.ballarddesigns.com/howtodecorate/2019/03/choose-right-lamp-shade/

 

(Since this is a Qurate company, hopefully the link is okay to post.)

Honored Contributor
Posts: 16,837
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: Is there a rule about lampshade measurement ratio to the lamp?

I always take my lamp with me when I'm buying a new lampshade.  That's what they recommend at the store where I usually buy my lampshades.


The Bluebird Carries The Sky On His Back"
-Henry David Thoreau





Respected Contributor
Posts: 4,865
Registered: ‎12-02-2013

Re: Is there a rule about lampshade measurement ratio to the lamp?

@depglass 

 

Save yourself time, driving, headaches, etc: take the bases with you.   I have gone through various scenarios and most involved returning shades because either they looked dumb or something was off with one or more dimensions when the shade was placed on the harp.

 

Also, there are different kinds of shade holders: some need to be twisted into the base of the bulb holder, others fit on top of the harp.

We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.
Sir Winston Churchill
Honored Contributor
Posts: 13,936
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: Is there a rule about lampshade measurement ratio to the lamp?

Thanks for the info, I will study it.  I'm talking 9 lamps here, possibly more.  So it wouldn't be practical to haul the lamps 100 miles back from the cottage and then 30 miles to the store.  We are sort of remote in both places.  I will do the measurements and buy the "correct" shades from them.  This is just a little lakeside cottage, but I don't want to end up with ridiculous matches.  

Honored Contributor
Posts: 19,038
Registered: ‎03-14-2010

Re: Is there a rule about lampshade measurement ratio to the lamp?

[ Edited ]

I've never gotten this right.  It has nothing to do with knowing the scale of the pieces (well, it does, but I can figure that part out), for me it usually has more to do with the fit of the shade once you attach it to the lamp.