When it comes to choosing bedroom lamps, necessity isn't always the yardstick. What's important is that your lamps complement and enhance the decor scheme you have chosen for the space.
A few elements come into play here, such as your personal preference and the style of the headboard. A precise alignment between the lamp height and the headboard is ideal, but this isn't always possible.
Size of the Lampshade
Getting the size of your lampshade right is one of the most intuitive and least math-involved aspects of selecting the perfect lamp. Basically, it's a good idea to go for a shade that is approximately 1/3 the height of the lamp base and bulb (plus harp). Obviously, not every lamp/base combination will have exactly this ratio but within a few inches or so, most will look quite fine.
If you are opting for a ceiling-mount lamp, then measuring the width of the widest part of the base is an easier way to determine the appropriate lampshade diameter. For tabletop lamps, however, a tape measure will work just fine. Simply place your measuring tool across the top of the lampshade at its widest point and then again along the bottom. This method is especially useful for round lampshades.
In terms of positioning your bedside lamp, you should keep in mind that the bottom of the lampshade should be at or close to chin level when you are sitting up in bed reading. This will ensure that your reading is illuminated properly without casting shadows on your book or glaring in your eyes. It's also a handy position for when you want to reach over and turn the lamp on or off without having to get out of bed to do so.
Lampshade Height
When picking out a lampshade, you want to be sure that the bottom of the shade is at or below eye level. This will hide the glare of the light bulb and make it easy to read or work at the lamp. It also helps to prevent the light from blinding you or shining in your eyes as you move around the room.
Generally speaking, the lamp shade height should be one-third of the total height of the lamp base. This ratio works well for many styles of lamp bases, but you’ll also find exceptions (especially with tall and modern designs).
The next consideration is the lamp shade width. This is a little more subjective, as the right width depends on the overall look of your table and the rest of your space. However, you’ll usually find that a wider shade works better with a square or rectangular lamp base, while a narrower shade looks best with a round or oval base.
Finally, when measuring the height of your lamp shade, remember that a slanting or tapered design will have longer sides than a straight-sided shade. To be accurate, measure from one end of the slant to the other. Using these measurements, you can shop for the perfect lampshade to match your lamp and its location in the room!
Lampshade Width
When choosing a lampshade, it’s important to consider the dimensions of both the base and shade. It’s crucial that the shade be proportionate to the base, creating a balanced look. The width of the shade should be at least 2x wider than the widest part of the lamp base (measured straight across if round or diagonally if square) for the best fit.
The height of the shade can also have a significant impact on the look of the lamp. A high shade will give a more sculptural effect, while a low shade can create a soft glow. It’s also worth considering how the lamp will be used—will it be a focal point, or do you want to use it for ambient lighting? If the latter, a light-coloured fabric or paper shade will cast ambient lighting throughout the room. While a dark-coloured or thick fabric will direct the light up and down, creating more of a statement piece that’s often not ideal for reading.
If you’re working with a lamp base without a harp, finding the correct shade size can be tricky. However, there are a few simple rules that you can follow. The bottom diameter of the shade should be roughly one-third of the overall height of the lamp base, and the side and top heights should be the same or closely matched for a balanced look.
Lampshade Base Height
If you’ve spotted a beautiful lamp base at the antique market or inherited one from a relative and now need a lampshade to complete it, remember that the golden rule is to ensure that your shade is proportional to the height of the lamp base. This doesn’t mean that the lampshade should be exactly 1/3 the height of the base but it should be within a few inches to provide a balanced and proportional look.
The best way to find out the right size lampshade for a particular lamp base is to measure the height of the base from just below where the bulb fits. This measurement is known as the b-height of the lamp base. Your lampshade should be a minimum of 2/3 this height.
This is important for all types of lamps, as it means that your light will be high enough to hide the glare from the bulb and still allow you to read or do work comfortably. In addition, it will help you avoid the problem of having the light shine directly in your eyes or onto your face while you are using it.
For a table lamp with a harp (which is the most common type of lamp in the UK), the lampshade should also be tall enough so that it covers the harp and any non-decorative hardware. This will provide a neat and tidy finish to your lamp.
