Choosing a lampshade might seem like a small decision, but it can completely change how a room feels. The right lampshade softens light, brings balance to a space, and quietly ties everything together. The wrong one can make even the most beautiful room feel slightly off.
If you’ve ever stood in front of a lamp wondering “Is this the right size?” or “Why does this light feel too harsh?” — you’re not alone. This story is a gentle guide to choosing a lampshade that works beautifully in your home.
If you’re curious about why handmade lampshades bring something special to a home, I’ve shared more about that in an earlier story here.
Start with the size and proportions
One of the most common issues with lampshades is size. A shade that’s too small can look mean or awkward, while one that’s too large can overwhelm the lamp and the space around it.
As a general guide:
- The lampshade should be wider than the lamp base
- The height of the shade should be roughly two-thirds the height of the lamp base
Trust your eye - if it feels balanced when you step back, it usually is.
Think about the shape of the lampshade
Different shapes create different effects.
- Drum lampshades feel modern, calm, and balanced. They work beautifully in living rooms and bedrooms and suit many interior styles.
- Tapered lampshades feel slightly more traditional and elegant. They’re a lovely choice for classic interiors or antique lamp bases.
- Oval lampshades have a softer, more sculptural feel and work beautifully where space is slightly limited. They’re a lovely option for sideboards, windowsills, or narrower surfaces, adding interest without overwhelming the lamp or the room.
The shape doesn’t need to match your home perfectly — it just needs to feel intentional.
Consider the fabric and how it filters light
Fabric choice has a huge impact on the quality of light in a room, not just on how a lampshade looks when the lamp is off, but on how it behaves once it’s switched on.
Natural fabrics such as linen and cotton soften the glow of a bulb, creating a warm, gentle atmosphere. They diffuse light rather than glare, which helps a space feel calmer and more comfortable, especially in living rooms and bedrooms.
The inner lining of a lampshade also makes an important difference.
Shades with a white inner lining allow light to pass through the fabric as well as downwards, giving a softer, more ambient glow and gently illuminating the surrounding area.
By contrast, a metallic inner lining reflects light downwards and upwards rather than letting it pass through the sides of the shade. This creates a more focused pool of light and a slightly more dramatic effect, while the outside of the shade remains more subdued when lit.
Neither option is better than the other - it simply depends on the atmosphere you’d like to create. White inner linings produce a brighter, more open light, allowing illumination to glow through the fabric and gently lift the room. Metallic inner linings create a darker, moodier effect, directing light downwards and upwards and keeping the surrounding space more subdued, which works beautifully for cosy, atmospheric lighting.
Colour matters more than you think
Lampshade colour affects both the look of the shade and the light it casts.
- Neutral shades work effortlessly in most spaces and let the lamp base shine
- Warm tones add cosiness, especially in bedrooms and sitting rooms
- Darker or patterned shades create drama and depth, particularly when used thoughtfully
A shade doesn’t have to match everything in the room - often it’s enough for it to quietly complement one or two elements.
Match the lampshade to the mood of the room
Every room has a different purpose, and lighting should reflect that.
Bedrooms benefit from softer, more calming lampshades that create a sense of rest. Living rooms often suit something slightly more substantial - a shade that anchors the space and feels welcoming in the evening. Hallways and corners can handle more personality, as they’re places you move through rather than linger in.
Think less about rules, and more about how you want the room to feel.
A personal note on choosing well
When I’m making lampshades, I always think about where they’ll live - quiet evenings, gentle light, everyday moments. A well-chosen lampshade shouldn’t shout for attention. It should simply belong.
If you’re taking your time to choose something handmade, trust that instinct. Choosing thoughtfully usually leads to pieces that last longer, feel better, and become part of your home’s story.
Explore handmade lampshades
If you’re looking for a lampshade that’s made with care and designed to create soft, balanced light, you can browse my handmade lampshade collection here.
Closing thought
Choosing the perfect lampshade isn’t about perfection — it’s about comfort, balance, and how your home makes you feel at the end of the day. When those things come together, the light tends to feel just right.