Purchase of a lamp or a lampshade is a difficult task, given that the market is literally flooded with them.
With various parameters, shapes, and sizes, purchasing ones that are not mismatched, ideal size, and shape are easier said than done.
This post discussed what size of lampshade for floor lamp and much more. The updated, detailed guide below will help you navigate the buying process with ease.
What Size Lampshade for Floor Lamp?
While purchasing a floor lamp seems challenging, purchasing a lampshade for an already bought lamp is even more difficult.
A lampshade is like a hat. Too small, and it will exaggerate the size of the lamp. Too large, and the lamp will seem too small.
It’s all about proportions. The below 4 rules makes getting the right size a clinch.
- Measure the height of the base. Now, the total height of the base should be three-quarters the height of the base.
- Measure the height of the lamp from base to fitting. The width of the shade base should be the same length.
- For the lamp to look balanced, make sure that the width of the shade is about 1.3 cm wider than that of the base
- Debating between two sizes? Go for the larger one.
How to Pick the Right Size Lamp Shade for your Floor Lamps
1. What shape fits your floor lamp?
A suitable lampshade directs, filters, and shapes the light from a lamp. It can be lined to allow a specific amount of light to pass through. The light is decorated while the rest of it passes through the top and bottom openings.
When purchasing a lampshade for an already bought lamp, getting the shape right means everything. There are 4 main shapes of lampshades.
Empire – Empire is shaped like a frustum – a cone whose top has been removed.
Square – The square-shaped lampshade resembles the empire but has a square or rectangular bottom.
Drum – This has a cylinder shape.
Oval – When purchasing, put two things into consideration.
- The lamp base – the shape of the base should match with the shade. For example, if you have a square base, consider a square shade. This achieves a cohesive look.
- The specific position of the lamp in the room – while rounded shades are more popular, square shades have the advantage of positioning them right up against a wall.
You are sure of never getting the shape wrong with the above considerations.
2. What size range to consider?
Another critical factor to consider is the relative proportion.
A massive floor lamp in a small room seems misplaced and makes the room congested.
For a small space, a narrow lamp is ideal. It can perfectly fit behind the furniture.
If the lamp has an adjustable swing arm, ensure that the arm can clear the chair back.
The height of a floor lamp ranges from 4 feet to several feet.
However, a typical average lamp is usually around 60-72 inches.
Floor lamps are categorized into three based on their sizes.
Short floor lamps – These lamps are designed so that the shade is just above the shoulder height when seated. They are ideal for reading. They tend to arc over and down over a specific area.
Average floor lamps – When standing, their shade is usually around eye level. The lamps’ height ranges from 5-6 feet.
Tall floor lamps – These are generally large and best suit large rooms. They range from 7 to 8 feet. Most of these lamps aim the light upwards.
3. What size lampshade is great for your floor lamp?
The amount of brightness that you want dictates the type, size, and shape of the lampshade that you purchase.
First, consider the kind of lighting that you want. There are 5 basic lighting types: ambient, natural, task, decorative, and accent lighting.
With all these in the market, you only need an excellent guide to purchasing the amount of light you want.
For excellent transparency of light, consider a lamp shade ideal for task lighting. This illuminates an area for a particular activity, for example, reading in a living room, among others.
A lamp that shines a light into multiple directions is ideal for excellent transparency. The shade also matters. An open shade allows you to get the full effect of the bulb inside the room.
Generally, bright lamps have LED bulbs, multiple brightness settings are adjustable, and tend to be utilitarian and modern in appearance.
Final Verdict
Floor lamps are the standing unsung heroes that provide needed illumination with minimal installation.
Sometimes, picking out one and its shade feels impossible.
However, with the above-detailed research, you rest assured of getting the very best option that suits not only your room but also your purpose.
