The short answer
Three proportions make a lamp look right: the shade should be roughly twice the width of the base, about three-quarters of the base's height, and wider than the lamp's widest point so nothing pokes past it. Seated beside it, the shade's bottom edge should sit near eye level, hiding the bulb and every bit of hardware. Get those four right and almost any shade style works.
The proportion rules
| Rule | Number | Quick check |
|---|---|---|
| Shade width | ≈ 2 × base width | 15 cm base → ~30 cm shade |
| Shade height | ≈ ¾ of base height | 40 cm base → ~30 cm shade |
| Clearance | Shade wider than widest point of lamp | nothing protrudes |
| Sight line | Bottom edge ~eye level when seated | no bare bulb, no visible socket |
These are starting points, not law — but break one deliberately, not by accident. A shade that's too small is the giveaway of a rushed purchase; too large, and the lamp tips visually even when it's stable physically.
Shape follows the base
The old pairing rule still earns its keep: round bases take round shades (drum, empire, coolie), square or angular bases take squared shades. Drums read modern and throw light evenly up and down; empire shapes lean classic and push more light downward; rectangles suit console tables where depth is tight. If the base is sculptural — stone, ceramic, anything with presence — pick the quietest shade that fits, and let the base do the talking. The Luminous Veil alabaster and bronze table lamp and the Elowen pleated ceramic lamp are both bases in that category.
Material decides the light
A shade is a filter, and the material sets the mood. White or cream linen and cotton pass the most light and keep a room feeling open — the safe default for reading lamps. Paper and parchment glow softly and flatter everything near them. Dark or opaque shades (deep linen, metal) throw crisp pools up and down instead of a general glow — dramatic beside a sofa, moody in a bedroom, and best used where another layer carries the ambient light; our layering guide covers that division of labour. Whatever the material, a warm bulb keeps it honest — see the colour temperature guide for why 2700K suits table lamps.
Browse table and floor lamps with the two numbers — base width, base height — measured before you fall for anything.
FAQ
How big should a lampshade be? About twice the width of the lamp base, roughly three-quarters of the base's height, and wider than the lamp's widest point so the hardware disappears.
What shape of shade goes with my lamp? Match the base: round bases take drum, empire or coolie shades; square or angular bases take squared shades. Drums read modern; empire reads classic.
Which shade material gives the most light? White or cream linen and cotton pass the most light. Dark and opaque shades throw focused pools up and down instead — atmospheric, but they need another light layer in the room.