Lampshades 101

Welcome to Lampshades 101—your quick guide on everything you need to know before replacing or selecting a lampshade for your lamp. Whether you're refreshing a favorite fixture or choosing something brand new, this crash course will help you feel confident about picking the perfect size and style for any room. Use the diagrams and illustrations on this page to visualize the components as you read along, so that making the right selection is easier than ever.

Lampshade Basics: Parts & Fitters

Most lamps and lampshades share the same essential parts. The fitter is the component that connects the lampshade to the lamp base. Common fitter styles include the spider (paired with a harp and finial), and clip-on (clips onto the bulb)—each shown in the diagrams. Ensure your shade’s fitter matches your lamp’s hardware for a secure fit.

Size & Proportion Guidelines

Getting the proportion right transforms a lamp’s appearance. A good rule of thumb is this: the width of your lampshade should be about twice the width of the lamp base, and its height should be approximately one-third the height of the lamp (from base to bulb holder or socket). These simple ratios help ensure a balanced, stylish look, but there’s always room for personal preference— we are big believers in the "it just looks right method" - - and sometimes swapping out a harp or adjusting the hardware can fine-tune the fit. 

Taking Measurements

To compare lampshades, measurements are typically listed as top diameter × bottom diameter × slant height (e.g., 10" × 14" × 9"). Match these with your lamp’s proportions and existing space. If your lamp seems to fall between two shade sizes, it’s often safer to choose the slightly larger size for a fuller, more elegant silhouette. Take a moment to consult the reference diagrams for measuring tips and to see how different shapes affect the overall style.

Your Next Steps

Use the illustrations and sizing tips on this page to get started. Sometimes it helps to borrow a lampshade from another lamp and try it out on your lamp. Even if it's not the right size, you can measure it and determine if you need smaller or larger.

The team at Newport Lamp & Shade speak's lampshade and would love to help. We can guide you through sizes, fitters, and adjusting hardware. With just a few quick measurements and these expert tips, replacing or choosing your next lampshade can be a breeze—making your shopping experience seamless from inspiration to installation.