Imogen Pope's Guide to Lampshades: How to match your table lamp and lampshade

When choosing a lamp and lampshade, begin with the space itself: what kind of light are you hoping to create? Will it be a soft, warm glow in the corner of a sitting room, or something more focused for reading or working? Think about the mood first, then work backwards. Consider the room’s proportions and scale, and make sure your lamp and shade feel balanced and at home in their setting.

1. Balance the proportions -As a general rule, your shade should be about two-thirds the height of your lamp base. If you have a wide ceramic base and aren’t sure, always go up a size. A larger shade on a wide base is always a better look. Taller, slimmer bases (like our favourite lacquered lamps) can work beautifully with smaller shades too, it just depends on the feel you want to create. Sometimes something a little unexpected is what makes a space so inviting.

2. Selecting a style - I will usually go straight for our gathered frill. They bring instant charm and warmth to your home. That said, if you're after something more relaxed, our Loose Pleat shades are so chic, especially when paired with antique terracotta or textured bases. I always turn to Dana & Fabe lamps for those combinations—they’re classic, unfussy, and so very beautiful.

3. Adding colour and texture - Don’t worry about matching your base and shade too precisely. Lampshades are a lovely way to add a little colour, pattern or texture to a room. We find that contrast, when done right, can be so effective. Think plum with blue, mustard with ivory, or red and pale pink. In living spaces, you can be more playful; in bedrooms, I tend to stay within tonal and soothing palettes.