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What Shape Shade is Best for this Lamp?
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lampsm082809.jpgQ: I got this lamp (larger pic below the jump) as a gift and it came with this shade. I don't think it's quite right for it, it makes it too top heavy. I'm wondering if any AT readers can suggest a shade or at least a shade shape!

 
 

lamp082809.jpg

Sent by: Amy

Editor: Please leave your suggestions on a shade for Amy in the comments - thanks!

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Comments (10)

I would go for a drum shade about that height, but quite a bit narrower

posted by mrsyow on August 28th 2009 at 1:51pm
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Looks perfectly fine to me - but if you must make a change, go with a drum shade that's about 3/4 the width and twice the height - You'll have to get a taller harp to hold it of course.

You can easily order custom shades here:
http://www.fenchelshades.com/

posted by bepsf on August 28th 2009 at 1:54pm
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I would say the same shape, but maybe an inch or 2 narrower and maybe an inch taller?

posted by modern on long island on August 28th 2009 at 1:55pm
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I think the shade might be a bit big, but it's the color that's really throwing it off. That milky green glass would look great with a patterned shade - stripes, floral, jacquard... or even a more rustic burlapy fabric. Something with a little texture!

posted by tequila red on August 28th 2009 at 2:24pm
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Either or a drum shade or a conic one like you have, or even a pleated paper conical shade, would work fine if the proportions are right. You need something that's taller than it is wide, instead of wider than it is tall, and possibly just a bit smaller.

posted by Ulrika on August 28th 2009 at 2:26pm
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Tall drum. No wider than 10" diameter.

posted by medusa12120 on August 28th 2009 at 4:20pm
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I just think it needs color: stripes, a pattern for interest and punch. Maybe a bit amaller, so it's not as top heavy.

posted by Lette Birn on August 28th 2009 at 4:24pm
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It's a little too wide and the slight flare is visually irritating. You want a drum about the same height and an inch or two less in diameter with STRAIGHT sides. The main thing though is that the shade is all wrong for the lamp in texture and color. A light, glossy, airy lamp needs matte, textural, darker shade. Think a coarse woven linen or a bold print (maybe a red African-inspired block print on a natural linen, for example). Can't really recommend colors without knowing your decor, but you need to steer clear of pale/shiny/similar in tone/texture/color to the body of the lamp. And generally speaking, contrasting edge trim on shades looks fugly to me... I really prefer a clean edge. Try etsy if you want something custom made!

posted by marie516 on August 28th 2009 at 6:09pm
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For the shade: smaller diameter, and taller. Perhaps tapering a bit towards the top.

posted by mirandabee on August 29th 2009 at 8:26am
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Lovely lamp. Antique? Vintage?

I would stick to a neutral drum shade and shade color (and a tad more narrow) to really showcase the beauty and uniqueness in the showy milk glass color. If you stripe the shade, it will take away the attention of the base, which is really the eye-catcher.

Do post an "after" photo so i can drool and envy some more.

posted by callbob on August 29th 2009 at 6:50pm
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