To measure a ceiling lampshade, you typically take three key dimensions: the top diameter (or width/depth), the bottom diameter (or width/depth), and the slant height or vertical height along the side. These measurements help ensure a proper fit when replacing or selecting a new shade.
Key Measurements
Measuring a lampshade involves determining its overall size and shape. The standard measurements are:
- Top Dimension: The width across the top opening.
- Bottom Dimension: The width across the bottom opening.
- Side Dimension: The height along the side.
Here's how to take each measurement, following a common method:
Measuring Steps
- Top: For round or square shades, measure across the top of the shade. This gives you the diameter (for round) or the width/depth (for square/rectangular). Measure from edge to edge across the widest point.
- Bottom: Repeat this process for the bottom of the shade. Measure across the widest point from edge to edge.
- Side: Measure along the side of the lamp shade, following the slant if the top is slimmer than the bottom. This measurement, often called the slant height, is taken from the top edge down to the bottom edge along the exterior of the shade. If the shade is cylindrical (no slant), you would measure the vertical height straight down the side.
These three measurements are crucial for describing the lampshade's size and shape.
Understanding the Measurements
Let's look at what each measurement represents:
- Top Diameter/Width: This tells you the size of the top opening.
- Bottom Diameter/Width: This indicates the size of the bottom opening, which is often larger than the top, creating a cone or trapezoid shape.
- Side Height (Slant or Vertical): This measures the height of the shade itself. The slant height is most common for shades that flare out.
Example
Imagine you measure a lampshade and find the following:
- Top: 10 inches
- Bottom: 14 inches
- Side: 12 inches (slant height)
This would describe a shade with a 10-inch top diameter, a 14-inch bottom diameter, and a 12-inch slant height. When purchasing a replacement, you'd look for a shade with these dimensions.
Measurement Table
Using a table can be helpful to keep track of the dimensions:
| Measurement Type | Description | How to Measure |
|---|---|---|
| Top | Width across the top opening | Measure across the widest point (diameter for round, width/depth for square). |
| Bottom | Width across the bottom opening | Measure across the widest point (diameter for round, width/depth for square). |
| Side | Height along the side | Measure from top edge to bottom edge, following the slant if applicable. |
Taking these three simple measurements ensures you have the necessary information to select the correct lampshade size for your needs.
