Five lampshades in different sizes and patterns grouped on a pale studio backdrop, two of them on deep red ceramic bases

Size guide

The right shade for your lamp

Choosing a lampshade does not have to be complicated. To help you find the right fit, we have paired each shade with two different lamp bases to give you a sense of proportion. Use the measurements of the lamp bases as a reference and compare them with your own lamp at home. The shape and width of the base will also affect how the shade looks, so think of these examples as a guide rather than a rule. In the end, it is all about finding a proportion that feels right for your lamp and your space.

XSmall

Our XS shade is a good choice for smaller wall lights and petite table lamps. With a small round light bulb, which we recommend, the shade will sit approximately 10 cm down over the lamp base. This is useful to keep in mind if you want the shade to cover the neck of the lamp. With a larger round bulb, the shade will sit slightly higher and cover less of the base.

Top: 10 cm
Base: 18 cm
Slope: 14 cm

A brass wall light with two small shades in a blue and green wave print, reflected in a mirrored door

XS shade paired with Svenskt Tenn Wall Lamp 2143 and Table Lamp 2575.

Small

Our S shade works well with both rounded and more slender table lamp bases. With a small round light bulb, which we recommend, the shade will sit approximately 13 cm down over the lamp base. This is useful to keep in mind if you want the shade to cover the neck of the lamp. With a larger round bulb, the shade will sit slightly higher and cover less of the base.

Top: 9 cm
Base: 25 cm
Slope: 18 cm

A lampshade in a blue leaf print on a clear bubbled glass base, standing on a green marble shelf

A lampshade in a red zigzag print on a glazed brown ceramic base, on a green painted table beside a dahlia

S shade paired with Svenskt Tenn Table Lamp 1819 Klot on the left and a 27 cm tall lamp base on the right.

Medium

Our M shade works well with both rounded and taller table lamp bases. How far the shade sits down over the lamp base can be adjusted using the shade carrier, both by changing its height and where it is positioned on the threaded E27 lamp holder. The M shade is best suited to lamp bases with a shorter neck if you prefer the neck to be hidden once the shade is in place.

Top: 10 cm
Base: 35 cm
Slope: 23 cm

A lampshade in a green and blue landscape print on a swirled blue glass base, beside a vase of hydrangeas

A lampshade in a pink and green scenic print on a round red ceramic base, on a dark wooden side table

M shade paired with a 34 cm tall lamp base on the left and a lamp base measuring approximately 22 cm in diameter on the right. Measurements exclude the neck of the lamp.

Large

Our L shade works beautifully on both floor lamps and larger table lamps. Its shape allows the shade to sit further down over the neck of the lamp, making it a good choice if you prefer more of the neck to be covered. If you would like the shade to sit higher, the position can be adjusted using the shade carrier, both by changing its height and where it is positioned on the threaded E27 lamp holder.

Top: 16 cm
Base: 40 cm
Slope: 28 cm

A floor lamp with a shade in a green and pink wave print, standing against sheer linen curtains beside a white chest of drawers

A lampshade in a green and pink wave print on a turned dark green wooden base, against a plain studio backdrop

The floor lamp is 112 cm high and the table lamp is 50 cm high, excluding the lamp neck.

Box pleated

Our Box Pleated shade works well with a variety of lamp bases, from slimmer shapes to wider, rounded ones. Its straighter, more cylindrical shape means it sits neatly around the lamp without covering too much of the base. With a small round light bulb, which we recommend, the shade will sit approximately 11 cm down over the lamp base. This is useful to keep in mind if you want the shade to cover the neck of the lamp. With a larger round bulb, the shade will sit slightly higher and cover less of the neck.

Top: 14 cm
Base: 22 cm
Slope: 14 cm

A box pleated lampshade in a green fern print on a turned pale blue base, against a plain studio backdrop

A box pleated lampshade in a cream print with red waves and green dots, on a ribbed deep red ceramic base in a window

The blue lamp base is approximately 26 cm high and the red lamp base approximately XX cm high, excluding the lamp neck.

Still unsure? Send us a photo of your lamp base.