A fashionable new lampshade breathes new life into an old lamp.
Once upon a time, the choices were very limited to bell shapes in cream or white.
These days you have a rainbow of colors, patterns and shapes at your fingertips: square, oval, drum-shaped, striped, silk or sage-colored.
There is something sure to delight the most particular decorator.
Some will have you believe that choosing the right lamp shade requires calculations achievable only by a NASA engineer, but that is simply not so.
Here are a few tricks and tips for finding the right topper for your lamp: Size

• Make sure the bottom edge of the shade will cover the hardware or socket of the lamp.
  
• Wider shades will cast more light in the area for reading or other tasks.
  
• Choose a shade that is approximately 2/3 the height of the lamp base.
  For example:if your lamp base is 21″, then your lamp shade should be about 14″ high.
  

Shape

• Drum and bell-shaped style shades are timeless and classic.
  
• Unusual shapes such as squares and ovals add a modern look to your design.
  
• Do not be afraid to pair a modern shade with a classic base.
  

Color

• White or cream shades allow the most light to shine through.
  If the lamp shade is dark, most of your light will be directed downward.
  
• Consider whether you want the lamp to stand out as an accent piece or coordinate with other lamps in the room.
  
• Several lamps in a room with similar lampshades create a more serene feeling.
  

And do not forget to check if your lamp has a harp or if the shade screws into the socket.
These require two different types of shades.
Be brave and choose something eye-catching.
You will love the transformation!