Finding the perfect lampshade is a bit like finding the right pair of shoes—it needs to fit beautifully and complement the whole outfit. Choose a shade that is too small, and your lamp looks bottom-heavy; choose one that is too large, and it completely overwhelms the room.
As an artisanal studio creating handcrafted lampshades, we get asked about sizing more than anything else. To take the guesswork out of your interior design journey, we’ve put together this simple, fool proof guide to sizing your lampshade for table lamps, floor lamps, and ceiling pendants.
1. Sizing for Table Lamps & Floor Lamps
When you are pairing a shade with a base, there are two golden rules of thumb that interior designers use to get the proportions just right:
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The Width Rule: The width of the lampshade (measured across the bottom diameter) should be roughly equal to the height of the lamp base.
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The Height Rule: The height of the lampshade should be about two-thirds (2/3) of the height of the lamp base.
A Quick Cheat Sheet:
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Bedside Table Lamps: Look for a diameter between 20cm and 30cm.
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Living Room Console Lamps: Look for a diameter between 30cm and 40cm.
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Tall Floor Lamps: Look for a bold statement shade with a bottom diameter of 40cm or larger.
Pro Tip: Always ensure the lampshade completely covers the internal hardware (the plastic lamp holder and fixtures) underneath it when you are looking at it from eye level.
2. Sizing for Ceiling Pendants
When hanging a handcrafted lampshade from the ceiling, the rules change because you aren't balancing it against a physical base. Instead, you are balancing it against the entire room.
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Small Spaces (Hallways, Bathrooms, Small Bedrooms): Stick to a compact 25cm to 30cm shade so it doesn't crowd the ceiling.
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Medium Spaces (Standard Bedrooms, Kitchens): A 35cm to 40cm shade creates a beautiful focal point without feeling intrusive.
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Large Spaces (Over Dining Tables or Living Rooms): Go grand with a 45cm to 50cm+ shade. If hanging a shade over a dining table, aim for the shade to be roughly 30cm narrower than the width of the table so nobody bumps their head!
Ready to Transform Your Space?
Getting the size right turns a simple light fixture into a stunning design feature. Now that you know the measurements you need, it's time to find the perfect style.
Explore our collection of Lampshades here: https://laylaslampshadesandinteriors.com/collections/lampshades to discover our full range of handcrafted, artisanal designs.
If you are still unsure about which size is best for a specific vintage base you own, feel free to send us a message—we love helping you style your home! Custom orders are secretly our favourite!