Determining what size lampshade you need for your table or floor lamp doesn’t have to be complicated but it does require a little know-how when it comes to lampshade dimensions and how those measurements are determined. Not sure how to know what size lampshade to buy? We have pulled together a few guidelines to help answer your questions, including one we hear a lot: How do you measure a lampshade?
Lampshade Measurement Guidelines
Lamp shade measurements are listed with three main dimensions: Top x Bottom x Side. If a lamp shade is round or square, one number will be listed for each of these dimensions. Rectangular or oval shades will typically have both the length and width listed for both the top and bottom dimensions. Use the following method to measure your lamp shade.
-
Top: For round or square shades, measure across the top of the shade. For rectangular or oval shades, measure both the length and the width of the shade.
-
Bottom: Repeat this process for the bottom of the shade.
-
Side: Measure along the side of the lamp shade, following the slant if the top is slimmer than the bottom.
-
Height: Measure from the top of the shade straight down, rather than following the slant.
If you are looking to replace an existing shade, first measure the height and slant of you shade. Tip: consider that lamp shades with steep slants have a longer ‘side’ measurement than ‘height.’ Once you’ve recorded these lamp shade dimensions, shopping for your replacement shade will be a breeze!
