How to Choose the Right Lampshade for Your Room
Choosing the right lampshade can completely transform a room. Whether you're updating a living room, styling a bedroom, or finishing a hallway console, the right lampshade shape, size and fabric can elevate your lighting from functional to beautifully considered.
If you’ve ever wondered how to choose the right lampshade for your room, this guide will walk you through sizing, proportions, fabrics and lining options — helping you select a shade that feels intentional and perfectly suited to your space.
If you're exploring handcrafted, made-to-order designs, our full collection of handmade lampshades offers a range of heritage fabrics and custom sizing options.
1. Start With the Right Lampshade Size
Getting the size right is the foundation of good lighting design.
A lampshade that’s too small looks lost. Too large, and it overwhelms the base.
Simple Lampshade Size Guide
As a general rule:
The diameter of your lampshade should be roughly twice the width of the lamp base
The height of the shade should be around two-thirds the height of the base
The bottom of the shade should sit just above the widest part of the base
For table lamps in living rooms, popular sizes range between 30–40cm drum shades. For bedside lamps, 20–30cm is usually ideal.
If you're unsure, our Drum Lampshades Collection includes a range of proportions designed to suit both bedside and statement table lamps.
Because all Hillside Studio shades are made to order, you can choose the size that works perfectly for your base.
2. Choose the Right Lampshade Shape
Different lampshade shapes create different visual moods.
Drum Lampshades
Clean, balanced and versatile.
Drum shades work beautifully in modern interiors, contemporary homes and modern heritage spaces.
Our Handmade Drum Lampshades are one of our most popular choices because they offer timeless structure while allowing the fabric to take centre stage.
Empire & Tapered Styles
More traditional and softly shaped.
Ideal for classic interiors or antique bases.
If you’re styling a neutral interior and want flexibility, a drum shade in textured fabric is often the most adaptable option.
3. Consider the Fabric Carefully
Fabric affects both the style of your lamp and the way it diffuses light.
At Hillside Studio, we focus on heritage and natural textures that add depth and warmth.
Tweed & Herringbone Lampshades
Textured, warm and full of character.
Perfect for cosy living rooms, country homes and spaces with wood or brass accents.
Explore our Tweed Lampshades Collection for subtle herringbone and heritage-inspired finishes.
Linen Lampshades
Light, breathable and understated.
Ideal for calm bedrooms and Scandinavian-style interiors.
Our Linen Lampshades create a soft, diffused glow that feels relaxed and natural.
Tartan Lampshades
Statement-making and bold.
A beautiful option for reading nooks, studies or traditional homes.
View our Tartan Lampshades for classic and contemporary interpretations.
Choosing the right fabric allows your lampshade to either quietly complement a room or become a focal point.
4. Think About the Lining: White vs Metallic
Lining is often overlooked, but it significantly changes the quality of light.
All Hillside Studio shades are available with lining options, allowing you to tailor the atmosphere.
White Lining
Soft, diffused glow
Ideal for ambient lighting
Perfect for bedrooms and calm spaces
Metallic Lining (Gold, Copper or Silver)
Warmer, richer light
Reflects light downward
Adds subtle drama and depth
If your lamp is decorative and you want warmth and atmosphere, metallic lining works beautifully. For functional lighting (such as bedside reading), white lining provides clearer diffusion.
You can select your preferred lining when ordering any of our Made-to-Order Lampshades.
5. Match the Lampshade to the Room
When choosing a lampshade, consider:
Is it accent lighting or a main light source?
Do you want it to blend in or stand out?
Does the fabric complement your soft furnishings?
For example:
A neutral linen drum shade works beautifully in a calm bedroom.
A tweed or herringbone shade adds texture to a living room with wooden furniture.
A tartan shade creates character in a study or reading corner.
If you’re looking for something tailored to your space, our Bespoke Lampshade Service allows you to choose fabric, size and lining to suit your interior perfectly.
6. Why Choose Handmade Lampshades?
There’s a noticeable difference between handmade and mass-produced lampshades.
Hillside Studio lampshades are:
Handmade in the UK
Made to order
Carefully pattern-aligned
Crafted with high-quality materials
Available in multiple sizes and lining options
Choosing handmade lighting means choosing longevity, quality and thoughtful design.
If you're investing in your interior, a handcrafted lampshade becomes part of the room’s character — not just an accessory.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size lampshade do I need for a table lamp?
Measure the height of your base and choose a shade roughly two-thirds of that height, with a diameter approximately twice the base width.
Are drum lampshades modern?
Yes — drum lampshades are one of the most versatile shapes and work across modern and traditional interiors depending on fabric choice.
Does metallic lining make a room darker?
No — it directs light more downward and creates a warmer, more atmospheric glow rather than diffusing light evenly.
Can I order a custom size?
Yes — as all Hillside Studio lampshades are made to order, you can choose a size that suits your base and space.
Final Thoughts
When choosing the right lampshade for your room, focus on:
✔ Correct proportions
✔ A shape that suits your interior style
✔ A fabric that enhances the atmosphere
✔ A lining that gives you the right light quality
The right lampshade doesn’t just light a room — it completes it.
Explore our full range of Handmade Lampshades to find a design that feels both functional and beautifully considered.
