Sizing

There are a few general rules you can use as a guide when designing your lampshade. But rules are meant to be broken and sometimes that can make a for a fabulous statement lamp.  Don’t be afraid to be bold. Below are a few hints and tips to consider.

If you plan to use your shade as a table or floor lamp, we recommend you get your base first. This will guide you in the correct proportions for your shade.  

Height

For table lamps, the height of the shade should be between 60-80% of the height of the base. For example, if your base is 45cm/18″, then the height of your shade should be between 27cm/10.6″ and 36cm/14″.

For floor lamps, the height of the shade should be between 30-50% of the height of the base. For example, if your base is 153cm/60″ tall, the shade should be between 46cm/18″ and 76cm/30″. 

Width (diameter)

The width of your shade should be at least double the width of the widest part of your base. For example, if the widest part of your base is 20cm/8″, the shade width should be at least 40cm/16″. Don’t make it too wide else it can become unstable. In general, the width of the bottom of the shade should not be greater than the height of the lamp base.

If you have an existing shade that you want to give a new lease of life to, and keep the same size, then simply measure the diameter of the base, the diameter of the top and the height (the distance between the two) of your existing shade. 

Shape

It is recommended to try and match your shade with the style and shape of your base. For example, a square base looks best with a square shade and a round base with a round shade. Chantier is currently make drum, empire, coolie, square and rectangle shades from my ring stock. But I can usually recover an existing shade if it conical, square, oval…or other! 

Use

You need to consider what you will use your lamp for. If it will be used for reading under, you need to ensure the colours and fabrics you chose are lighter so they will shed enough light. If you are creating some mood lighting, then you can go with darker colours and thicker fabrics. Darker colours also produce more direct up and down lighting which create a more dramatic effect when turned on and can be used to highlight objects and paintings. 

You can of course, also use your shade as a pendant light. 

Fabric

Chose some fabulous fabrics, trims and cords and make your bespoke lampshade. 

If you are not too sure about making a statement with your light during the day, you can let all the fun be on the inside of the shade. This allows the lamp to be quite unassuming by day, but shows its true colours at night. Selecting an opaque fabric for the outer part of the shade will allow the pattern of the inside to shine through when switched on which looks stunning.

If you have a unique base, then a simpler fabric for your shade might work better so as not to distract from the detail of base.

Natural fabrics such as linen will show up the fibres when illuminated which add a textural element to your shade which is lovely. 

You need to consider the pattern on the fabric and if it is directional and/or has a feature print. This may restrict the size shade you can design. 

You can also add trim to either match or contrast with the fabric of your shade.

Check out my instagram account @chantier.studio  for some design inspiration.

Still confused? Please feel free to Contact me for more information. 

Sizing Suggestions

Bedside Table: 20cm/8″, 25cm/10″ or 30cm/12″ drum shades work well. If you have the space, 40cm/16″ shades look fabulous but you need a decent sized room to pull this off. They make a great statement though.

Table Lamp: 30cm/12″, 35 cm/14″, 40cm/16″, 45cm/18″ or 50cm/20″. If you don’t have the space in your bedroom for the 40cm/16″ shade, they look great as a table lamp. The smaller 30cm/12″ size also works well if you have a smaller base or smaller space to work with.

Floor Lamp: 40cm/16″, 45cm/18″, 50cm/20″, 55cm/22″, 60cm/24″ or 70cm/27.6″. The big shade looks good with a slimline height. Keep it short and it looks very sleek.

Pendant: If you are only having 1 then you can go large. 40cm/16″, 45cm/18″ or 50cm/20″ will work and if the room is big enough you can go up to 60cm/24″,  70cm/27.6″, 80cm/31.5″ or even 100cm/39.4″. 

If you are going to hang a few together, then smaller 20cm/8″ or 15cm/6″ width but increase the height. 

I stock rings in 15cm/6″, 20cm/8″, 25cm/10″, 30cm/12″, 35cm/14″, 40cm/16″, 45cm/18″, 50cm/20′, 55 cm/22″, 60cm/23.6″, 70cm/27.6″, 80 cm/31.5″ and 100 cm/39.4″.

Fittings

My shade rings come with a standard 40mm/1.57” European fitting, which includes a 25mm/0.98” converter plug. To use the shade with a European lamp, simply remove the plug. Additionally, we offer lampshades with USA Harp & Finial fittings for your convenience.

Pricing

Pricing is based on size and fabric and inner material choice.

If you have a non-standard size request or need a lampshade manufactured to fit European, UK or USA lamp holders, please contact me at neringa@chantier.lt for assistance.