How to Measure a Lamp Base for a Shade

Thanks to their portability, lamps are one of the easiest home lighting solutions. In addition to providing much-needed light for interior spaces, lamps also contribute to the overall feel of a room by complementing the interior design plan and color schemes. The lamp shade plays a particularly important role when it comes to a lamp's function and design. When selecting a lamp shade, it's important to take the height of the lamp base into account so that the shade does not overpower the lamp. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Place one end of a measuring tape at the very bottom of the lamp base where it sits on the table.

2

Stretch the measuring tape up the lamp base until it reaches the bottom of the light socket, but do not measure the light socket. Take note of the measurement.

3

Select a shade with a diameter that is within 2 inches of the height of the lamp. For example, if a lamp base is 12 inches tall, a shade that is between 10 inches and 14 inches in diameter is appropriate. The diameter of the shade is the distance across the center of the bottom of the shade.

4

Measure the height of the lamp harp. The lamp harp is the metal attachment extending from the light socket; it has metal arms that go around the light bulb. Select a shade with a height that is within half an inch of the size of the lamp harp. For example, if the length of the harp is 7 inches, the height of the shade can be anywhere between 6 1/2 inches and 7 1/2 inches.