| The right rawhide lamp shade can make a perfect | | | | the size of the shade out of paper or cardboard. |
| lamp. But the wrong size shade can make a | | | | For example, use the lower edge of the |
| beautiful lamp look out of balance. And ordering | | | | cardboard for the base line. Measure up the height |
| the wrong size lampshade is inconvenient and | | | | of the shade and draw a horizontal line parallel to |
| expensive. Make the right choice the first time. | | | | the base line which will represent the top edge of |
| Our specialty is rustic lighting and southwestern | | | | the shade. Now draw a vertical line straight up and |
| rawhide lamp shades but the technique we use will | | | | down from base line or to the top edge line. If |
| work with any lamp shade, rawhide or otherwise. | | | | you imagine the base line, vertical line and top |
| Give it a try to help choose the right shade for | | | | edge line as the capital letter "I" you are on the |
| your lamp even before you order. Follow this | | | | right track. |
| simple procedure to help make the right choice | | | | The next step is to mark the top and bottom |
| the first time. | | | | dimensions of the shade on your pattern so that |
| First, we need to understand how lampshades are | | | | you get the correct slant for the edge of the |
| measured. You will need three measurements, | | | | shade. From the center line measure and mark |
| bottom diameter, top diameter and height. The | | | | the top diameter of the shade. If the top |
| height of a shade should be measured straight up | | | | diameter is 5" then measure to the left and right |
| and down vertically...not along the slant. | | | | of the center line along the top edge line 2.5" on |
| Measuring Tip #1: The reason we measure height | | | | both sides and make a mark. Those points are |
| up and down, "vertically" is that the height | | | | the top corners of your pattern. Repeat along the |
| measurement of you lamp from bulb socket base | | | | baseline using the shade's bottom diameter. If it |
| to top of harp is probably the minimum vertical | | | | seems confusing, it's really not, but very simple |
| height you will want to cover with your shade. | | | | and quick. See our full color shade measuring |
| Measuring Tip #2: The height of your lamp can be | | | | graphic for a visual aid. |
| adjusted with a shorter or taller harp to be able | | | | Finally, cut out the pattern and have someone |
| to use a standard shade rather than ordering a | | | | hold it in place over the lamp, while you step back |
| custom lampshade in many cases. | | | | and look. Even though it is flat, you will be able to |
| Now, here is the trick to ordering the right shade. | | | | get a feel for how the shade will look on your |
| You probably have an idea of the approximate | | | | lamp and order with confidence. It's not full proof |
| size, so simply consult a list of rawhide lamp | | | | but it is a quick and easy way to make sure that |
| shades and select the one you are considering. | | | | you are on the right track in your shade size |
| Each shade's measurements should be listed as | | | | selection. This simple idea has helped our clients |
| described above. | | | | save a lot of aggravation and money over the |
| Next, make a simple two-dimensional "flat" pattern | | | | years and we trust it will benefit you too. |