Lamp Shades

Lampshades: The Secret to Great Lighting

Lighting is not restricted to the bulbs only. It is about the lampshades, too. However, in the big picture of setting up the house or renovating it, we completely forget about the lampshades. The first clue we have is when, despite everything being perfect, something still does not seem right. 

Lampshades are transformative. They change the look of a dull home into something fascinating. In fact, shades for the lamps are probably the easiest and most economical way to give your home a nicely refreshing feel. So, be it a large lampshade or small lamp shades, they should not be taken too lightly. This guide will take you through all the things that you must know in order to get the best lampshades for your home.

Why Are Lampshades Important?

1. Aesthetic Impact - The lamp base alone is not enough to make an impact. When adorned with a suitable lampshade, it becomes a decorative element. The complete lamp adds to the aesthetics of your home. For example, a large lampshade in the living room becomes a focal point. 

2. Light Diffusion - Lampshades control the spread of light. Without the shade, the light will be harsh and too bright, spreading equally in all directions. Lamp shades for table lamps and large ceiling lampshades permit appropriate diffusion of light, making it more focused. 

3. Functionality - Different rooms have different lighting needs, which the lampshades help fulfil. Bedside table lamp shades need to provide adequate task light for activities like reading, etc. Similarly, large wooden lamp shades for the ceiling will be perfect to illuminate the entire room. 

4. Building Ambience - With lampshades, you can build an ambience of your choice. Orange lamp shades will create a bright and cheerful atmosphere, yellow lamp shades are a gorgeous way to add a sunny effect, and for cool and calming vibes, blue lamp shades are perfect. 

What Materials Are Best for Lampshades?

1. Linen - Linen lamp shades have a natural, relaxed look with a slightly rough texture. These shades extend a soft, diffused glow, which creates a cosy atmosphere. As a result, linen lamp shades are an ideal choice for table lamp shades in living rooms and bedrooms. They are also effective in making a statement as large ceiling lampshades.

2. Cotton - Cotton lamp shades are known for their excellent colour-holding properties. That is why you will always see the best colour combinations on it. These shades are also extremely versatile. They fit into every decor. Simple white lamp shades or boho lamp shades in cotton work wonders in any room. 

3. Silk - Silk speaks the language of richness and grandeur. Pink lamp shades made from this fabric add a luxurious touch to the home. Silk lamp shades for floor lamps add a lavish and sophisticated appeal, which is why they are used in Victorian lamp shades to enhance the opulent feel.

How do Gathered and Non-Gathered Lampshades Differ?

Gathered Lamp Shades - Gathered lamp shades have a very traditional look in which the fabric is roughly collected by hand, giving rise to rounded folds. It also results in a texture that adds interest and intrigue to any room. The classic yet elegant design diffuses light in a soft, mellow glow and complements the decor, giving it a timeless appeal. 

Non-Gathered Lamp Shades - Non-Gathered lamp shades are sleek and modern and have a smooth surface like drum lampshades. These may be in solid colours or boast lively prints. Since these shades allow light to pass through effectively, it is ideal to use them as bathroom lamp shades or lamp shades for ceiling lights.

What Are the Different Design Patterns in Lampshades?

Prints or patterns are available in cotton lampshades only. The vibrant and playful designs add liveliness to the interiors.

1. Ikat - Ikat is a traditional method of dyeing fabric. The fabric is bound tightly, and dyes of different colours are poured over it. Later, the bindings are removed, and a colourful, slightly blurred pattern emerges. Pendant lamp shades and lamp shades for floor lamps with ikat print look stunning and become a pretty focal point.

2. Geometric - Geometric patterns are a craze in modern lamp shades. These designs, consisting of squares, triangles and hexagons, give a structured feel to the room. Colourful geometric print lamp shades help incorporate colours in an enticing manner in modern, minimalist interiors.

3. Florals - Flower patterns are always in season, fitting nicely in both traditional and modern interiors. Victorian lamp shades with delicate roses or patterned lamp shades favouring oversized blooms are just different ways of bringing nature indoors. Adding a feminine touch, these shades are a fantastic choice as lamp shades for the bedroom.

4. Stripes - Stripes add style to an otherwise dull space. They are playful and imaginative and give a lift to the entire ambience. Stripes can be bold, like black lamp shades with white stripes, or subtle, like grey lamp shades with cream stripes. In fact, they look so good that you can use them anywhere in the house to add interest and excitement.

5. Chevrons - These up-and-down or zig-zag designs are all about the fluidity of movement. They add energy to the room, making it look more dynamic. Chevron prints in small and large lamp shades for table lamps present a captivating and sensational sight.

What Are the Shape Options for Fabric Lamp Shades?

1. Empire - The Empire shape is one of the most classic lamp shade designs, in which the bottom is wide and the top slightly narrow. It looks like an open cone with a natural incline. This look is mostly seen in vintage and Art Deco lamp shades. Empire lamp shades also work in modern spaces with the right fabric and pattern, such as linen or cotton.

2. Straight Empire - The Straight Empire is similar to the traditional Empire but with straight sides. This shape offers a more contemporary look while retaining the classic wide-bottomed design. In lamp shades for floor lamps, the straight empire structure adds a modern touch.

3. Drum - Drum lampshades are cylindrical and have equal dimensions at the top and bottom. This shade is popular in lamp shades for wall lights because of its clean form and simple lines. Block-printed cotton lamp shades in drum shape can also be deployed as statement pieces.

What Are the Best Colours in Lampshades?

1. Vibrant and Playful - Pink, yellow, green, and orange are playfully vibrant colours. Pink lamp shades bring to the room a subtle romantic touch, while yellow lamp shades give it a cheerfully warm feel. Green lamp shades remind us of the beauty of nature, and orange lamp shades add energy and enthusiasm.

2. Bold Colours - Red, blue, and black are bold colours that make a statement. Red lampshades add drama and passion, making them suitable for the living room and bedroom. Blue lamp shades bring in a feeling of calm comfort, and black lamp shades build an elegant and sophisticated ambience.

3. Neutral Colours - White and grey are the neutral colour tones that enhance the light's diffusion. White lamp shades also cover cream lamp shades and the more earthy-looking beige lamp shades. They give the room a crisp and airy feel. Small lamp shades in neutral colours give the best look.

How to Match the Fabric Lamp Shades With Different Decor Styles?

1. Traditional Decor - With traditional decor, silk, linen, and block-printed cotton lamp shades for wall lights are preferred. Opt for classic shapes and consider patterns like florals or stripes. Cream lamp shades, beige lamp shades, and navy lamp shades will look really good. If you want to add some colour, think of adding pink or red lampshades.

2. Contemporary Interiors - In modern interiors, a minimalist look works the best. However, there is nothing stopping you from adding colour. Use green lamp shades for freshness, orange lamp shades for a vibrant feel, and blue lamp shades for tranquillity. To add some texture, you can incorporate wooden lampshades and boho lamp shades as well.

3. Coordinating with Room Colour Palette - When coordinating lamp shades with your room’s colour palette, consider what colours are already present in the room and which are dominant. White lamp shades will balance a brightly coloured room, and patterned lamp shades will tie the different coloured elements nicely. Shades for the lamps should be such that they bring the room together.

How to Choose the Perfect Lampshade?

There are a few important things to remember while selecting your ideal lampshade. Let’s see what they are:

1. Lining - The inner fabric of a lampshade is known as its lining, which is responsible for the durability of the shade and the quality of light it emits. It is important to note that gathered style empire and straight empire shades have a luxe silk lining, while rolled-styled shades in the drum, straight and empire shapes have a cotton lining. 

2. Fitting - Fitting refers to how a lampshade attaches itself to the base. There are two common options: gimbal and reverse gimbal. A gimbal frame is designed to sit over a typical lamp holder and is mostly used with empire-shaped lampshades. Likewise, a reverse gimbal fitting is used for pendant-style, floor lamp and table lamp lighting, wherein the frame attaches from the top in a reverse fashion. It is mostly used in straight empire and drum-shaped shades.

3. Width - It's important to ensure that the width of your shade base is roughly equal to the height of your lamp. The height of the lamp is measured from the base to the fitting. The width of your shade should be at least one centimetre wider than the base on both ends so that the lamp looks chic and balanced. 

Closing Thoughts

Now that you know how lampshades can change the entire feel of your home, it is necessary to choose them wisely. If you like teal lamp shades, use them to complement the existing decor. Similarly, lamp shades for the bedroom should help create a relaxing atmosphere, so abstract prints and energetic colours will not look good here. Think of the lampshade's colour, style, and material to gauge light’s diffusion. Lastly, it should deliver full functionality, like in the case of bathroom lamp shades, which need to be moisture-resistant. Remember, the right lampshade will enhance your decor and create a magnificently lit home.

To buy the best lamp shades online, you must visit Comet Lighting. We are committed to bringing the best products to your doorstep. Our colourful range of lampshades covers different designs and different styles, and all of them come in the best quality, so you get your money’s worth every time.