Frequently Asked Questions

Start with two measurements: the overall height of the lamp and the width of its base at the widest point. As a rule, the lampshade should be about twice the width of the base and about one-third of the lamp's overall height. It should cover nearly all of the metal neck, and the bottom edge of the harp should stay hidden.

Proportion matters more than any single number. A lampshade that is too tall looks top-heavy; one that is too short leaves the lamp looking unbalanced. When in doubt, send us a photo and the measurements and we will suggest a size.

Every lampshade is listed as top diameter, bottom diameter, and slant (the length of the side). We refer to a lampshade by its bottom diameter, which is usually determined by the widest point of the lamp base, and the lampshade filter on the site sorts by bottom diameter for the same reason.

The fitter is the hardware at the top of the lampshade that attaches it to the lamp, and it has to match the way your lamp is built. If you are not sure which type you have, email a photo of the top of the lamp, with the current lampshade removed, along with its dimensions to customerservice@theshadeshop.com and we will tell you what you need.

Check the harp first. A harp that is too short or too tall sets the lampshade at the wrong height, which can make even a correctly sized lampshade look off. Harps are inexpensive and simple to swap; our harp kits are in the Hardware collection. If a new harp does not solve it, send us photos and dimensions and we will take a look.

Yes. Submit your lamp's measurements and a photo through the Find Your Fit form and our team will reply within 24 hours, Monday through Saturday, with recommendations from our in-stock selection.

Yes. We offer fabric samples of our Fermoie and Ian Sanderson lampshades so you can see the color and pattern in your own room before you buy. Trade members may request up to five swatches at no charge.

We can. If our in-stock selection does not include the size, shape, or fabric you need, our shademaker will build it. Custom lampshades take four to five weeks once all materials have arrived, and we do not charge rush fees. We can also reline or recover an existing lampshade you would like to keep.

To begin, complete the Custom Lampshade Form and we will be in touch to discuss your project.

Yes. Our custom lamps are built on handcrafted ceramic bases from our partner makers and can be color-matched to a paint swatch or textile sample you provide. Email us with what you have in mind and we will walk you through the options.

Dust it regularly with a soft, dry brush, a lint roller, or a vacuum with the upholstery attachment on its lowest setting, working from top to bottom and following the direction of the fabric. Regular dusting is what keeps a lampshade looking new, since dust that settles into the weave is far harder to lift later.

For a mark, blot gently with a white cloth barely dampened with water, then let it dry away from heat. Never soak the fabric, rub hard, or use household cleaners or solvents, which can lift the printed color and loosen the lining. If a mark will not come out, send us a photo before trying anything further and we will advise.

Paper lampshades, including our marbled and decorative papers, are dusted dry only, with a soft brush or a clean, dry cloth. Keep them away from moisture entirely; even a damp cloth can leave a watermark or soften the paper. Handle them by the frame rather than the paper itself, and they will keep their finish for years.

Natural fabrics and hand-printed cloth mellow gradually, which is part of their character, but direct sunlight will hurry that along unevenly. Place lamps out of a window's direct path where you can, and turn the lampshade a quarter turn now and then so any change happens evenly all the way around.

Follow the maximum wattage marked on your lamp's socket, and choose an LED bulb where you can; LEDs run far cooler than incandescent bulbs and are the kindest choice for fabric and paper over time. Make sure the bulb sits clear of the lampshade on every side, and if the harp leaves it too close, a different harp size will solve it.

Keep the protective cover your lampshade arrived in and slip it back on for storage or a move. Store lampshades upright in a dry place, never stacked inside one another or hung by the fitter, and lift them by the frame at the top and bottom rings rather than by the fabric.

We keep the largest in-stock lampshade inventory in the U.S., including the largest in-stock selection of Fermoie, so in-stock orders ship the same or next business day by UPS Ground. Orders placed after 3 PM ET ship the next business day, and you will receive a confirmation email with tracking as soon as your order is on its way.

Fermoie and Ian Sanderson lampshades that are temporarily out of stock are marked "pre-order" and are made for you in England; these typically arrive in about five weeks.

Expedited shipping is not offered at checkout, but we can often arrange it. Call 434-270-8585 or email us before you place your order and we will quote the options for your address.

Our checkout ships within the U.S. only. If you are ordering from elsewhere, email customerservice@theshadeshop.com with what you would like and where it is going, and we will let you know what is possible.

Returns within 30 days of receipt are refunded to your original payment method; returns within 60 days receive store credit. Items must come back in their original condition with the receipt or packing slip, and lampshades that arrived in a protective plastic cover should stay wrapped. Shipping charges are not refundable.

Custom and special orders cannot be returned or exchanged, and discounted items are final sale. Returns are sent to The Shade Shop, 2415 Ivy Road, Suite 150, Charlottesville, VA 22903.

Please check your order within seven days of delivery, keep all of the packaging, and send us photos of the damage along with your order number. We will make it right. For designers, the seven days begin at delivery, even when installation is scheduled for later.

Yes. Trade members receive a trade discount on every purchase, online or in store, with no minimum order, along with a dedicated Designer Liaison, consultations by Zoom, phone, or email, and up to five free Fermoie and Ian Sanderson swatches. Returns follow our standard 30- and 60-day windows, with extensions available for showhouses and trade shows.

Read more on the Trade Program page or go straight to the application.

We consider loans for photo shoots case by case. Email us with the dates, the pieces you have in mind, and where the images will appear, and we will let you know what we can do.

We are always open to showhouse collaborations and offer an extended return window for them. Tell us about the project and the room, and we will work out the details with you.

Yes, and we recommend it, so that someone is ready to work with you and your lamp. Call 434-270-8585 to book a time. Walk-ins are welcome during store hours, Monday to Friday from 10am to 5pm and Saturday from 10am to 4pm.

Lampshade Lounge by The Shade Shop is anticipated to open in early 2027 at the New York Design Center, 200 Lexington Avenue, Suite 433. For trade visits and inquiries, email info.nydc@theshadeshop.com or call 212-970-5577.