So, you really want a new lampshade for your lamp…
Problem is, what size do I go for? There’s so much to choose from, I can’t decide! I just want a lampshade the same size and style as my old lampshade…
When it comes to successfully matching a lamp shade with a lamp, the size, style and fabric choice are crucial in creating harmony between the lamp and the shade.
In this simple guide, we can help you figure out the exact measurements that are needed to recreate your lampshade. Below we’ve outlined how to measure your lampshade/s, so you have everything you need for enquiring about replacement lampshades… its super easy!
How to read lampshade dimensions
When shopping for lampshades, it can be confusing, all these different size measurements, styles, fittings.. Typically lampshade dimensions are listed as so, (e.g. 15x30x21) and should be read as follows:
First number: The width of the top of the lampshade, top diameter
Second number: The width of he bottom of the lampshade, bottom diameter
Third number: The height of the lampshade
If the lampshade you are viewing has only one measurement listed, e.g. 30cm, this could mean if this lampshade is a straight sided circular drum lampshade, then the top, bottom and height are all the same. As a manufacturer of lampshades we here at Bypoppyuk, always list all measurements of the lampshade, to give our customers all the information to make the best decision for them.
How to measure a lampshade
Step 1
Remove the lampshade from the lamp base; Remove the lampshade by unplugging your lamp, unscrewing the light bulb, removing the lamp washer and pulling the shade off.
Step 2
Measure the top width; Measure and record the distance from the top side edge to the opposite side, try to make sure this is as central as possible, as this will give the most accurate measurement. (the top and bottom of a round shade will be the same, so you will only need to measure either the top or the bottom, whereas an empire shade will need the top and bottom measuring).
Step 3
Measure the bottom width; Measure and record the distance from the bottom side edge to the opposite side, try to make sure this is as central as possible, as this will give the most accurate measurement. (the top and bottom of a round shade will be the same, so you will only need to measure either the top or the bottom, whereas an empire shade will need the top and bottom measuring).
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Step 4
Measure the height; Measure and record the distance from the top of the shade to the bottom. On an empire lampshade, rest a straight edge (a ruler) on the top of the lampshade, then measure vertically from the widest part of the base, upwards. 
How to choose a replacement lampshade
Now that we know the size of our lampshade, we can turn our attention to the fitting of our lampshade. Your replacement lampshade must be compatible with your current lamp’s holder, which your lamp will most likely be one of 2 common lamp types.
The Eu standard fitting with UK adapter - This is the frame that most lampshade makers in the uk will use, including Bypoppyuk. The frame is manufactured to fit European lamp holders, and is fitted with a converter/ reducer adaptor plug, which is used to reduce the aperture in order to fit UK lamp holders.
Lamp holder types include; E14 & E27 Edison screw lamp holder (adaptor fitted), B22 Bayonet Cap lamp holder & E26 Edison screw lamp holder (adaptor removed).
The part of the lampshade frame that attaches to your lamp is recessed by 3-4cm, this means that the bottom of the lampshade will sit 3-4cm lower than where the lampshade attaches, covering unsightly parts of your lamp. If you need your lampshade to cover more of the lamp stem, please see the duplex fitting section below.
The Harp fitting - Often called a finial fitting, this is the most common lampshade fitting in the USA and used with US lamps. The lampshade attaches at the top of the harp, on the lamp, and the fitting is about 1cm recessed into the lampshade.
There is one other fitting that you may consider when finding your replacement lampshade, The Duplex fitting - The duplex fitting is used when you may want your lampshade to sit a bit lower on your lamp, to cover more of the lamp stem, or light switches. Pair the duplex fitting with a shade carrier to get your desired resting height, if you require this type of fitting and would like to discuss this further email bypoppyuk@gmail.com
The duplex fitting is recessed about 7cm into the lampshade, and is located at the top of the lampshade, depending on what size shade carrier you choose, you are able to position the lampshade at whatever height on your lamp that you desire, covering more of lamp stem if needed.
Lampshade sizing tips
If you’re looking on sizing up, or sizing down your lampshade, here are a few tips that may be useful in helping you achieve a great harmony between lampshade and lamp:
For table lamps, measure the distance from the base of your lamp to the lampshade holder (where the lampshade will attach to your lamp). The height of your lampshade should be 1/2 the height of your lamp, e.g. Your lamp is 45cm tall, so a good height for your lampshade would be around 22.5cm.
For table lamps, measure the widest (horizontal) part of your lamp. The diameter of your lampshade should be around double the widest part of you lamp, e.g. Your lamp is 15cm wide, so a good diameter for your lampshade would be around 30cm.
Take into consideration the height and width of your lamp, when choosing a size lampshade, by working with the steps above, you can now make a more informed choice on sizing for your lampshade.
For floor lamps, measure the distance from the base of your lamp to the lampshade holder (where the lampshade will attach to your lamp). The height of your lampshade should be a 1/4 to 1/3 of the height of your lamp, e.g. Your lamp is 120cm tall, so a good height for your lampshade would be around 30-40cm.
Top Tip
It’s always better to get slightly larger lampshade, than a lampshade that is too small for the lamp that it is needed for. If you still have questions regarding sizing your lampshade/s, please email bypoppyuk@gmail.com
Are we nearly done?
Now we’ve figured out what measurements and fittings we need, it’s time for the fun part of choosing a design! Please see our other blog post on how to choose your lampshade, which has some more in-depth info on fabrics and lampshade styles, or email us bypoppyuk@gmail.com for custom orders.