Screw-On Lamp Shades

Generally, the rule of thumb is the lamp shade height should measure 1/3 the height of the base. The lampshade width at its widest point should be two times the width of the base. For example, if the lamp base is 24 inches tall, the shade’s height should measure 8 inches.

Let the shape of your lamp base guide you in the shape you choose for your lamp shade. Take note, not all shades are the same width at the top opening as they are at the bottom if they have a tapered design, so no matter the shape of your shade, be sure it is two inches wider at the bottom opening than the width of the base.

• Round (Bell and Cylinder) - ideal for round or curvy lamp bases.
• Oval - pair this shape with an oval lamp base for the best effect.
• Rectangular - for wide rectangular bases use the same shape.
• Square - a short or tall square base will pair nicely with a non-tapered square shade.
• Hexagon - bases with this shape work nicely with round or scalloped shades in a hexagonal shape.

To keep the lampshade securely attached to the lamp base, both shades and bases are equipped with fitters. You will need to determine which fitter your base has before choosing a shade. The base will have either a harp fitter that extends up and over the light bulb or a plain socket for pairing with an Uno fitter. Details of all fitters are explained below.

• Spider Fitter

Shade fitters, made of lightweight metal, are often found with a spider design—metal rods extend inward from the top interior of the shade to a middle point fitted with a disc or ring. This allows for pairing with a harp base fitter that has a screw at the top to be thread through the disc and then secured with a plain or decorative finial.

• Uno Fitter

Alternately, some lamp shades come fitted with an Uno fitter that extends down into the shade so its ring can properly rest around the base socket and be secured by installation of the light bulb.

• Clip-On Fitter

A clip-on fitter can be used in place of a harp fitter as it secures to the shade’s spider fitter with screw and finial then clips directly onto the light bulb. This negates the need for a base fitter.

Available in an array of materials and design details, lamp shades are valuable not only for projecting and softening light, but they also add valuable aesthetics often overlooked when decorating. While you want to take into consideration the shape, style, and color of your lamp base, you can use general styling tips below.

• White or ivory linen shades are the most common and versatile as they translate across many décor styles, such traditional, transitional, contemporary and modern. They also pair nicely with metal, ceramic, or glass lamp bases.
• Knobby woven materials such as grasscloth lean towards rustic style. Pair them with wood or metal bases for a complementary look.
• Smooth materials and sleek metal shades speak to contemporary style.
• Leather or animal skin shades make a fun addition to country, rustic, or lodge-style interiors. These rugged shades handsomely top off a wood, metal or mixed medium base.
• Pleated shades, usually made from white or ivory linen or silk, lend themselves to a more formal aesthetic in a traditional setting.
• Colorful shades in vibrant hues add a pleasant pop to a modern or boho style space.
• Pastel hued shades enhance bedrooms and living spaces with soft lighting for a sense of calm.
• Patterned lamp shades make a personality statement in a boho or eclectic home.

• Take your lamp base with you when shopping for a perfect match and fit.
• Consider the other materials and colors in your room, such as furniture, rugs, and pillows to ensure your lamp shades will enhance the space.
• Match the shape of lampshade to the shape of your base.
• Your shade should be 1/3 the height of your base.
• Make sure your shade’s width is twice the width of your base.
• Don’t forget to match your shade fitter to your base fitter.
• Rough textures and rugged materials lend themselves to a rustic or country style.
• Smooth textures are contemporary.
• Pleats are traditional.
• When in doubt, ask a salesperson.

A screw on lamp shade is mounted on top of a shaped wire, which is attached to the lamp base and goes around the bulb. It is then secured in place by a screw-on decorative finial on top of the lamp.

Here are some of the most attractive screw on lamp shade designs you may find:

Leaf screw on lamp shade

The pattern of this lamp shade is very natural, appealing mainly to owners of cottages and small homes. The lamp shade can be screwed on to the post, and when you switch the light on, you'll see the warmth green leaf pattern brighten up your room. This is a natural look, embedded into a cone-shaped lamp which would suit some bedrooms, kitchens, and conservatories.

Frosted diamond screw on lamp shade

This is not a traditional shape of lamp shade, and this design is circular but longer in size. The tall lamp shade has a frosted diamond pattern all around it, and is normally seen in white, grey and pink. The screw is positioned right at the top of the lamp shade.

Moroccan style gold screw on lamp shade

To inject some color instantly into a room, why not check out the Moroccan style golden screw on lamp shades? With the screw on feature which is so easy to use, these lamp shades are made from colorful glass and then embellished with golden swirls and other detail at the top and bottom. When the light is switched on, it completely changes the atmosphere in the room, allowing a subtle glow to enter which reflects the color you have chosen for the lamp shade.

Bright and bold floral screw on lamp shade

For something that livens up the room and attracts many compliments from those visiting your home, a bright and bold floral screw on lamp shade could be the way forward. With colors mainly in various shades of pink, blue, purple and orange, it's easy to see why this pattern is so bold. Almost cartoon in style, it's a great choice for a child's bedroom or kitchen that needs to be brought back to life.

Bell-shaped screw on lamp shades

One of the most popular screw on lamp shades that you will come across is the bell-shaped variety. This is available in a huge array of colors, including pale yellow, red, blue, pink and white. While bell-shaped lamp shades made from glass are the most common type of material to see, you can also find other materials if you like, such as fabric, metal, and ceramic.

Glass screw on lamp shades

You will find these in different shapes, with some of the most popular being circles, hexagons, and pyramids. They often have detail along the rims, typically made from artificial gold or sterling silver.

While lamp shades are often an after-thought or not considered when decorating a home or office space, you’re now aware of the plethora of possibilities the right lamp shade can bring to the function and aesthetic of any room. Putting in the effort to figure out the best lamp shade in terms of size, shape, style, color, and texture will increase the beauty and function of your space.