Affordable and available in a dizzying array of patterns, materials, and colors, it's easy to update your room's decor with a new light shade. To help you choose the best light shade for your home, we're going to share our top interior design tips. Here's all you need to know to pick the perfect lamp shade.
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Here are some of the most popular shapes of light shade to consider when choosing your new model.
Empire
The classic, quintessential light shade shape, empire light shades are shaped like cones, but with the top cut straight.
The top diameter is approximately half the diameter of the bottom, giving them an aesthetically pleasing, straight sloping shape. This timeless light shade shape is the most versatile and it will work well with any style decor.
Bell
Similar to empire light shades, bell ones have sloping sides. However, they also slope inwards for a softer look. This makes their lower edge flare out slightly for a more dramatic lighting effect.
They complement curved lamp bases and add a traditional and feminine touch to your decor. Opt for models with braiding or beads to add a decorative touch to traditional or shabby chic decors.
They are also a nice addition to your side table for late-night reading.
Drum
Cylindrical in shape, drum light shades work best in a contemporary or modern setting.
Their straight lines and clean looks make them a popular choice. Suitable for use as pendant light shades or for table lamps, this no-frills style also works well in a minimalist setting.
Rectangular
Rectangular lamp shades make a great choice for table lamps as they fit flush with your walls. If you have a rectangular side or console table, consider pairing it with a rectangular light shade, especially in narrow hallways or landings.
Oval
Oval light shades can also be useful for fitting in tight spaces. More forgiving to the eye than rectangular versions, they take up less depth than round models, making them another good choice for hallways.
Light shades are available in a variety of different materials. Here are some of the most popular options to consider.
Cotton
Cotton light shades are versatile and durable.
Suitable for use in any room of the house, cotton light shades are best teamed with a rustic or traditional decor. As cotton is also easy to clean, you can use it in your living room or other areas of the house where it may get dirty or accumulate dust.
Silk
A classic, luxurious choice, silk is best suited to intimate sitting rooms and the bedroom.
It can complement a traditional decor, shabby chic or even modern with an unusual color or print. It makes an elegant choice, although it can be difficult to clean should it get dirty.
Linen
With its earthly, cozy look and often slightly wrinkled appearance, linen lampshades work best in traditional rooms that have a lived-in look.
Farmhouse, shabby chic or traditional decors all look great with linen light shades. It is also a highly durable material that will hold its looks for many years.
Paper/Parchment
Ideal for a minimalist or modern look, paper light shades are available in a variety of colors and prints.
Choose a bold color that stands out against your decor or opt for a geometric shaped pattern. Marbled painted lamp shades add a touch of creativity and individuality that can serve as decoration and contrast with a more neutral background of block colors.
