Lampshades might seem simple and easy to choose, but you shouldn't get just any one that you like while looking at them on a showroom floor. In order to make sure a shade both functions properly and complements a room decor, you must take a couple of considerations into account. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to choose the right type of shade for a space.

The size of a lampshade is generally based on the size of the lamp that it shades. Therefore, you should first choose a lamp for your space if you don't already have one. Once you have a specific lamp in mind, follow these guidelines to find a shade that will fit well.

To determine the height of your lampshade, use a percentage of your lamp's height as a guideline. A shade's height should be between 60 and 80 percent of a lamp's height if it's on a table lamp and between 30 and 50 percent of the lamp's height if it's on a floor lamp. A shade that's 75 percent as tall as a floor lamp not only would look odd but probably wouldn't fit in most rooms.

The width of your shade should be at least twice as wide as the lamp at its widest point, and the shade shouldn't be wider than the lamp is tall. These guidelines work for both table and floor lamps. 

As mentioned, these are general guidelines that you can safely follow to find a lampshade that'll both look nice and be functional. If you're more daring, you can make exceptions - but these exceptions to the rules require creativity, confidence, and decor that's already edgy.

If you do insist on being different from the norm, you may have an easier time playing with the height of a shade than the width. A shade that's too narrow will restrict how much light the lamp gives off, and it might not brighten your room adequately. A shade that's too wide might make the lamp top-heavy, and a tip could not only damage the shade but shatter a bulb as well. 

Once you know what size shade you need, turn your attention to the lampshade's shape. Shades come in many different shapes, but the shape names aren't always obvious if you don't know the industry jargon. For a brief primer:

Drum and Oval shades are cylindrical

European, Empire, and Coolie shades are conical with varying degrees of slope

Square, Rectangular, and Hexagon shades are geometric

While shape largely is a matter of personal preference, you do want to make sure it matches other items in the room. With a table lamp, you can match the shade's shape to the shape of the table. With a floor lamp, try matching the shade's shape to the shape of the lamp since it's more noticeable. Even matching the shade's shape and shape of a floor lamp's pole can work.

As you consider what shape to get, keep in mind that the lamp might not always be where you currently intend to put it. 

If you don't want to replace the shade in the future to match different decor, go with a more conservative option that complements most of your furniture. A drum-shaped shade works well with most round furniture, and a square shade is a more angular option that's still not overbearing.

If you need a new lampshade, contact Lamps & Lamp Shade Specialties to find the perfect one. We can help you decide which type and size is right for your lamp.