Bright Ideas On Finding The Right Shade For Your Lamps
July 22, 2008
It may seem like an afterthought, but did you know that changing a lamp shade can actually change the entire look of a room? Choosing one may seem pretty easy, but there's actually an art and science to finding the right fit.
NY1 caught up with Chassie Post of Domino Magazine at a store called Just Shades for a little enlightenment when it comes to lamp shades.
First, when you hit the store, always bring your lamp and your bulb with you because the most important thing is proportion and there's a formula to finding the right size.
“You take two measurements: first the height,” says Post. “To determine the height, you take your lamp base, which is the lamp without the shade on it and you want your shade to be no taller than two-thirds of the height of the actual base and this is a great proportion because you want to make sure you can't see any of the lamp’s hardware underneath the shade.”
For width, measure straight across for a round base and on a diagonal for a square base. Multiply that number by two and you have an estimated width for your shade. But, keep in mind where you are putting the lamp. If it’s next to a bed or in a hallway you don't want it to be so wide that you bump into it.
When it comes to shape, there are lots of options: drum, square, empire or coolie. But whatever it is, there is a formula to find the perfect fit. Generally if you have a round base you should use a rounded shade; for a square base, use a more angular shade for a more traditional look. If you want something more modern, then go ahead and mix it up.
Also consider the translucency, do you need it to give off a lot of light or just serve as an accent piece where light shines through the top and bottom?
The shade also needs to fit the lamp's hardware.
“Fittings are the hardware that connects your lamp shade to the lamp,” says Post. “The two most common are your harp, which connects to the shade through the spider. You just pop it top of the lamp and you use a finial to connect the two. Second most common is the euro – it's a drop-down hardware. It goes directly over the lamp base and it’s held in place by a washer and the light bulb.”
Smaller accent shades often have clips for the bulb.
But if you find a shade you love you can easily change the fittings.
For more on style tips on lamp shades you can visit dominomag.com, where you might just find some bright ideas.
– Jill Scott
July 22, 2008
Bright Ideas On Finding The Right Shade For Your Lamps
Jill Scott
What's On NY1?
Buy NY1 Gear!