Proportions matter
The shade height should be roughly ⅔ of the total visible height. Too tall and the lamp feels top-heavy; too short and the base dominates.
Material pairing
Contrast shade and base materials for visual interest — a linen shade on a brass base, glass on marble, paper on wood. Same material top and bottom reads as unfinished.
Light diffusion
Shade opacity controls the mood. 60–80% opacity gives a warm ambient glow; below 40% makes the bulb visible and creates harsh shadows.