Lampshade Size Guide
Lamp Shades | Choice of 21+ Sizes
I stock a range of 21 lamp shades. There are 9 'tapered' styles - tapered meaning that the top width (diametre) is smaller than the bottom width. I also have 12 'straight sided' barrel or drum style sizes.
The term barrel tends to refer to the skinnier lampshades while the term drum is generally applied to lampshades that are deeper (higher). But really...this is just the kind of lampshade jargon we can probably do without!
These sizes make up my standard stock. Please see the pictures below where you can see the dimensions for each.
If you would like a straight-sided drum or barrel style lampshade that is taller / higher than my standard stock please don't hesitate to contact me, sue@shadesatgrays.co.nz as this can easily be arranged.
Standard stock
Refer to the size charts in the photos below to determine the perfect dimensions for your lampshade. All sizes are numbered for easy selection; for instance, 'Straight sided 15'.
All of these dimensions are available on each of the separate lamp shade pages, from where you can choose your favourite fabric.
Floor stands
If you have a floor stand I recommend choosing a lampshade from the following:
Tapered 38; Tapered 43; Tapered 46; Large Conical; Straight side 38; Straight sided 40; Straight sided 45. Or, an 'extra large tapered shade.'
Much of your choice is subjective and whether you prefer a tapered or straight sided look.
A straight-sided (drum or barrel) generally sits a little higher than a tapered style shade and shows off the neck of the stand a bit more.
It is also good to think about how much space you have for the stand and shade, and how dominant you want it to look in your room.
Below are two pictures that show the (approximate) comparison of how the different styles and sizes look on a floor stand.
1. Tapered and drum / barrel style lampshades
2. Larger Tapered Lampshades
Extra large shade
The extra large tapered lamp shade is great for tall floor stands, particularly traditional wooden standard lamps, over 155 cm tall, or floor stands that are wide (stout). It is quite an imposing size lamp shade and is perfect if you want a real statement piece.
Fabric for large tapered lampshades
If you decide that one of the taperes style lampshades works best for you then you may need to know that the best fabric for this style of shade is one that does not have a vertical pattern that needs to remain vertical to make sense - eg trees. This is because as the pattern wraps around the tapered shade the vertical shapes 'bend' and in extreme cases end up more horizontal than vertical! Definitely not what you want for birds or trees!
Tripod Floor Stands
Tripod floor stands are great if you like a contemporary or scandi style look. Even better, if their legs retract then they can often double up as a table lamp.
Generally for this style of floor stand I would recommend a 'Tapered 46" lamp shade. This style provides a good width, but has less height than some of the other larger lightshade stock that I carry, making them a good proportion for many tripod bases.
Ceiling or pendant lamp shades
If you are looking for a ceiling lampshade I recommend choosing a Straight sided style.
Most of the tapered lampshades are not suitable to hang from the ceiling because of their type of frame.
If you have any queries I am more than happy to help. Contact me (Sue) via email at sue@shadesatgrays.co.nz or ring/text me on 027 541 4696