The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Perfect Sized Lampshade

One of the most common questions we get asked here at Love Frankie HQ is:
“What size lampshade do I need?”

It’s a great question—and a crucial one too. The right lampshade not only completes the look of your lamp but also helps define the overall aesthetic of your space. Too big, and your lamp looks awkward and top-heavy. Too small, and it can feel underwhelming and unbalanced.

Whether you’re styling a table lamp, floor lamp, or ceiling pendant, this guide breaks down everything you need to know to confidently choose the perfect sized lampshade for your space.

Lampshades are functional and decorative. While they soften and direct light, they also influence the feel of a room. An ill-fitting lampshade can throw off the proportions of your entire lighting setup. That’s why getting the size right is key—it helps maintain visual balance and harmony between the shade, base, and the room around it.

So let’s break it down, step by step.

Your table lamp might live on a side table, bedside table, or even a console table in a hallway. No matter where it’s placed, keeping proportions balanced between the lamp base and the shade is crucial.

THE RULE OF THUMB:

• Measure the height of the lamp base (excluding the bulb holder).

• Use that measurement as a guide for your shade diameter.

EXAMPLE:

If your table lamp base is 30cm high, aim for a 30cm diameter lampshade. You can try one size smaller (25cm) or one size larger (35cm) to see what looks best.

ADJUST FOR STYLE:

If your base is particularly wide, chunky, or detailed, you might want to go up a size. If your lamp base is slim or minimal, a slightly smaller shade might be more appropriate. It’s all about finding the sweet spot where form meets function.

Floor lamps bring ambiance and elegance to corners, reading nooks, or next to sofas. But picking a lampshade for a tall floor lamp can be a little trickier than table lamps.

THE RULE OF THIRDS:

• Measure the height of the floor lamp (again, without the bulb holder).

• Divide that number by 3 to get a general idea of the ideal shade diameter.

EXAMPLE:

A 140cm tall floor lamp ÷ 3 = 45cm diameter shade.

DON’T FORGET PLACEMENT:

If your floor lamp is near a wall or in a tight space, a large drum shade might protrude further than expected. Make sure you account for surrounding furniture or walkways when choosing your shade size.

Choosing the perfect pendant shade is more of an art than a science. Unlike table and floor lamps, there’s no single measurement trick. Instead, it’s about understanding the scale of the room and the purpose of the light.

CONSIDER:

• The size of the room

• The ceiling height

• The position of the pendant (over a table, in the hallway, above a bed?)

For example, a small 20cm drum shade in a living room with a high ceiling will feel lost. Conversely, an oversized 60cm shade in a compact hallway might feel overbearing.

TRY THIS TRICK:

Cut out a circle of cardboard the same diameter as the shade you’re considering. Have a friend hold it near the ceiling while you step back and see how it feels in the room. It’s a simple and effective way to test proportions.

Whether you’re shopping online or in-store, it can be hard to visualise what a specific size will actually look like. Here’s some of our favourite DIY tricks to help:

CARDBOARD TEMPLATE METHOD:

• For table and floor lamps: Cut out a rectangle in paper or cardboard using the height and diameter of the lampshade you’re considering.

• Hold it up over your lamp base to see how it balances with the base.

• For ceiling pendants: Cut cardboard circles in various sizes to simulate different diameter shades.

• Hold them up (or have a friend help!) to visualise how large or small the shade will appear in your space.

Beyond size, there are a few important things to keep in mind when choosing the right lampshade for your space:

1. Room Around the Lamp

• Will your floor lamp sit in a corner?

• Is your table lamp on a narrow bedside table?
  Larger shades require more clearance—keep this in mind to avoid awkward layouts.

2. Shade Shape

Standard drum shades are versatile, but don’t overlook tapered cone shapes or taller Tube shades, especially if you have a squat or bulbous base. Sometimes, the shape makes all the difference.

3. Bulb Type

The bulb you use can affect how your shade performs. A vintage LED filament bulb casts a warm, soft glow, while compact fluorescents are cooler and brighter.

4. Shade Material and Lining

• Metallic linings reflect light up and down only—great for dramatic, ambient light.

• Light-coloured cotton/linen with no lining allows soft, diffused light to glow from all sides.

• Dark fabric shades will still diffuse light but with a more muted, moody feel.

Don’t worry—finding the perfect shade sometimes takes a little experimentation. At Love Frankie, we’ll do our best to guide you toward your perfect lampshade match.

Feel free to send us:

• A photo of your lamp base in situ

• The dimensions

• Any ideas or inspiration images you love

Lampshades are the unsung heroes of interior styling. The right one can completely transform a room—not only with its light but also with its shape, texture, and presence.

We hope this guide has given you the confidence to find your perfect size. Happy shade shopping!

Love Frankie x