Shapes, sizes: how to choose the right lampshade?
Shapes, sizes: how to choose the right lampshade?
In our store, you have an endless choice of custom-made lampshades. It is therefore very easy to get lost between all these sizes, shapes and colors. In this article, you will find all our advice for choosing the size, shape and color of your ideal lampshade!
Of course, our advice is based on standard criteria, but if you are interested in a less classic size or shape, do not hesitate to try it, or send us the dimensions of your lamp to discuss it.
In our store, you have an endless choice of custom-made lampshades. It is therefore very easy to get lost between all these sizes, shapes and colors.
In this article, you will find all our advice for choosing the size, shape and color of your ideal lampshade!
Of course, our advice is based on standard criteria, but if you are interested in a less classic size or shape, do not hesitate to try it, or send us the dimensions of your lamp to discuss it.
I. Lampshade Shapes
At Abat-jour we offer two types of lampshades, round base and rectangular base.
Round Base Lampshade
Conical Lampshade
Conical Drum Lampshade
Conical Empire Lampshade
Straight Round Lampshade
Oval Lampshade
Rectangular Base Lampshade
Straight Square Lampshade
Straight Rectangle Lampshade
Square Pyramidal Lampshade
II. The dimensions of the lampshade: the golden rules to respect
Once you have chosen the shape of your lampshade, you have to choose the dimensions, and this is often where things get complicated. Here are the golden rules for choosing the dimensions of your lampshade (again, these rules correspond to a standard lampshade, but it's up to you to choose what seems best suited to your foot)
As a general rule, it is advisable to choose a lampshade with a diameter of around 25cm for a bedside lamp, and a lampshade with a diameter of around 45cm for a floor lamp or lamp base. 60cm.
diameter a = height b
For a thin foot:
For a round base lampshade for bedside installation, the lower diameter of the lampshade (a) must match the height of the lamp base (b).
For a lampshade with a square base, the length of the front of the lampshade (a) must match the height of the lamp base (b).
For a large foot:
Simply take the widest part of the base (b), and add 5 cm on each side to obtain the standard diameter of the round lampshade.
For a lampshade with a rectangular base, same technique: add 5cm to each side of your base (b) and this gives you the size of the front of the lampshade (a). For the sides, let the lamp breathe: it must be at least 5 cm from the back wall.
diamètre a = hauteur b
As a general rule, the height of the lampshade should be 30-40% of the total height of the lamp.
The height of the lampshade should never exceed the height of the base.
Be careful to take this into account when entering your measurements!
diamètre a = hauteur b
The recess is the part of the metal structure which goes up inside the lampshade to support the bulb.
On classic structures, this niche measures 4cm in height, so be sure to take this into account in your measurements, especially for a small lampshade, otherwise the bulb risks protruding from the lampshade.
If you need a smaller or larger size, that is perfectly possible.
Just specify it in the comments of your order and we will send you a quote for the specific pickup.
diamètre a = hauteur b
How to measure the entire lampshade?
For a standard recess, measure the straight height from the bottom of the shade to the mounting washer.
For a specific recess, measure the height directly from the top of the shade to the mounting washer.
III. Lampshade colors
Once the shape and size have been chosen, all that's missing is the color! It's up to you to choose between plain and printed, colored or in neutral tones, depending on your style of lamp and decoration.
Note that:
Generally, neutral colors are used for living rooms and light-toned rooms.
Colorful shades (plain or printed) are used more for bedrooms, and on neutral toned feet.
The brightness depends on the shades chosen: light shades are preferred for a brighter decoration, and dark shades for a more subdued atmosphere.
