Modern Light Fixtures: Choosing the Right Lamp Shade

Because lamp shades and lamp bases are usually sold together, we usually do not give much thought to shades. But the lampshade can have as much impact in a room it is in as the base. If you are buying a new lampshade, make sure that you are getting the right one for your modern light fixtures and the room. So if you find yourself in your favorite local lighting store or browsing options lighting options online, and hopping for a new lampshade, below are some things to consider.

Room. Think about the style and colors present where you will add the lamp. Decide if you want the lamp to stand out or blend in with the surroundings. Either way, you need make sure that they complement each other.

Light. Know how much light you need and where it should be focused. Dark shades like the Zeleny In Glossy Green Table Lamp by Uttermost do not usually allow light to filter through while light shades do. If it is a reading lamp, you might want to get a fairly wide lampshade base so you can get plenty of light.

Bulb. You have to make sure that the shade is big enough to allow 2 or 3 inches of space between the shade and the bulb so it does not burn. Also make sure that the top of the shade is big enough so that heat generated by the bulb can escape.

Lamp base. Decide if you want to call attention to the shade or the base. If the base is bold or unique, use a more subdued lampshade like the Alamo 3 Light Hanging Shade by Uttermost. On the other hand, if the base is very simple and plain, you might want to consider a shade with some color or decorative embellishments like the Garland Shade Light by Artecnica.

Size. This is usually seen as the tricky part. Some lamps call for shades of unusual sizes, but there are some rules that you can follow:

• The bottom of the shade should be enough to cover the lamp shade, so you need to make sure that you measure the harp before you buy it. The harp will tell you the height from the base of the socket to the top of the shade. You can try harps of various sizes while shopping.
• Generally, the height of the shade should about three-fourths the height of the base.
• The bottom of the shade should be wider than the widest part of the base.

Remember that these are only guidelines. At times, you will come across a lamp that will call for an over-sized shade or even a shade than is smaller than the usual. This is why it is important that you assess what will look best in your space and pick the appropriate one. Trust your eye: if a shade