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Outdoor Lamp Shades

Adding a lamp shade to your lighting outside won't just reduce unwanted glare from the bare light bulb, but also enhance your garden's overall appeal. Much like indoor shades, outdoor lamp shades can bring character to the setting and serve as an attractive accent. That being said, their main purpose is to direct and filter the light from the bulb so that your eyes are protected from the bright glare. So, whether you're looking for a stylish patio addition or a functional backyard accessory, you can have them both with a weatherproof lamp shade.

Lamp shades can be found in a multitude of materials such as fabric, plastic, glass parchment, and paper. However, if you plan on putting up your lamp shade out in your patio or yard, it's better to pick a material that's designed to withstand direct sunlight, rain, snow, and other weather conditions.

Whether you have a floor lamp, a hanging lamp, a wall-mounted fixture, or a table lamp, you can choose between a wide variety of lamp shade designs for your type of outdoor lighting. Likewise, there are plenty of styles and shapes available for different home aesthetics. Bell shades are commonly found in traditional homes whereas drum shades complement contemporary, transitional, and modern decors best. Empire, rectangle, cylinder, and tapered drum shades are also ideal choices for outdoor spaces with contemporary and modern designs. If you're looking for a timeless shade that suits all kinds of home styles, a square shade is your best bet. Plus, square shades can be placed against a wall which is useful for those with limited space.

In addition to selecting the right lamp shade material and style, you'll need to consider the type of fitter your lighting uses to secure the shade. The most common attachment types are spider fittings, which sit on top of the harp. A finial is used to attach the spider fitter to the lamp. Uno fittings are mainly for smaller lamps and don't require any harps since they fasten to the lamp socket instead. Lastly, clip-on attachment types simply clip onto the light bulb. These are commonly used on smaller lamps as well.

Lily is a modern designer with great appreciation for sleek architecture, a love for art in its many forms, and a passion for sharing her experience with people. If you’re looking for advice on how to modernize your old-fashioned place or make your new restaurant a visual blast, she’s definitely the one to ask.

8" H Synthetic Fabric Drum Lamp Shade ( Spider ) in Gray/Black

This drum-shaped lamp shade combines elegance and practicality in one. It’s an easy yet sophisticated way to dress up any light fixture, both indoors and outdoors. It’s crafted from synthetic fabric and features a unique smokey gray and black striped pattern along with a spider attachment type. This shade diffuses a soft and warm glow, perfect for a calming atmosphere.

Small Umbrella Sunbrella Lamp Shade Cover Shade Fabric: Soleil

One of the simplest ways to update your decor is with a bold and colorful lamp shade such as this botanical lamp shade. It’s full of character and adds a touch of (pretend) greenery to the scene. This printed outdoor shade measures 9.5'' H x 6'' (top) x 14'' (bottom) and can resist outdoor elements.

7.9" H x 11.8" W Bamboo Bell Lamp Shade ( Screw On ) in Natural

Looking for a shade that’ll stand out in your garden and instantly make heads turn? This bamboo lamp shade has got you covered. Its rattan design brings warmth and texture to any space and comes with a metal frame that will not break anytime soon. The attachment type of this outdoor shade is a screw-on.

11" H x 25" W Acrylic Empire Lamp Shade ( Clip on )

Made from acrylic fiber, this lamp shade is designed for the outdoors. Its fabric is all-weather, mildew-, soil-, and stain-resistant. It comes in various colors, making it a great option for those who want to introduce a pop of color to their outdoor area. What’s more, this empire shade isn’t a hassle to wash and has a simple clip-on attachment.

Linen Empire Lamp Shade ( Spider ) in Off-White

Give a fresh look to your outdoor lights with this artistic off-white lamp shade cover. It creates a subtle yet beautiful effect in any environment. It filters the light very well on top of that. Because this shade is a bit more delicate, it may wear off faster than others when outside.

Metal Bell Lamp Shade ( Clip On )

If you’re going for a modern themed backyard, this bell lamp shade won’t disappoint. It’s built from metal so you can rest assured that it won’t tear nor easily get damaged. Nevertheless, metal shades can be hot to touch. It’s great for redirecting light, but its maximum wattage is 40-watt candelabra bulbs which may not be ideal for everyone.

10" H Linen Rectangular Lamp Shade ( Spider ) in Off-White

Simple but elegant, this versatile lamp shade features an off-white linen fabric and a rectangular shape that goes well with most garden styles. It’s also suitable for a wide range of lamps, including table lamps. Unlike certain types of shades, this lamp shade doesn’t produce a yellow hue when lit.

Silk/Shantung Bell Lamp shade ( Spider )

Charming with a vintage feel, this lamp shade looks right at home on a cozy terrace. Not only is it aesthetically pleasing, but it also has a sturdy metal frame that doesn’t rust when exposed to water and flaunts a delicate shape that doesn't look too over-elaborate. In addition, its maximum wattage is 150 watt.

Outdoor Vintage Industrial Pendant Light Fitting with Glass Lamp Shade Retro Braided Flexible Wire Ceiling Lamp Finish Hanging Lighting for Kitchen Island Bedroom

This crystal glass lamp shade boasts a retro aesthetic and can either be displayed on its own as an accent piece or be clustered together to create a visually interesting arrangement. It includes a metal socket with an OFF/ON switch and adjustable cable. It’s rather easy to install since it already comes equipped with all the accessories you need.

Bungalow 5" H Glass Square Lamp Shade in Beige

Made from glass, this lamp shade is an exquisite choice for those searching for a more glamorous and expensive-looking design. Its beige finish can blend with most, if not all, color palettes and decors. Besides, it’s square shape looks fitting in both traditional and modern exteriors. Despite that, glass is fragile and may easily break.

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