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Your Guide to Choosing The Right Lampshade 

Creating good lighting in your home is all about layering different elements to create the right mood for your space. What works well in a cosy sitting room may not be the best choice for a bright and airy kitchen. Choosing the right lampshade for your table lamp or ceiling light can elevate a forgotten corner of your home into a much-loved sanctuary. But, finding the perfect shade can be tricky, with a whole treasure trove of different sizes, shapes, colours and patterns to choose from.  

Not even sure where to start? We’ve taken away the guesswork with our simple guide of how to choose the best lampshade for your space.   

Browse our Lampshades

  1. Natural Linen and Gold Empire Lamp Shades

    Natural Linen and Gold Empire Lamp Shades

    From £35.00

    Available in 4 sizes

  2. Natural Linen and Gold Straight Empire Lamp Shades

    Natural Linen and Gold Straight Empire Lamp Shades

    From £35.00

    Available in 4 sizes

  3. Olive Green Pleated Lamp Shade

    Olive Green Pleated Lamp Shade

    £18.95
  4. Blue Ikat Pleated Lamp Shade

    Blue Ikat Pleated Lamp Shade

    £21.95
  5. Gold Pleated Lamp Shade

    Gold Pleated Lamp Shade

    £18.95
  6. Woodland Green Scallop Lamp Shades

    Woodland Green Scallop Lamp Shades

    From £35.00

    Available in 5 sizes

  7. Turquoise Scallop Lamp Shades

    Turquoise Scallop Lamp Shades

    From £35.00

    Available in 5 sizes

  8. Pleated Natural Linen Empire Shades

    Pleated Natural Linen Empire Shades

    From £35.00

    Available in 4 sizes

  9. Pink Ikat Flower Empire Lamp Shades

    Pink Ikat Flower Empire Lamp Shades

    From £45.00

    Available in 3 sizes

  10. Moss Green Scallop Lamp Shades

    Moss Green Scallop Lamp Shades

    From £35.00

    Available in 5 sizes

  11. Green Ikat Flower Empire Lamp Shades

    Green Ikat Flower Empire Lamp Shades

    From £45.00

    Available in 3 sizes

  12. Dusky Pink Scallop Lamp Shades

    Dusky Pink Scallop Lamp Shades

    From £35.00

    Available in 5 sizes

  13. Black and White Ikat Flower Empire Lamp Shades

    Black and White Ikat Flower Empire Lamp Shades

    From £45.00

    Available in 3 sizes

  14. Navy Pleated Ikat Lamp Shades

    Navy Pleated Ikat Lamp Shades

    From £35.00

    Available in 4 sizes

  15. Olive Ikat Scalloped Empire Lamp Shades

    Olive Ikat Scalloped Empire Lamp Shades

    From £45.00

    Available in 4 sizes

  16. Natural Linen Scalloped Empire Lamp Shades

    Natural Linen Scalloped Empire Lamp Shades

    From £45.00

    Available in 4 sizes

  17. Leaf Scalloped Empire Lamp Shades

    Leaf Scalloped Empire Lamp Shades

    From £35.00

    Available in 4 sizes

  18. Empire Natural Raffia Retro Lamp Shades

    Empire Natural Raffia Retro Lamp Shades

    From £21.50

    Available in 6 sizes

  19. White Pleated Ikat Lamp Shades

    White Pleated Ikat Lamp Shades

    From £35.00

    Available in 4 sizes

  20. Rainbow Pleated Ikat Lamp Shades

    Rainbow Pleated Ikat Lamp Shades

    From £35.00

    Available in 4 sizes

How to measure a lampshade

Before you do anything else, we recommend finding a tape measure and learning how to figure out the size of any lampshade. Too small and you can leave your table lamp or floor lamp looking bottom-heavy. Too big and you’re left with an unbalanced piece that looks ‘off’. As a rule of thumb, it’s best to go for the largest shade your space will allow as the larger the shade, the more light is distributed. This can help to add an illusion of space in smaller rooms.   

To accurately size up a shade, measure across the diameter at its widest point (this tends to be at the bottom of the shade). Next, measure the total height of your shade. Make a note of both measurements and keep them to hand. 

A textured ceramic table lamp with a spiked base and a raffia lampshade, annotated with arrows indicating shade dimensions.A textured ceramic table lamp with a spiked base and a raffia lampshade, annotated with arrows indicating shade dimensions.
Measure the diameter and height of your shade.
A sculptural white marble table lamp with a pleated raffia shade, casting a warm glow on a rustic wooden surface.A sculptural white marble table lamp with a pleated raffia shade, casting a warm glow on a rustic wooden surface.
Malvern Marble Table Lamp
A diagram of a modern gold-framed table lamp with a black drum shade, featuring measurement indicators for dimensions.A diagram of a modern gold-framed table lamp with a black drum shade, featuring measurement indicators for dimensions.
Choose a shade where its widest part is greater than the width of the lamp base,
A diagram of a terracotta-colored table lamp with a textured shade, featuring measurement indicators for height and width.A diagram of a terracotta-colored table lamp with a textured shade, featuring measurement indicators for height and width.
The shade diameter should be around the equal to the height of your lamp base.

What size lampshade do I need? 

These helpful tips will help you to calculate the perfect size lampshade for you table lamp or floor lamp.   

  1. The shade diameter should be around equal to the height of your lamp base. 
  2. The shade’s height should be about two thirds the base height. 
  3. For balanced proportions, we recommend choosing a shade where its widest part is greater than the width of the lamp base. For the perfect size, measure the base’s diameter at its widest point then multiply by two. This will give you your ideal shade diameter. 

How to choose the right shape lampshade 

Before you start thinking about which colour, pattern or fabric to choose, it’s important to consider the shape. Whilst it all comes down to personal preference, for a cohesive look it is recommended to mirror the shape of your lamp in your lampshade. Square or rectangular shaped base? Try a straight-sided lampshade. Curved bottle or urn shaped base? Try a tapered shade to mimic the soft lines.  

If you are looking for a more eclectic look in your home, then get creative and try mixing an organic shaped based with a more geometric shade. There’s no rules, your home should speak to you and what you love.  

Here are some of the most-popular shapes you can choose from.  

Brass table lamp with an olive green velvet lampshade, featuring a gold-lined interior, styled on a rustic wooden surface.Brass table lamp with an olive green velvet lampshade, featuring a gold-lined interior, styled on a rustic wooden surface.
Our retro shades are similar to straight empires but with a slightly tapered top and steeper sides for a modern look.
A collection of linen lampshades with gold interiors displayed alongside a wooden table lamp on a rustic wooden surface.A collection of linen lampshades with gold interiors displayed alongside a wooden table lamp on a rustic wooden surface.
Cyclinder shapes, otherwise know as 'drum' shades, are great for illuminating a large area
A collection of natural raffia lampshades in various sizes, displayed with a terracotta table lamp on a rustic wooden surface.A collection of natural raffia lampshades in various sizes, displayed with a terracotta table lamp on a rustic wooden surface.
French drum shades have slightly tapered sides which makes them best suited to wall lights, table and floor lamps.
Green ikat-patterned pleated lampshades in various sizes, displayed on a rustic wooden table with a wooden lamp base.Green ikat-patterned pleated lampshades in various sizes, displayed on a rustic wooden table with a wooden lamp base.
Flower empire shades are shaped with a wave similar to a flower. This creates dynamic shadows and texture.
A collection of pleated lampshades with a multicolored pattern displayed alongside a white ceramic face-shaped table lamp.A collection of pleated lampshades with a multicolored pattern displayed alongside a white ceramic face-shaped table lamp.
Rainbow Pleated Ikat Lamp Shades
A set of bold red velvet lampshades with gold interiors, displayed with a metallic table lamp on a rustic wooden surface.A set of bold red velvet lampshades with gold interiors, displayed with a metallic table lamp on a rustic wooden surface.
Retro Carnelian Velvet Lamp Shades

Choosing colour or pattern for a lampshade? 

When it comes to choosing a colour or pattern for your lampshade, consider what you want to achieve. Do you want something neutral that blends into your space, complimenting the design scheme or the room, or do you want to create a unique focal point with a bold pop of colour or clashing print? As a rule of thumb, if your lamp base is elaborate or ornate then a simple shade won’t overshadow it. Choosing a thread of colour that ties together the lamp base and lampshade can help bring cohesion. Opting for a bold colour or print? Try to mirror a dominant colour somewhere else in your room with soft furnishings like cushions, or a rug. 

When it comes to colour, it’s important to consider what you want to achieve with your lighting. If aesthetics are your only concern then a darker hue can add drama to a space. However, if you’re creating a reading corner, where ambient light is a priority, try to choose a lighter coloured shade as more light will filter through it. 

What size lampshade do I need for a floor lamp? 

As floor lamps are usually tall (at around 100-180cm without a shade) and narrow, they tend to need much larger shades that sit around 40-60cm in diameter. Here are some simple steps to finding the right shade. 

  1. To work out the best shade height, measure the lamp base’s height from the bottom of the bulb holder to the floor then divide this by four. 
  2. The shade’s diameter should be similar to the base width of the floor lamp but with an extra half an inch or so on each side for a balanced look. 
Diagram of a wooden bobbin tripod floor lamp with a raffia shade, placed next to a green velvet sofa in a cozy living space.Diagram of a wooden bobbin tripod floor lamp with a raffia shade, placed next to a green velvet sofa in a cozy living space.
The shade’s diameter should be similar to the lamp base width plus an extra half-inch or so on each side.
Diagram of a wooden floor lamp with a black shade, highlighting its height, placed in a stylish room with wooden flooring and seating.Diagram of a wooden floor lamp with a black shade, highlighting its height, placed in a stylish room with wooden flooring and seating.
Measure the lamp base’s height from the bottom of the bulb holder to the floor then divide by four.
Diagram of a whimsical birdcage pendant light with colorful birds, highlighting its height and suspension from the ceiling.Diagram of a whimsical birdcage pendant light with colorful birds, highlighting its height and suspension from the ceiling.
Measure the overall drop height of your pendant shade to work out your clearance.
Diagram of a midnight blue velvet pendant lampshade with gold interior, highlighting its width with measurement arrows.Diagram of a midnight blue velvet pendant lampshade with gold interior, highlighting its width with measurement arrows.
Work out the perfect pendant shade diameter based on the size of your room.

What size shade do I need for a ceiling light? 

Before you make your decision, it’s worth considering the size of the room you’re going to use your ceiling light in and thinking about how much space you need underneath the light. We always recommend leaving around 7-8 feet between the floor and the bottom of your shade so you can walk comfortably underneath. These steps will help you find the right size shade for your ceiling light. 

  1. To calculate the clearance, you must find the overall drop height from your ceiling to the bottom of the shade first. Start by measuring from the ceiling to the light fitting where the bulb will be, then add this to the drop length of your shade. Next, measure the total height of your room then minus the overall drop height from this to find the clearance. 
  2. To find the perfect shade diameter that will match your room size, we recommend multiplying the width and length of your room in metres which will give you the diameter in inches. For example, if your room measures 6m x 8m, then your shade diameter should be around 48 inches.