Ordering for your business? Discover the benefits Sign up as a premium business customer.

  • Free shipping on orders over 75,-

  • Ordered before 16:00 = delivered tomorrow

  • Pay afterwards possible

Tips for finding the right lampshade

By Mart Greven   •   6 minute read

Tips om de juiste lampenkap te vinden

Which lampshade do I need?

You are looking for a new, atmospheric lamp, or you have an old lamp base that needs a new shade. Finding a beautiful lampshade can be a big challenge, because what exactly fits your interior and what size do you need? Lampshades come in different sizes, colors, and materials. For example, there are fabric lampshades or glass lampshades. But which one do you really need?

A lampshade is a decorative and functional cover placed over a lamp to diffuse and filter the light. Lampshades can be used on floor lamps, table lamps, wall lamps, and ceiling lamps. In this article, we provide all the tips to help you choose the perfect lampshade.

Fabric lampshade Glass lampshade

Tip 1: Choose the right fitting

When buying a new lampshade, make sure it has the correct size fitting for the light source and the lamp base. The most common fittings for ambient lighting are:

  • E27 fitting: large fitting
  • E14 fitting: small fitting

The E27 fitting is a larger fitting and is typically used for larger lamps and lampshades, while the E14 fitting is smaller and is used for smaller lamps and lampshades.

To determine which fitting is suitable for your lampshade, you need to consider the dimensions of the lampshade and the specifications of the bulb you intend to use. The bulb's packaging often indicates which fitting it has. If you are unsure which fitting you need, you can always contact our customer service.

E27 bulbs E14 bulbs

Tip 2: Choose the right lampshade width

The correct width for a lampshade depends on the size of the lamp and the room where the lamp will be placed. Generally, the width of the lampshade should be approximately equal to the height of the lamp base.

As a rule of thumb, you can therefore state that the diameter of the lampshade should be approximately equal to the height of the lamp base. Of course, you can always deviate from this slightly.

Another way to calculate the width of the shade is by using the base of the lamp. Calculate the width of the lamp base times two; this will give you an estimate of how wide the lampshade should be. For example, for a floor lamp with a lamp base of 20 cm in diameter. In this case, it is best to order a lampshade with a width of: 2 x 20cm = 40cm.

Furthermore, you should consider the size of the room where the lamp will be placed. A lampshade that is too large can overwhelm the space, and a lampshade that is too small can make the lamp and the surrounding area look unbalanced. In the image below, you can see the recommended widths for various lamp bases.

Tip 3: Choose the right height for your lampshade

Besides the width of the lampshade, its height is also important. Determining the correct height for a lampshade depends on several factors, such as the size of the lamp, the room where the lamp will be placed, and the purpose of the lamp.

Generally, the height of the lampshade should be about half the height of the lamp base. This creates a balanced proportion between the lampshade and the lamp base. A lampshade that is too high or too low can make the lamp look unbalanced and unattractive.

Additionally, you should also consider the size of the room where the lamp will be placed. If the lamp is too tall for a small space, it can overwhelm the room and make it feel claustrophobic.

If the lamp is too low for a large room, it can look lost in the space.

It is also important to consider what you are using the lamp for. If the lamp is used for reading or working, the lampshade should be high enough to direct the light onto the work surface. If the lamp is used for decoration or ambient lighting, a shorter lampshade may be more suitable.

Tip 4: The placement of the lamp

Choosing the right place for a lampshade depends on the function of the lamp and the decor of the room. In general, the lampshade should be placed at a height where the light does not shine into your eyes and where the lamp serves a practical purpose.

For example, when placing a table lamp with a lampshade, you should ensure that the lampshade is at eye level when you are sitting.This ensures that the light shines on the work surface or the page of a book and not directly into the eyes.

With a floor lamp featuring a lampshade, you must ensure that the lamp is placed at the correct height, so that the light illuminates the desired areas without dazzling the eyes. Additionally, the lamp should not obstruct furniture or walkways.

It is also important to consider the room's decor. A lampshade can serve as a decorative element and can accentuate the room's interior design. For example, place the lampshade in a strategic location where the lamp and lampshade complement the overall decor of the room.

Tip 5: The material and colour of the lampshade

Be bold with colour and choose something different for a change! A white shade is functional, yet we recommend considering another colour as well.A lampshade is a quick and simple way to add color to a room.

The color of a lampshade can influence the atmosphere of the room and can be matched to the room's color scheme. For example, a white lampshade can provide a soft and diffused light and fits well with a neutral color scheme. A black lampshade can create a dramatic effect and is well-suited for modern interiors. Colorful lampshades can add a pop of color to the room and are suitable for playful and vibrant decors.

Lampshades can be made from various materials, such as fabric, paper, glass, metal, and plastic. Fabric lampshades have a soft and cozy appearance and fit well with traditional and rustic decors. Glass and metal lampshades have a sleek and modern look and are well-suited for contemporary interiors.Paper lampshades can create a unique and playful effect and are a good fit for informal interiors.

Tip 6: Bring your old lamp base to the store

When you're buying a new lampshade, it can be helpful to bring your old lampshade or lamp base to the store. This way, you can see how the new lampshade looks on the lamp base and whether it complements the room's decor.

If you plan to buy a new lampshade without an existing lamp base, you can bring a photo of the space where the lamp will be placed. This will help us assist you in choosing a lampshade that matches the room's interior.

Assemble your own stylish new lamp at LedLoket

At LedLoket , you can also assemble your own lamp.Assembling an LED lamp can be a great way to create a lamp that meets your specific needs and preferences. You can order the following products for this purpose:

  1. Choose the base: select a base that matches the style of your interior and the size of the room where the lamp will be placed. Various types of bases are available, such as modern, industrial, and classic. We have several bases in our range for: floor lamps, table lamps, and wall lamps.
  2. Choose a lampshade: in our assortment, you will find various types of lampshades. We have different lampshades made of glass or fabric. These can be combined with the various bases.
  3. Choose the LED light source: select an LED light source that is suitable for your needs. There are different types of LED light sources available, such as warm white, cool white, and colored LEDs.
View lampshades Floor lamps
Table lamps Wall lamps