Height: cover the fitting, not the base
As a rule of thumb, the shade should be roughly two-thirds the height of the lamp base, and should sit low enough to hide the bulb holder when you are seated.
Width: give the base room to breathe
The bottom of the shade should be wider than the widest part of the base. A narrow shade on a generous base looks top-heavy and mean; a slightly larger shade almost always looks more expensive.
Shape follows the base
Rounded, urn or turned bases suit a classic drum or empire shade. Tall, slim candlestick bases pair well with a tapered empire. Square or angular bases sit best under straighter sides.
Remember the light itself
A decorative printed shade has two lives: by day it reads like a painting, and once lit the colours glow and deepen. Darker grounds give a moody pool of light — lovely beside a bed or reading chair — while lighter grounds spread light further into the room.
If you have an unusual base, every Snowball Atelier design can be made to a bespoke size. Send us a photo and measurements on WhatsApp.