Choosing the right lampshade for your lamps is tricky -
I've compiled a little guide below to sizing, fixtures and my favourite shades for different lamps.
Sizing:
So the standard rule is that your lampshade should be double the width of your lamp base and around a third of the total height of the base. I have, however, seen thin wooden lamps with huge over-sized shades that worked really well or small round lamps with extra wide Coolie numbers. SO although there are certain acknowledged rules, it's also open to interpretation of what works best in the space.
Most of the time, for a standard small-medium sized table lamp, our 30cm diameter lampshades are pretty perfect. Up to 40-45cm for a big lamp and a flatter Coolie lampshade for smaller bedside or decorative lamps.
Wall lights or small candle clips shades will mostly be attached with either a small utility fitting or candle clip attachment (for oblong type candle bulbs).
Table lamps might either have a utility fitting or a duplex fitting that requires a shade holder.
Shade holders can actually be really useful as they allow you to easily adjust the height of the lampshade and to remove the shade when you need to clean it or dust the bulb without having to unscrew the whole thing.
Another thing to consider is whether the lampshade has been lined with anything- some shades are lined with parchment paper or fabric which will change the softness of the light emitted through the shade.
For small, round lamps:
Ceau Store
These high quality linen/cotton pleated Coolie shades by Ceau store are a modern take on the vintage versions. Available in a number of different colours, their striking wider design is perfect for small wooden or ceramic lamp bases that need something a little extra on top.
Forest green Striped Pleated Lampshade - £88 - Available on Glassette
The Drawing Room
When I launched our Howe Street shop, I was very excited to work on an exclusive collaboration with Rosie for some beautiful lampshades. Rosie created a bespoke size for our tall counter lamp from a painted background I'd spotted on one of her earlier pieces of work. This pattern is now available as a 30cm base Coolie lampshade in our shop and online store too - with a striking sky blue cotton trim (£115).
Our counter lamp is a large solid rectangle base with a very wide and low Coolie shade on top and the contrast in shapes actually works really well.
We also stock her popular diamond design with a dark brown trim (£115).
For thin lamp bases:
Tarn
One of my favourite Instagram accounts for antique furniture and beautiful vintage art is Tarn London. Tanya has been working on her first own-brand product - these beautiful shades - I just love the flower like shape and suitability for a tall, thin lamp base. They will be available to pre-order on her website soon.
Bespoke Paper Lampshades:
We have a beautiful range of papers in the shop including the stunning marbled prints by Jemma Lewis or the fun, striking designs of Heather Evelyn which all work well as lampshade patterns. All our papers can be used for our bespoke lampshades, made in a variety of sizes and with the option of contrasting coloured cotton trims.
Starting from £35 for Candle Clip. Please email hello@styleyourspaces.co.uk to order.
For Wall Lights:
Rosi de Ruig
I love the simple elegance of the striped candle clip/wall light shades (£77) - I've ordered one of these for our upcoming office renovation which will sit just above head height by my desk to work as a reading light too.
