How to Size Lamps to Shades

Lamp shades are interchangeable on lamps and can be switched to match the room you place it in. Lamp shades can be different shapes, fabrics and colors. The size of the lamp shade depends on the height of the lamp and the height of the lamp harp. When considering which lamp shade to purchase, make sure the shade does not come within one inch of the light bulb to minimize the risk of fire. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Determine what shape of lamp shade to purchase to match the lamp. The shape of the shade should be similar to the shape of the lamp base. If the lamp base is square, a square-shaped shade will usually look better than a circular shade.

2

Measure the height of the lamp from the bottom to the socket cap.

3

Measure the distance from the bottom of the lamp harp to the top of the lamp harp. The lamp harp is the metal that runs from just beneath the socket to above the light bulb and is responsible for supporting the lamp shade.

4

Select a lamp shade that has a height within 1/2 inch of the harp height and a diameter within two inches of the lamp height. If the harp height is 5 inches and the lamp height is 8 inches, purchase a lamp shade with a height between 4.5 and 5.5 inches and a diameter between 6 and 10 inches.