Mason Jar Lampshades

Choosing the Right Size

Selecting the Best Size Lampshade Depends on the Size of the Lamp Base

Hello,

I am looking to find some suggestions, please.

I am making 1 quart wide mouth canning jar lamps and have gone to the Fogg lighting website to purchase the lampshades. What size lamp shade do you suggest?

The 4 x 11 x 7 seems like it may be too big for the 1 quart jar. I am using standard light bulbs, so I was wondering if you thought the 4 x 7 x 7 shade would work?

Thanks!

Your website is so helpful and neat!

Jennifer

Thank you. I'm so glad you're enjoying The Artful Crafter website.

I agree with you that a 4 x 11 x 7 inch shade would be too big for a standard 1-quart canning jar lamp.

The picture below shows a 1-quart canning jar lamp which measures 8 ½ inches in height from the bottom of the jar to the bottom of the lamp socket. I think the shade looks pretty well-proportioned to the lamp base. It measures 3 inches in diameter at the top, 8 ½ inches at the bottom, and 6 inches in height.

There is a bit of leeway in lampshade dimensions. I think the 4 x 7 x 7-inch shade would do just fine.

The picture below is an artist's (me - lol) rendering of how the 4 x 7 x 7 shade will look. In fact I think this look is better suited to such a small lamp.

For future reference, here are some guidelines for determining lampshade size for a well-proportioned look.

How to Select the Right Size Lampshade for a Table Lamp

Measure the height of the lamp base from the table to the bottom of the bulb socket.

• Shade Height should equal between five-eighths and seven-eights the height of the base as measured above (base + socket stem).
• Shade Bottom Diameter should equal the base height (base + socket stem) plus or minus two inches.

How to Select a Lamp Harp for a Table Lamp

The harp which slips into the sides of the light bulb socket should not be visible when the lamp is viewed at eye level.

In other words, it should be hidden by the lampshade. Consequently, the harp should be the height of the shade plus or minus approximately one half inch.

For more articles about mason jar lamps, see Mason Jar Lamps.