How do I know what size lampshade I need?

A shade about twice as wide as the lamp base and about two-thirds as tall as the base (measured to the socket) usually looks right. It should hide the socket from normal viewing angles.

How do you measure a lampshade?

Measure the top diameter, bottom diameter, and height. Some listings use the slant — the length along the angled side — instead of straight height, so check which is listed.

What is a spider fitter?

The most common lampshade fitter: a ring with spokes that sits on a harp over the bulb and is secured with a finial on top.

What's the difference between UNO and spider fitters?

A spider fitter rests on a harp above the bulb; an UNO fitter attaches at the socket itself. They aren't interchangeable, so match the fitter to your lamp.

My new shade sits too low. How do I fix it?

If your lamp uses a harp, switch to a taller harp. Harps come in sizes, usually in 1-inch steps.

Which shade shape gives the most reading light?

An empire shade, because its wider bottom directs more light down onto the table or page.

Lampshade Size Guide: Measure, Fit & Style

How to measure a lampshade, what size shade fits your lamp base, how fitters like spider, UNO, and clip-on work, and which shade shape to choose.

A well-sized lampshade is about twice as wide as the lamp's base and about two-thirds as tall as the base, measured from the bottom of the lamp to the socket. It should cover the socket and hardware when you look at it from a normal standing or sitting position. Those proportions, plus the right fitter, are all you need to replace a shade confidently.

Here's how to measure and choose.

How to measure a lampshade

Shades are sized by three measurements, usually listed in inches as top × bottom × height (or slant).

Top diameter: measure straight across the top opening.
Bottom diameter: measure straight across the bottom opening.
Height: measure straight up the side from the bottom rim to the top rim. Some makers list the slant (along the angled side) instead — check which one a listing uses.

For square or rectangular shades, measure the width of each side at the top and bottom instead of a diameter.

Sizing the shade to the lamp

Measurement	Rule of thumb
Shade bottom width	About 2× the widest part of the lamp base
Shade height	About 2/3 of the base height (bottom of lamp to socket)
Overall look	Shade should hide the socket and harp from normal viewing angles
On a table	Shade no wider than the table it sits on

Too small: the lamp looks top-light, and you see bare bulb and hardware.
Too big: the shade overwhelms the base, blocks light, and can overhang a small table.

When the base is tall and slim, lean toward a slightly narrower shade; for a wide ceramic base, a wider shade balances it. Our table lamp size guide covers how tall the whole lamp should be for each surface.

Fitters: how the shade attaches

Before buying, check how your current shade connects — a shade with the wrong fitter won't sit on your lamp.

Spider fitter: the most common on table and floor lamps. A metal ring with spokes sits on top of a harp (the metal loop around the bulb) and is held down by a small screw-on finial.
UNO fitter: the shade's ring threads onto or sits over the socket itself. Common on smaller lamps, desk lamps, and some floor lamps.
Clip-on fitter: wire clips grip the bulb directly. Typical on small candle-style and chandelier shades.

With a spider fitter, the harp height controls how high the shade sits. If a new shade hangs too low and shows the base neck, or too high and shows the socket, a taller or shorter harp fixes it — harps come in sizes, usually in 1-inch steps.

Choosing a shade shape

Drum: straight sides, same width top and bottom. Modern and clean; spreads light evenly sideways.
Empire: narrow top, wide bottom. Traditional; directs more light downward onto a tabletop or book.
Bell: a curved, flared bottom. Decorative and classic, suited to ornate or turned bases.
Square and rectangular: tailored shapes that pair well with square or angular bases.

As a general guide, a round base looks best with a round shade and an angular base with a square or rectangular one.

Material and light

Linen and cotton give a soft, warm, diffused glow.
Burlap and textured weaves filter more light and add rustic texture.
Paper gives clean, bright, even light.
Darker or lined shades push light up and down rather than out, which suits accent lighting more than reading.

If a room still feels dim or flat after a new shade, the issue may be the lighting plan rather than the lamp — see lighting mistakes and easy fixes. For floor lamps specifically, our floor lamp buying guide covers height and placement.

Shop this guide

The short version

Measure top, bottom, and height. Choose a shade about twice the width of the base and two-thirds of its height to the socket, check that the fitter matches your lamp (spider, UNO, or clip-on), and use the harp height to fine-tune where the shade sits. Pick drum shades for even light and modern looks, empire shades for reading, and linen or cotton for a soft glow.

Ready to refresh a lamp? Shop Lampshades and bring your measurements.