If your table lamp isn’t sporting a shade, it’s time to start thinking about what type of shade you want. The choice of shade can make a big difference in how the lamp looks, especially when it comes to highlighting specific decor pieces and directing light in a way that’s comfortable for reading or writing.
Lampshades in a range of shapes and sizes can be used to change the look of a table lamp or simply bring personality into an existing design. They’re available in a wide array of patterns and colors, and are an ideal accessory for any room that needs a little something extra.
Regardless of what type of shade you choose, it’s important to understand the proper measurements for your replacement shade. There are four main dimensions that should be taken into consideration for your replacement shade: top and bottom diameters, depth, and slant or drop.
The top and bottom diameters should be measured from the rim of the base to the rim of the shade. This allows you to be sure that the bottom slant of your new shade is at least equal to the slant of the existing shade.
Once you have these measurements, compare them to your current lamp base to make sure that the new shade is large enough to accommodate the neck and harp of your existing lamp. A good rule of thumb is to add about two inches on either side for clearance.
A lampshade that’s too small for the base of your table lamp will make it appear too large. The same holds true for a shade that’s too wide for the base of your table lamp.
One of the most common table lamp shades is a drum shade, which has a straight, round shape and is a great option for updating an old-fashioned looking lamp or creating a soft contemporary vibe in a modern home. A drum shade works well with both straight-sided and curved base styles.
Another popular shade is an oval shade, which is a broad and flat shape that is often seen on more traditional style table lamps. An oval shade can also help to highlight the sides of a lamp base that’s curved rather than straight.
You can also opt for an empire shaped lamp shade, which is a straight-sided lampshade with a narrower opening at the top. This shade is often used on lamps with slanted bases.
A table lamp with a glass base is likely to emit a brighter, more radiant glow than a metal base. This is because the glass has a higher reflective index than other materials, so it will reflect more light back up towards the ceiling.
The base of a table lamp can be made out of just about any kind of material. Some popular options are brass, glass, and wood. Others are more delicate, such as ceramic and porcelain. Other types of bases are made out of synthetic resins or plastics, which can be shaped into many interesting designs.