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Design Dilemma Home Decorating

Lampshade Size?

Andrea Carpenter

last year

Could someone tell me what lampshade size I need?…I’m bad with math…Lampshade suggestions would be much appreciated, as well. This was my grandmas and it’s pretty old. I’d like a shade that’s unique and “style appropriate”, but I’m also trying to keep my apartment looking updated and modern.

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Comments (9)

decoenthusiaste
last year
I would take it with me to a lamp shop that sells and repairs lamps. Try on different shades and see about getting a different harp if you find a shade that looks pretty with it but leaves the harp exposed.
Maureen
last year
Look at antique lamps on line to see what you prefer and there are lots of articles to help with sizing. If needing help, head to a lighting store; shades can be quite costly, but in the very least you’ll get advice.

I prefer the first style below vs a more tranditional one.
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Hmmm, I am surprised that you feel that way - the gold often bounces more light because it is reflective. Are you saying that the shades are too thick to let light through them? Then painting over the gold won't allow any more light through - in fact, it will create another layer of paint that will block more light. Also, it concerns me that the lamps are becoming that hot - did you check to be sure what the max wattage should be for the lamps? Before you rule out new shades, take one of the lamps with you to a lamp shop and try all kinds of shades. You might be surprised at what other styles would work, and perhaps even something you could find at Target or someplace like that. But the only way to do that effectively is to have the lamp with you. Good luck.
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Thanks! I am not one for delayed gratification, so I went to The Lamplighter this morning when they opened :-) Parking was not a problem, and there was no line at the shop. You are right that the woman is no-nonsense, but she was tickled to hear that I had found her family-owned shop through an online decorating forum. We played around with several options and ultimately went with a slightly smaller harp and slightly larger shade in an oiled paper material with a cute fleur-de-lis finial (see pic). And the good news is, it was already wired for a three-way bulb! That said, not a lot of reading happens in that seat on the couch, because the dog generally claims it. I realize she looks small in the original photo, but she is actually a very loud 50-lb. coonhound. Thanks again for the help!
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The shade is too large for the lamp and over powers it - look for something smaller circumference at the top and bottom of the shade. I also think the shade is too boxy for the lamp and a more graceful shape shade (possible a soft bell) is in order. And the material seems a bit casual as well. The color might be a match for the stems but I think picking up the background color is a better fit so the shade is not the focus and the lamp is. Other than that - it's perfect !!! ;-) Now you're going to be fori is really PO'd at these suggestions!!
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This is a discussion forum, not Houzz customer service.
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RedRyder
last year
There are several inexpensive shades at places like Target and At Home. Keep the lamp in the car and stop wherever you think they sell shades. I agree with @Maureen that a simpler shade with “modern” lines will make the antique lamp looks less “old”. Trying different shades will help figure out the best size. Then you can shop that size and shape online for better prices (sometimes).

My office desk lamp is very old and I recently got it a new shade and finial. It looks better.
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Patricia Colwell Consulting
last year
The advice to try many is a good one . I go to a good lighting store with clients when looking fo lampshades I bring the lamp and test drive much easier than bring home tons of shades . I do think probably this will never be modern but used in the right place it can be a bit of wimsy
ptreckel
last year
Just something to note: your harp can be changed to one that is shorter. Those are sold separately. Also, your finial can be changed, too. Although the one you have is period and lamp appropriate. You might trying polishing it up with brass polish. A pretty lamp! It might work best beside a bed? Tall enough for reading.
Andrea Carpenter
Original Author
last year
How do I respond to each individual response? It’s been a few years since I posted on Houzz and all I see is a thumbs up and a flag.
carolb_w_fl_coastal_9b
last year
last modified: last year
You'll need to just list all your replies in 1 comment. You should also have the ability to click a 'Thanks' response on replies to your post.

Did Gardenweb ever have nested replies? I'm trying to recall...?

And IMO, this type of (bell) shade would look appropriate on your lamp:
Andrea Carpenter
Original Author
last year
That’s what I was thinking too, carolb…That style seems to fit it best….I’m just not sure of what size to get. When I use the formula, I’m getting a shade that’s 12in at the bottom and 6.4 in H…That seems odd to me…The widest part of my lamp base is 6” (I forgot to add that in the picture I posted) and the height of my lamp is 16” (that’s including the ornate thing on the very bottom) I don’t know what that’s called.
RedRyder
last year
The sizing on lamp shades is weird. When you find a couple and try them on your lamp, you’ll understand the three separate measurements. Made me nuts while I was redoing a couple of shades last year.

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