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