Southampton - Selecting the right lampshade is most likely not up there in your top 10 most pressing design issues, but the wrong lampshade, even on the lamp that's otherwise perfect for its location, pops out like the proverbial sore thumb. It will look silly, which is probably not the effect you are looking for.

Be careful to avoid the overkill of using a highly detailed shade with a highly detailed lamp. (buckramandbump.co.uk)

It's always a good idea to have some familiarity with the topic at hand before venturing out on your quest for the perfect lampshade. The following guide will provide you with a few basic measures, standards and design advice to bear in mind in the selection process.

You Gotta Have Style
One of the most basic principles of good design is relatedness. Lampshades are no exception. Think of the lamp base and shade as one complimentary unit. Ergo, a clean lined shade partners well with a clean lined lamp. A lamp base with an Asian motif looks great when paired with a Pagoda style shade. If elegance can be defined as making the largest possible statement by using the fewest possible gestures, then be careful to avoid the overkill of using a highly detailed shade with a highly detailed lamp. If the lamp is ornate, use a simple shade. If the lamp is plain, a more decorated shade can be used. Balance is key.

Paper or fabric, in a variety of textures and finishes can be used to construct a shade. Each material and finish lends it's own personality. Just remember that lampshades are dust collectors and some textures are harder to keep clean than others. Obviously the color you choose should work with the style of the lamp as well as the room it will live in. A shade lined in gold paper will give a golden glow to the light it emits. A shade lined in pale pink creates light that everyone looks good in.

Each material and finish lends it's own personality. (mydesignsecrets.com)

Another decision is the amount of translucency that will work best for your purposes. Opaque shades are a good choice only when the lamp is to be used as an accent lamp and not needed for general illumination or for use as a task light. Otherwise, if you need the lamp for reading or ambient lighting, use a translucent shade.

As a general rule pleated shades suggest traditional styling and are most at home in rooms furnished with antiques or those that have a lot of pattern and detailing. More modern décor calls for an unpleated shade. However, a box-pleated shade can work well in a contemporary setting.

Shade Shape
Again, the principle of relatedness applies. A lamp with a round base calls for a round lampshade and a square or angular base will look best with a square or rectangular shade. One exception to this is if a square based lamp is to sit on a round table. In this case, it will work to have a round shade relating to the round table top. The shape of the shade will also affect how close the lamp can sit next to a wall or other furniture.

The correct shade height is critical. (morewaystowastetime.blogspot.com)

Size It Up
There are four measurements to consider when selecting a shade: top diameter, bottom diameter, side length along the slope, and the drop, which is the vertical distance the shade washer is from the bottom edge of the shade. The harp is the curved metal piece that rises from two opposing sides of the lamp and comes together at the top to provide a mount for the shade. The drop determines the length of the harp.

Shade Height
The aesthetic goal is size balance between the lamp and shade so that the duo will look neither bottom nor top heavy when viewed from a distance of about 20 feet. A good rule of thumb is to choose a lampshade that's two-thirds the height of the base. Fringe/tassels/beads are not considered as part of the overall height measurement.

The correct shade height is also critical because the shade should cover the bulb without covering the lamp base and also long enough so that none of the hardware, such as the harp or the neck (the metal piece between the base and the bottom of the harp), is exposed. Aim for the lower edge of the shade to be about two inches below the bottom of the socket assembly. The right size harp will insure the proper proportion.

A shade too big will put you at risk for knocking the lamp over every time you pass by. (acrosstheboardwoodwork.com)

Bottom Of Shade Diameter
A lampshade that's too small is faintly reminiscent of high water trousers: not a good look. Your shade should be at least a half-inch wider than the widest point of the base on all sides. By the same token, a shade too big will put you at risk for knocking the lamp over every time you pass by. Though there are circumstances when a shade for a large lamp is more than a standard 17 to 20 inches in diameter, use a critical eye for any measurement more than this to ensure the shade doesn't look just plain too big and out of scale.

One reliable method is assess the proper size is to measure the height of the lamp from base to stem, without the harp. Use that height number, plus or minus two inches as the diameter for the shade bottom. For example, if the lamp measures 16 inches, then the bottom diameter of the shade could range from fourteen to eighteen inches.

Floor lamps require bigger shades to address the added height. The diameter of the shade is determined by the diameter of the base, plus approximately eight inches. The equation of lampshade height as two-thirds the lamp base height clearly won't work in this instance as it would for a table lamp. A shade height in the range of 10 to 13 inches for a bottom shade diameter of approximately 19 inches is a good example of proportion.

Ask A Professional
If you are buying a new lampshade, it's best to take the lamp to a reputable lighting store. This is especially true of multiple socket lamps. An experienced lighting professional will walk you through the best options without missteps.

These suggestions are meant only as basic guidelines. There are many stylish examples to be found where the proportions have been toyed with for a terrific look. When in doubt, as always, keep it simple.