There are some factors to take into consideration when choosing a lamp shade that’s fit for your space. Before you light up the room, here are some helpful tips to guide you to the perfect shade:
- Examine your lamp base. The lamp shade should complement its base in terms of size, shape, and style. If it’s for a small desk lamp, you’d likely want a small lamp shade, or if it’s for a rectangular-shaped stand, a square or rectangular lamp shade would flatter them best. Curvy bases pair well with rounded or pleated lamp shades.
- Determine your desired function of the lamp. The lamp’s purpose will affect the type of shade it requires to give you the result you want. For instance, a reading lamp would require a lamp shade that directs light downward or a semi-transparent shade, whereas a light for a dimly lit ambiance requires a lamp shade that diffuses light.
- Observe the room’s decor. The lamp shade should complement the other decor and furniture in the room. Consider the colors, patterns, materials used and overall style of the room, and find a lamp shade that echos the aesthetic.
- Consider the height. The height of the lamp shade can affect light distribution and the overall look of the lamp. As a general rule, the bottom of the lamp shade should be at eye level when sitting down for ideal distribution of the light.
Look for shops on Etsy that offer custom lamp shades that allow you to choose the color or pattern, or work with an artist to personalize your lamp shades by using photographs or your choice of illustration and text.