San Diego Union-Tribune (Sunday)
homestyle How to buy the perfect lampshade
There’s more to choosing a shade than liking its shape
Picking out a lampshade takes some forethought. You want to find one that’s the correct size and style for the lamp (which is referred to as the “base” in the lighting world) and fits in nicely with the room’s décor. Fortunately, there are plenty to choose from. Before making a purchase, check out these tips:
Bring the lamp with you
If you’re going to a store to buy a shade, bring the base as well. That’s the best way to see up close which shades are good matches for your lamp.
Do the math
Picking out a shade that’s proportionate to the base is key. The standard rule is that a shade should be two-thirds the height of the base. The right width for a shade is double the widest part of the base.
Be cohesive with the look
The shade should complement not just the base but the room it’s in. “The shade style should follow a room’s overall décor and feel well integrated with the color scheme and mood,” said Susan Galvani, a Charleston, South Carolinabased designer at Spruce Interior.
Think balance
If a lamp’s base is ver y decorative, you’ll want to keep the shade simple. For example, a bright floral shade on a multicolored base would compete with one other. On the other hand, if the base is plain, the shade can be splashy.
Consider the shape
It’s a good rule of thumb to match the shape of the shade with the base. That means a square shade with a square base or a round shade with a round base. “But it’s more about getting the proportion right than an exact match, Galvani said. Ultimately, you want to notice the lamp and not have the shade jump out at you.”
Pick the best fabric
Shades come in all materials, each with its own personality. “Parchment and linen shades lend a clean tailored look and are a great choice for more minimal and contemporary rooms,” Galvani said. Silk shades are good for dining rooms and formal spaces, she notes, while cotton shades give off a cozy feel that works well in a bedroom or more traditional space. Jute and raffia shades fit seamlessly in casual rooms and beachy coastal interiors.
Consider color
While most of the shades you see in stores seem to be some shade of white, other options can add a touch of sparkle or drama. “In a room that needed a dose of color, I’d pair a jeweltoned shade with a cr ystal base,” Galvani said. “A black shade is best-suited for a contemporar y brushed nickel base.”