Statement lampshades are all the rage, but shopping for one can be a shady business. Between picking the right color and size, to deciphering the lingo (empire vs. pagoda), picking a shade can leave you feeling completely in the dark. To the rescue? Our comprehensive Lampshade Style Guide! From the best shade shapes to consider for your lamp, to a handy formula for picking the perfect size, we’ve got you covered with this all-inclusive lampshade guide.

Shop Lamps with Drum Shades
Shop Drum Shades

Shop Lamps With Bell Shades

Shop Lamps with Empire Shades

Shop Lamps with Pagoda Shades

Shop Lamps with Pinched Pleat Shades
Shop Pinched Pleat Shades

Shop Lamps with Square Shades

How to Measure For the Right Size Lampshade
Now that you’ve got a shade in mind, it’s time to choose the right size for your lamp. To get started, first measure your lamp’s height. Now, divide that measurement by two. Jot down that number! That’s the height your lampshade should be. Next, measure your lamp base width. Now, multiply that measurement by two. Got it? That number correlates to what your lamp shade’s minimum diameter should be. For the more equation-minded among us, here’s a handy formula:
Lamp Shade Height = Lamp’s Height ÷ 2
Lamp Shade Width = Lamp’s base x 2*
*note this equation will yield the minimum diameter your shade should be.