what size lamp shade do I need?

What lamp shade size do I need?

Lamp shade size guide

We know that picking the right size shade can feel a trifle confusing, especially if you layer in the advice on ratios between lamp base and shade diameter. It need not be so complicated though because really, like with most things in interiors, there are no rights or wrongs. All there is, is guidance, which is what you’ll find right here.

General rule to choosing the right size lamp shade

As a general rule of thumb, the most pleasing proportions are picking a lampshade that’s base is two-thirds the size of your lamp base. Use that as a starter for ten, but we find it most helpful to find a lampshade elsewhere in your home – if you can – that’s a similar size to what you have in mind and test it out. Or try fashioning one out of paper and popping it onto your lighting fixture to give you peace of mind before you part with your pennies.

Here to help

Below are the most popular sizes from our collection with a brief description on which sort of light they work with best. If you have further questions you’d like to chat through, remember that our team is only an email away.

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Lampshade sizes

Tiny Shades

4.5” and 6” shades

Our tiniest lampshades work well with wall-mounted lights and come with a candle-clip fixture that sits on top of the bulb.
If you have a small lamp up to 25cm in height, the 6” shade will suit this happily too.

Small Shades

8” shades

We find our 8” shades look especially smart with lamps up to 30cm tall.
They look lovely as bedside lamps or on slim consoles seeing as they have a small footprint.
8” shades also are compatible single-arm wall lights where there’s a bit more space in the room.

Medium Shades

10” and 12” shades

Two very versatile sizes of shade, if you have a lamp 45cm tall (or so), these are your closest confidantes.
In terms of the base, they complementthose between 35-55cm but if you have a wider base, we’d recommend sizing up to one of our larger shades.

Large Shades

14” and 16” shades

Two very versatile sizes of shade, if you have a lamp 45cm tall (or so), these are your closest confidantes.
In terms of the base, they complement those between 35-55cm but if you have a wider base, we’d recommend sizing up to one of our larger shades.

Extra Large Shades

18” and 20” shades

Our grandest shades and the ones that carry the most visual impact.
Look to pair these with lamps that are 65cm in height and 20cm in width, or those that are small and wider such as 40cm high and 30cm wide.
Once again, these shades work well as pendant lights in large living spaces too.