Shades give old lamps new life

If you find yourself wishing your tired lamps and chandeliers could stay a bit more in the shadows, perhaps it’s time to replace them. The shades, that is.

Lamps are often described as the jewelry of the room, the accessory that sets your style statement. Modern lamps can put an contemporary spin on more traditional furniture. Glamorous lamps add a dressed-up element to casual rooms, and vintage pieces can contribute everything from industrial edge to ’70s style.

But the shade is the detail that lets your lamp find its voice: It determines if the lamp fits the space, the purpose and the style in mind. Thus, a quick and usually inexpensive change of shade can transform old lamps into fresh style.

Here are a few things to consider when switching shades:

• Get the proportions right. Pairing the shade’s size and shape with a lamp is key, but there are a few rules to get it right. Hardware should be covered by the shade, which means the harp that the shade stands on may need to be replaced to lower the new shade over the switch and socket. Measuring a lamp ahead of time can help in choosing the right size, but it is best to bring the lamp to a store and try on shades. A lighting store that sells shades can offer expertise and options, and bringing a lamp to a big-box store isn’t out of the question. When you see the right look, you’ll know.

• Carefully consider size. Know the space you want the lamp to go into and how much room there is for a shade. If the shade gets bumped every time someone passes the lamp, , the shade will get bent. Will a larger shade fit under nearby shelves? Will it obstruct a view? Will the shape complement the table it sits on? Measure the space to be sure. Check websites for exact dimensions of the shade you’re considering buying.

• Allow for light. Color and opaqueness vary greatly from shade to shade, so remember to choose one not only for the color but also for the amount of light you’ll need the lamp to produce. Tole shades and some dark, lined shades allow light to be cast only vertically, while lighter shades allow for more ambient light in a room.

• Try on everything. Once you’ve got your lamp in the store, be open to different shade shapes, sizes and colors. As like trying on clothes, sometimes the unexpected choice is the one that makes the look come together. And a perfect shade can elevate any lamp, from that splurge-worthy favorite to a garage sale find.