Blog · How-to
How to Measure a Lamp Shade
By Kate McGregor Published
Metal drum and pendant shades only fit when three numbers and the fitter type match. Measure the shade you are replacing, then check how your fixture holds a shade.
The three numbers
- Top diameter. Across the opening at the top of the shade.
- Bottom diameter. Across the opening at the bottom (usually the widest for a drum).
- Height. Vertical distance from top rim to bottom rim.
SWAIFDEE titles write these as top × bottom × height. The 10×12×8" Forest Iron Shade is a mid drum: 10" top, 12" bottom, 8" high, etched forest pattern, antique bronze and gold finish cues, spider fitter language on the shop page.
Step-by-step
- Remove the old shade (or measure it in place if it will not lift cleanly).
- Measure top diameter with a tape across the center.
- Measure bottom diameter the same way.
- Measure height along the side.
- Write the three numbers in the same order the shop page uses: top × bottom × height.
- Note the fitter before you browse patterns.
Spider vs UNO
Spider (harp). A center spider sits on a harp; a finial locks the shade. Most SWAIFDEE forest drums, including the 10×12×8, call for spider-with-harp. Clip-to-ring assembly notes appear on the product page. Confirm your lamp has a harp or buy one that fits the socket.
UNO. A slip-on fitter that threads onto the socket. The Small Pendant Shade, UNO Fitter is for hanging fixtures that take UNO hardware (about 9.45" H × 5.12" diameter on the shop page). UNO is not spider. Ordering the wrong fitter means the shade will not seat.
Picking a forest size
Once fitter and numbers match, choose the pattern and scale:
- Compact: 5×9×7.5" Forest Etched Shade
- Mid: 10×12×8" Forest Iron Shade
- Larger: 12×14×10" Antique Bronze Shade
- Black/gold forest: 7×13×7.8" Black & Gold Forest
Starry and lotus parents swap the motif, not the measuring method. See the SWAIFDEE review hub and the lamp shade guide.
Respect bulb heat guidance on metal shades. Measure twice; order once.