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Lampshade Selection “Rules”

  1. The more basic the shape of the body of the lamp, the more varied styles of shades it can take.
  2. Repeat the shape(s) in the lamp body in the shade shape; i.e., a round lamp on a square base can take a shade with a rounded top and square bottom.
  3. Always take the lamp body (not necessarily the shade) to the store to buy a new shade.
  4. Match lampshade colors to the trim color in your room and the tones in the lamp body. Don’t be afraid of black or color as an accent.
  5. Consider your wattage needs! The lampshade (not the lamp body) determines maximum wattage allowed.
  6. Consider the style of the lamp when selecting a shade. A busy lamp generally calls for a plainer shade.
  7. For DRAMA, break the rules! Try “extreme” shades! Put a deep cone shade on a short round ball base, a white shade on a beige vase, a cube shade on a stacked ball lamp, a red or black shade on a boring base shape, etc.

©2005 Ashton Harrison. All Rights Reserved.

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2 Responses to “Lampshade Selection “Rules””

  1. Emily Irvin says:

    How far down from the top of the shade is the top of the crosspiece that goes at the top of the harp?

  2. Katrina says:

    Each lampshade will differ. Generally the “spider†or the “crosspiece†is almost flush with the top of the shade. Occasionally you will find one that dips into the shade a few inches but not often.

    Thanks
    Katrina

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