How to Choose a Clip On Sconce or Chandelier Shade
Today, I wanted to dive in with a design topic that has been on my mind lately… clip on sconce, lamp, and chandelier shades. As I’ve been transitioning our home from holiday to winter, I’ve been making cozy adjustments here and there. One thing that came to mind was adding shades to my office chandelier. Click through for some tips for choosing the best shade option for your fixture and to see some different shades on a few of mine! I’ve got lots of cozy lighting ideas for winter packed into this one…
My beloved Choros chandelier in my home office really started a chain reaction of clip on shade purchases. While that fixture is on a dimmer, I thought shades would make my workspace feel warm and inviting. The Visual Comfort chandelier wasn’t intended to have shades, but anything with a candelabra bulb is fair game, in my book. Lighting is so impactful- especially this time of year, and clip on shades are one of the easiest, most affordable, and versatile ways to seasonally update your fixtures and aesthetic. Check out the before & after below… both are beautiful! One feels lighter, one feels warmer. Which do you prefer?
How Do Clip On Shades Work?
What is a clip on shade? They’re shades that have a built-in wire insert that slides over the bulb and snaps into place… meaning they attach directly to the bulb (no harp needed). They’re secure, they’re easy to install (it takes about 5 seconds), and they’re surprisingly affordable- making them ideal for versatility, seasonal swaps, and upgrading fixtures. Here’s how to find the best fit…
Determine Your Bulb & Shade Size
First, take a peek at your bulb size and shape. Clip on shades are designed specifically for candelabra bulbs in a couple different sizes. To ensure a snug fit, know your bulb size and type before you purchase a shade! You’ll also want to choose the right size shade so it’s visually in proportion to the fixture. There is a designer formula, but I usually just eyeball it and trust my design instincts. Here are some helpful shade selection “rules”… you decide if it’s best to follow them or break them (in the name of design):
- Know your bulb type and size
- Round bases pair well with round shades
- Square bases pair well with angular shades (think tapered square, cut corner, square bell, etc)
- The shade should be around 30-40% of the lamp base height
- Choose a shade that is twice the width of the base for a balanced look
Clip On Shade Styles
Like regular lamp shades, there are many styles. Clip ons usually fit smaller fixtures though: sconces, table lamps, accent lamps, chandeliers, night lights, etc… anything with a candelabra bulb. I prefer my shade to match the base style (example: tapered empire shade with a round base), or I’ll pull something out of left field for high contrast (candelabra sconce with a rectangular cut corner shade). It’s fun to play since they’re easy to “try on”…
Consider Your Aesthetic
You know your aesthetic best! Find options that complement your home, the vignette you’re styling, and consider the fixture you’re working with. Clip ons are also a great shade to experiment with, since they are budget friendly. Don’t be afraid of color, texture, pattern, pleating, piping, scalloped edges, or trim details!
You should also consider functionality… shades come in both paper and fabric choices. Some allow filtered light, some are more opaque, and others are sheer. Depending on how much light you need the fixture to emit or diffuse, choose the material accordingly.
Scroll through to see some shades I tried on my favorite living room sconces! This classic fixture truly looks good with any style… which is your favorite?
My Favorites
Click directly on each shade below to be redirected.
I compiled a handful of shades from a variety of retailers (of varying budgets) to get your wheels turning. There are so many options! Which ones are you gravitating toward from the collage?
FAQ
Table lamps, sconces, chandeliers, night lights (they make half clip on shades that are perfect for those!), vintage fixtures, and lights that need a quick upgrade or makeover. They’re the easiest to style. I actually keep a handful in a cabinet that I’m constantly rotating.
Lots of reasons… budget, electrical wiring, time, wanting a non permanent / non committal solution, etc. Just like swapping our your pillows & throws a couple times a year, it’s an easy way to drastically change the look of a vignette without spending too much time, effort, or money.
Lamps Plus, Etsy, Amazon, Wayfair, Walmart, etc. You can get them pretty much anywhere. I created an Amazon board with my favorites for you! These are also easy shades to modify. If you’d like to add trim, check out my double sconce easy shade upgrade. I did just that for the fixture above my burl bathroom vanity table in the guest bathroom!
They’re also referred to as “candle clip” shades.
Related Lighting Posts
Looking for more lighting posts? I’ve shared so many over the years, you may be interested in reading or looking back on…
- Tips for Layering Lighting Like a Designer
- Visual Comfort Open Box Sale
- Ideas for Styling Crystal Table Lamps
- Hiding Cords for Wall Sconces & Picture Lights
- Tiny Lamp Makeover & Pleated Shade DIY
- Trend Alert : Candle Holder Wall Sconces
- Wood Detail Sconce DIY
- Swapping Our Entryway Chandelier
- Woven Lighting for Summer
- The Tuesday Made Lighting Collection (my curated picks in my shop!)
- Your Guide to Recessed Lighting
- Roundup: Sphere Base Table Lamps
- How to Navigate LED Lighting
- How to Upgrade Your Lamps & Light Fixtures
- Trend Alert : Bouillotte Lamps
- Double Sconce Easy Shade Upgrade
I hope you enjoyed this one! Let me know if you have any lighting or shade questions in the comment section below. I hope everyone is having a good week. We’re in the middle of a big winter storm here, so I’ve been nestling in, restyling with cozy comforts in mind, and have slowly been packing away our holiday decor. Until next year, I suppose!