Question 1

What lampshade  size will suit my lamp base?

Accepted Answer

RULE 1- 
As a guide, the lampshade diameter should be twice as wide as the lamp base, and one-third the total height of the entire lamp.

RULE 2 -
The diameter of the shade should NEVER exceed the height of the lamp base, you don't want to swamp the base.

Question 2

So what size should I use for my floor lamp?

Accepted Answer

Here, the basic rule is the shade should be a quarter of the height of the base. A tall 30cm diameter shade with a 35 to 40cm height can look good on a floor lamp. I like bigger shades on standard lamps so I would generally opt for a larger size.

Question 3

What type of fabric is best for my lampshade?

Accepted Answer

Cotton, linen, cotton drill, polyester cotton. They tend to ‘behave’ well during the making process.

Light to medium weight is best. Heavier fabrics don’t let as much light through, and they tend to be stiffer, so harder to work with.

Question 4

What type of fabrics should I avoid?

Accepted Answer

Indoor/outdoor fabrics, really lightweight satins and silks, heavy upholstery fabric, fabrics with a verly loose weave, that have voids, or are holey.

Question 5

What about  fabric design?

Accepted Answer

Fabric with a strong grid design - vertical and/or horizontal lines are best suited for drum shades. Florals and abstract designs are suited for both empire shades and drum shades. Fabric with a large design is not always suitable for small shades.

Question 6

Are there exceptions to these rules?

Accepted Answer

Yes, go on, break the rules! Use your imagination! 
It's fun and you might just create a loveley surprise!

Revamp that lamp! Make a lampshade with Anne Kable

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