Lamp Shade 101

Step 1: Light Bright
Your options are endless when it comes to choosing a lampshade, so here are some tricks to design your lighting like a pro. First, make sure your shade matches your lamp—if they’re mismatched, it can throw off the entire room design.

Step 2: Style is Everything
Choose the right style. A scalloped, Victorian shade should be paired with a chunky lamp in an elegant space. A barrel shade is perfectly round and is a great table lamp. A bell shade is perfect for task lighting.

Step 3: Glow in the Dark
Dark shades are great for tying in dark furniture and creating drama in your room.

Step 4: Size It Up
How do you know what size shade is right for your lamp? It’s all about scale. The shade should be ¾ the size of the lamp’s base, both in height and width.

Step 5: Shady Situation
You can embellish your shades with enhancements, such as ribbons, studs, stencils, appliques or skeleton leaves.

Items You'll Need for this GMC Trade Secret

• ribbons, studs, stencils or skeleton leaves
• lamp shade