We work with rawhide lamp shades everyday and measuring a shade seems like it would be a simple task. Actually it is, but the difficulty comes into play when you try to communicate the measurements to someone else. Then it can get complicated. Know what I mean?
We make lampshades out of rawhide so we talk with a lot of people about the sizes of lamp shades that might work for them. Something we find a lot is that everyone seems to have different ways to measure and we all need to be on the same track.
The Challenge:
Some people give the bottom diameter then the height, then the top. Some do it exactly the opposite. Others offer either the top or bottom measurements first then refer to the length of the shade meaning the angled side.
It can be very confusing until everyone gets on the same track so that we know what each other is talking about. In order to help our clients we have established some standards to try to help communicate the correct information.
It really doesn't matter which measurements come first or last as long as everyone understands what is being talked about. Here is how we do it to avoid misunderstandings. You basically need three measurements, bottom diameter, top diameter and the height.
The bottom and top diameter are simply measured across the opening from one side to the other. The height of a shade should be measured straight up and down vertically, not along the slant. This is the trouble maker that usually causes the most confusion.
You will be better off thinking of the shade height in terms of a vertical measurement rather than measuring the slant or "length" of the shade.
Lamp Shade Measuring Tip #1:
The reason that you want to measure height straight up and down, "vertically" is that the height measurement of your lamp from bulb socket base to the top of the harp is probably the minimum vertical height you will want to cover with your shade.
By knowing that measurement vertically, you will make sure that your shade sits on the harp so that it drops sufficiently below the socket to look good.
The length is really important because if you have the top and bottom diameter set and the vertical height calculated correctly, the slant or length of the shade will take care of itself.
Lamp Shade Measuring Tip #2:
Something that most people don't consider when trying to buy a stock lamp shade for their lamp is adjusting the height of the lamp. An inch or so on the overall height of the lamp won't make much difference but it might be just what is needed to be able to use a stock shade rather than purchasing an expensive custom made lamp shade.
The height of your lamp can be adjusted by using a taller or shorter harp, the wire hoop over the bulb that holds the shade. A shorter harp drops the shade down lower on the lamp. A taller harp raises the shade higher up on the lamp.
By changing out the harp, you are altering the vertical measurement of the shade needed to cover the electrical components as mentioned earlier.
This difference in height may allow you to make a stock lamp shade look good. That way you eliminate the need to have a custom shade made. The result is that you get the correct look on your special lamp.
Keep these two simple rawhide lamp shade measuring tips in mind. For your next project, give them a try. You will see how easy it is to measure a lamp shade. You'll correctly fit your lamp just like the professional do it.
By:Craiq Chambers
