How to choose the best lamp shades for any room

Pendant lamp shades

Pendant lamp shades are designed to hang from ceiling fittings, making them a focal point of the room they’re placed in. They’re typically made from materials such as rattan, glass or fabric to catch the eye.

How to fit a lamp shade

The size of your lamp shade is equally as important as its shape. Choose a lamp shade that is too large, and it will overpower the base. If it's too small, the neck, harp and socket will be exposed. Follow the steps below to get the size just right.

1. Measure the lamp

If you have a circular base, then measure straight across. If you have a square base, then measure diagonally. Multiple this number by two for the ideal lamp shade width.

2. Measure the length

Your shade should be around a third of the total height of the lamp. This ensures it covers the bulb and the harp without looking disproportionate to the base.

There are also some safety precautions to consider when choosing the size of your shade so make sure you always read any safety labels or leaflets included with your lamp shade.

Choosing your lamp shade colour, pattern and shape

Consider which room your light will sit in when choosing the colour and pattern, as this will affect the ambience and aesthetic. For an eye-catching focal point above your dining table, go big and bold with pattern. Add tactility by choosing designs with embellished details and tassel trims. Floor lamps add subtle pockets of light around the room, so these often work well in a neutral colour or plain pattern that matches your space.

If you have a specific use in mind, consider how the shape of your lamp shade will impact its function. Empire-shaped shades will let more light into your space if you’re working late into the evenings, while brighter coloured shades will allow more light to filter through.

Lamp shades are a quick and easy way to refresh your bedroom, living room or hallway throughout the seasons. Swap neutral tones for deeper hues, replace plains with bold patterns or think about adjusting the shape.

Choosing your lamp shade material

If you’re planning on switching your lamp shades frequently, lightweight cotton or linen are good options. Choose a smooth finish for a style that’s easy to clean, especially important if you’re looking for a lamp shade for ceiling lights that are hard to reach. Pleated fabrics add interest, but they are easier to clean if they’re on a table or desk lamp.

For tactile texture, think about boucle or velvet lampshades and tassel trims. Rattan and bamboo lamp shades have woven designs that filter the light into subtle patterns. The panelled structure of our Ena shades lets light pass gently through to create a warm glow.

How to pair your lamp shade with a base

Many of our lamp shades are fitted with a reversible gimble, allowing you to alternate between using them as a table lamp shade or a ceiling lamp shade. It can be helpful to take your table or desk lamp base with you whenever you go shopping for shades to see how the shapes interact. When choosing a lamp shade for a floor lamp, keep in mind how much space you have around your lamp. A larger empire shade will fan outwards, while a drum shade has a cylindrical shape.

If you prefer the open-bulb look, find a light bulb with coloured glass, playful filaments and clear LED designs to match with your base.

Take inspiration from our Home & Gift Team when choosing your base and shade - don’t be afraid to mix-and-match designs and embrace unexpected shapes. ’When designing our glass lighting collection, the Home & Gift team worked from hand-drawn sketches to explore the relationship between the base and shade shapes,’ explains Head of Home & Gift Design, Kate Butler, ‘refining the proportions to give the lamps character and a striking, sculptural finish. We worked on various shade shapes in different fabrics before we reached the final design. The pointed “hat” shade is a favourite of mine as it gives the lamp personality.’

Our expert says

’When designing our glass lighting collection, the Home & Gift team worked from hand-drawn sketches to explore the relationship between the base and shade shapes, refining the proportions to give the lamps character and a striking, sculptural finish.’