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How to measure and order the right size rawhide lamp shade
The right rawhide lamp shade can make a perfect lamp. But the wrong size shade can make a beautiful lamp look out of balance. And ordering the wrong size lampshade is inconvenient and expensive.
Our specialty is southwestern lighting and rawhide lamp shades but the technique our buyers use will work with any lamp shade, rawhide or otherwise. Give it a try to help choose the right shade for your lamp even before you order. Follow this simple procedure to help make the right choice the first time.
First, we need to understand how lampshades are measured. You will need three measurements, bottom diameter, top diameter and height. The height of a shade should be measured straight up and down vertically…not along the slant.
Measuring Tip #1: The reason we measure height up and down, “vertically” is that the height measurement of you lamp from bulb socket base to top of harp is probably the minimum vertical height you will want to cover with your shade.
Measuring Tip #2: The height of your lamp can be adjusted with a shorter or taller harp to be able to use a standard lampshade rather than ordering a custom rahide lamp shade in many cases.
Now, here is the trick to ordering the right shade. You probably have an idea of the approximate size, so simply consult our list of rawhide lamp shades and select the one you are considering. Each shade’s measurements should be listed as described above.
Next, make a simple two-dimensional “flat” pattern the size of the shade out of paper or cardboard. For example, use the lower edge of the cardboard for the base line. Measure up the height of the shade and draw a horizontal line parallel to the base line which will represent the top edge of the shade. Now draw a vertical line straight up and down from base line or to the top edge line. If you imagine the base line, vertical line and top edge line as the capital letter “I” you are on the right track.
Then, mark the top and bottom dimensions of the shade on your pattern so that you get the correct slant for the edge of the shade. From the center line measure and mark the top diameter of the shade. If the top diameter is 5” then measure to the left and right of the center line along the top edge line 2.5” on both sides and make a mark. Those points are the top corners of your pattern. Repeat along the baseline using the shade’s bottom diameter. If it seems confusing, it’s really not, but very simple and quick. Click on the image at the top of the page to enlarge the shade measuring graphic for a visual aid.
Finally, If you will cut out the pattern and have someone hold it in place over the lamp, you will be able to step back and look. Even though it is flat, you will be able to get a feel for how the shade will look on your lamp and order with confidence.
It’s not full proof but it is a quick and easy way to make sure that you are on the right track in your shade size selection. This simple idea has helped our clients save a lot of aggravation and money over the years and we trust it will benefit you too. Copyright © Mission Del Rey. No part of this article or images may be used without permission.
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|  Southwest Rawhide Lamp ShadesLight southwest rawhide lamp shades are rustic cream colored lamp shades with a warm glow for southwestern style chandeliers, sconces and antler lamps. 4" to 24"
| | |  Western Rawhide Lamp ShadesDark western rawhide lamp shades are rustic smoke colored lamp shades with a warm glow for southwest style chandeliers, sconces and antler lamps. 4" to 24"
| | |  Red Rawhide Lamp ShadesDyed red rawhide lamp shades uniquely enhance grain patterns and have a colorful glow for chandeliers, candelabras, desk, table and floor lamps. 4" to 24"
| | |  Green Rawhide Lamp ShadesDyed green rawhide lamp shades uniquely enhance grain patterns and have a colorful glow for chandeliers, candelabras, desk, table and floor lamps. 4" to 24"
| | |  Brown Rawhide Lamp ShadesDyed brown rawhide lamp shades uniquely enhance grain patterns and have a colorful glow for chandeliers, candelabras, desk, table and floor lamps. 4" to 24"
| | |  Custom Rawhide Lamp ShadesFabulous custom rawhide lamp shades made to your specifications. With beautiful translucent rawhide perfect for cabin, western lighting or southwest decor.
| | |  Rawhide Lamp Shade - Odd Lot DiscountsCustom rawhide lamp shade over-runs from large custom orders, offered at deep discounts.
| | |  Leather Lamp ShadesSoft leather lamp shades are made with natural pig skin perfect for cabin, western lamps and southwest decor.
| | |  Painted Leather & Rawhide Lamp ShadesFabulous hand painted lamp shades are a must for any rustic western ranch or southwest cabin decor.
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