Use Real Rawhide Lamp Shades For Southwest Style Lamps

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