Style and shade
When it comes to changing the mood of a room, there are few things as effective as lighting - and by association, your choice of lampshade.
A well chosen lampshade can transform the look and feel of your room-adding warmth, character and a finishing touch to your decor. But with so many styles available, how do you know which is best for your needs?
Here’s our go-to guide for choosing the correct lampshade style for your space:
All about the base
Consider the shape of your base as this will give you a guide to shade style. Round or cylindrical bases often pair well with empire or drum shade, while a candlestick or urn base work well with a pleated tapered or coolie shade
Stay in keeping
It’s a simple point, but be sure to think about any shade in the context of your decorating style. Classic interiors tend to suit a tapered pleated shade, even elevated with a trim or fringe detail, whilst a more modern decorating style would suit a clean silhouette of a drum or rectangular shade.
Size isn’t everything
After years of experience, I’ve come to realise that choosing the ‘correct’ size is very dependant on personal taste. Personally, I prefer a slightly oversized shade to base. However, for those who aren’t sure the general rule is that your shade should be around two-thirds the height of your base.
Substance before style
Identifying whether the lamp you are choosing the shade for is serving a purpose, or if it is purely for ambient or diffused lighting will help govern your decision. Shades made from opaque or dark fabric will create a moodier, more atmospheric glow, whilst a wide bottom shade or pale silk shade will cast more light.
Finally: Try, try again
Wherever possible, try the shade on your base before making a final decision. Proportion and light diffusion will always be different in your own home, and you need to be sure it’s ticking the right boxes.
Hopefully the above will help guide you, but just like choosing clothes for your wardrobe, it’s a personal choice. Your shade should reflect you, your home and your style.
Decorating is about expressing your personality and there are no set rules...only guidance! But please get in touch if you feel you could benefit from some more input.