An oval lamp shade is a great way to add style and elegance to your lamps. Oval lampshades have a narrow depth and a curved shape that can complement different lamp bases and room designs.
However, finding the right oval lampshade can be tricky, as there are multiple factors to consider, like size, color, material, and the style.
Today, we will guide you to choose the perfect oval lampshade for your table lamp. Also, we will give you some tips and examples to inspire you.
Why Choose An Oval Lampshade?
Oval lampshades have some advantages over other types of lampshades, like:
– They are ideal for small spaces, as they take up less space than round or square lampshades.
– They can create a soft and cozy light as they diffuse light in an even & gentle way.
– They are compatible with different lamp bases, such as oval, rectangular, or curved ones.
– They can match with different styles, like traditional, modern, or rustic, depending on the color and material of the lampshade.
How To Measure An Oval Lampshade?
Before buying an oval lampshade, you need to measure it. Make sure it fits your lamp base and your table.
Follow these steps to measure an oval lampshade:
– Measure the width of the short side and the length of the long side of the top and bottom of the lampshade.
For example, if the width of the lampshade is 10 inches and the length is 12 inches at the top and 15 inches wide and 18 inches long at the bottom, write down (10 x 12) and (15 x 18).
– Measure the slant height of the lampshade. It is the distance from the top edge to the bottom edge along the side.
For example, if the lampshade is 10 inches high, write down 10.
– Measure the fitter drop of the lampshade. It is the distance from the top edge to the point where the lampshade attaches to the lamp’s base. For example, if the lampshade has a 1-inch fitter drop, write down 1.
– You should use this format to write down the measurements: (top width x top length) x (bottom width x bottom length) x slant height x fitter drop. For example, (10 x 12) x (15 x 18) x 10 x 1.
How To Choose The Perfect Size Of An Oval Lampshade?
The size of an oval lampshade should be proportional to the size of the lamp base and the table.
Some general rules to follow are:
– The height of the lampshade should be about two-thirds of the height of the lamp base, from the bottom of the base to the top of the bulb socket. For example, for an 18-inch high lamp base, the lampshade should be about 12 inches high.
– The width of the lampshade should be a bit wider than the widest part of the lamp base. For example, for a 10 inches wide lamp base, the lampshade should be at least 11 inches wide.
– The length of the lampshade should not be more than the length of the table. For example, if the length of the table is 24 inches, the lampshade should be no longer than 24 inches long.
How To Choose The Right Color Of An Oval Lampshade?
As a general rule, the color of the lampshade should match the color scheme of the room and the lamp base.
Here are some tips for choosing the right color for your lampshade:
– If you want to create a contrast, choose a darker or lighter lampshade than the lamp base and the room. For example, if the color of your lamp base is white and the room is beige, you can select a black or red lampshade.
– If you want to create color harmony, go for a lampshade similar or complementary to the lamp base & the room. For example, if the lamp base color is blue and the room is green, a light blue or yellow lampshade should be a good choice.
– If you want to create a focal point, a lampshade that has a pattern or a texture can stand out. For example, for a plain lamp base & a neutral room, you can choose a lampshade with stripes, dots, or flowers.
How To Choose An Oval Lampshade With The Right Material
The material of an oval lampshade should match the style of the lamp base and the room.
Some common materials and their effects are:
Fabric
Fabric lamp shades are the most versatile and popular as they come in multiple colors, patterns, and textures.
They can create a warm and cozy atmosphere. Fabric lampshades filter the light softly & also suit different styles, such as traditional, modern, or rustic, depending on the type of fabric.
For example, linen, cotton, or silk lampshades are more traditional. While burlap, denim, or leather lampshades are more modern or rustic.
Paper Or Cardboard
Paper lampshades can create a bright and crisp light, as they can reflect the light more. They can also match with different styles, such as contemporary, minimalist, or Asian, depending on the shape & color of the paper.
For example, a white, black, or gray paper lampshade is more contemporary or minimalist, while a red, gold, or green lampshade seems more Asian.
Metal
A metal lampshade is more durable and sturdy. It can produce cool lighting because it casts the light more sharply.
Metallic oval lampshades can also suit different styles, such as vintage, industrial, or farmhouse, depending on the type and finish of the metal.
For example, brass, bronze, or copper lampshades give a more vintage look, while chrome, steel, or iron lampshades look more industrial.
How To Choose An Oval Lampshade With The Right Style
The style of the oval lampshade should also match the shape and the design of the lamp base and the room.
Let’s have a look at some common oval lampshade styles and their features are:
Drum Style
Drum style is the most simple and modern form of lampshades, as they have a cylindrical shape with straight sides and equal top and bottom diameters.
Drum lampshades can be suitable for any lamp base and room because they are sleek and versatile.
They can also create a balanced and even light due to a wide opening at the top and the bottom.
Bell-Shaped
Bell shaped lampshades are more traditional and elegant. They have a bell-shaped curve with a smaller top and a larger bottom diameter.
Bell lampshades can be suitable for curved or tapered lamp bases and rooms to give a graceful and refined look.
These lampshades provide a downward and focused light distribution due to a narrow opening at the top and a wide opening at the bottom.
Rertro Style
Retro style oval lampshades have a more vintage and funky look. These lampshades have a retro-shaped curve with a larger top diameter.
These lampshades are suitable for oval or rectangular lamp bases and rooms.
Retro-style oval lampshades provide an upward and ambient light because of a wide opening at the top.
Some Good Examples Of Oval Lampshades
Now, to get some inspiration, Let’s check some good examples of oval lamp shades that you can find online:
Kallory -Cloth Oval Lampshade
This simple but stylish oval lampshade makes your room full of style and mood. It is a beautiful and creative design lampshade, made of high-quality materials. It is also lightweight, compact & durable. It can also protect your light from dust. This smart lampshade is suitable for most lamps, like bedside lamps, wall lamps & floor lamps.
ALUCSET-Metal Lamp Shade
This beautiful metal lampshade has a unique and stylish design. This high-quality iron lampshade has a stylish black and gold color scheme and an etched Arrow pattern, which creates a serene atmosphere. It projects a beautiful Arrow pattern onto the surrounding walls, adding warmth and comfort to your rooms. It is an ideal lampshade for your living room, bedroom & studies.
Racetrack-White Small Oval Lamp Shade
Racetrackwhite small oval lampshade is a simple and modern drum oval lampshade. It has a beautiful & versatile white polyester fabric and a white cotton and poly blend lining. It is suitable for any lamp base and room style, as it is sleek and versatile. It can also produce a balanced and even light distribution due to a wide opening at the top and the bottom.
Royal Designs-Retro Oval Lampshade
I like this lampshade personally due to its clean design, quality fabric & durable material. This oval lampshade can be suitable for almost any kind of lamp, for example, table lamps, accent lamps, vintage lamps, & candle stick lamps. It can also create an upward and ambient light distribution.
Springcrest-Cream Bell Lamp Shade
It is a traditional and elegant bell oval lampshade with a Victorian-inspired look, with cream poly fabric and cotton blend lining. It has a graceful and refined look. It can also create a downward and focused light distribution due to a narrow opening at the top and a wide opening at the bottom.
Some Useful Tips About Oval Lampshades
There are some tips you should keep in mind while using an oval lampshade, such as:
Avoid Dark Colored Shades
Avoid using oval lampshades that are too dark or opaque, as they can block the light and create a gloomy atmosphere.
Opt for oval lampshades with light colors or translucent, as they can create a soft glow.
You can also choose an oval lampshade with patterns or textures to add a style to your table lamp.
Be Careful About The Placement
Never place your oval lampshade too close to the light bulb because it can pose a fire hazard or damage the shade.
The shade should have enough distance from the bulb, and the bulb should not exceed the maximum recommended wattage by the lamp manufacturer.
Always use LED bulbs, which are more energy-efficient & produce less heat than incandescent bulbs.
Regular Cleaning
Clean your oval lampshade regularly to prevent dust and dirt as it affects the quality of light.
Use a soft brush, a lint roller, or a vacuum cleaner and gently remove the dust from the surface of the shade.
For fabric lampshades, you can use a damp cloth or a mild detergent to wipe away any stains or spots.
Use a dry cloth or a feather duster to clean paper or plastic lampshades.
Closing Remarks
Oval lampshades are a great way to add style and elegance to your lamps. In this article, we tried to guide you about choosing the perfect oval lampshade for your lamp and give you some tips and examples to help you.
We hope you have found this article helpful & informative and you have enjoyed reading it.
If you have any feedback, questions, or comments, please leave them below. Thank you for your attention. Have a nice day!
