Lamp Shades

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    Learn More About Lamp Shades

    There are some factors to take into consideration when choosing a lamp shade that’s fit for your space. Before you light up the room, here are some helpful tips to guide you to the perfect shade:


    1. Examine your lamp base. The lamp shade should complement its base in terms of size, shape, and style. If it’s for a small desk lamp, you’d likely want a small lamp shade, or if it’s for a rectangular-shaped stand, a square or rectangular lamp shade would flatter them best. Curvy bases pair well with rounded or pleated lamp shades.
    2. Determine your desired function of the lamp. The lamp’s purpose will affect the type of shade it requires to give you the result you want. For instance, a reading lamp would require a lamp shade that directs light downward or a semi-transparent shade, whereas a light for a dimly lit ambiance requires a lamp shade that diffuses light.
    3. Observe the room’s decor. The lamp shade should complement the other decor and furniture in the room. Consider the colors, patterns, materials used and overall style of the room, and find a lamp shade that echos the aesthetic.
    4. Consider the height. The height of the lamp shade can affect light distribution and the overall look of the lamp. As a general rule, the bottom of the lamp shade should be at eye level when sitting down for ideal distribution of the light.


    Look for shops on Etsy that offer custom lamp shades that allow you to choose the color or pattern, or work with an artist to personalize your lamp shades by using photographs or your choice of illustration and text.

    On Etsy, you’ll find unique modern and vintage lamp shades that accent a range of living spaces. See just how lamp shades and their construction suit the style and function of different types of lamps:


    • Cone lamp shades: This is a classic shape of a lamp shade and is commonly used with most styles of lamps. It has a narrow top that cones into a wider bottom.
    • Drum lamp shades: Like a drum, this lamp shade has a cylinder shape that is the same size from top to bottom and leans contemporary in style.
    • Pendant lamp shades: This versatile lamp shade envelopes a single light source and typically hangs from the ceiling. They comes in various shapes and sizes and are popular in kitchens and dining rooms.
    • Chandelier lamp shades: In a range of designs and styles, you’ll find small and large lamp shades for traditional and modern chandeliers of all sizes.
    • Rectangular lamp shades: These boxy shades come in many sizes long and short, thin and stout, and are often used with floor lamps.
    • Bell lamp shades: With a flared shape that resembles a bell, these lamp shades are commonly used for table lamps and chandeliers and are often found in vintage designs.

    Lamp shades are made in a range of materials that provide various light diffusions and style characteristics, from antique glass hurricane shades to Moroccan-style carved wood.


    • Fabric lamp shades: From pastel silk to patterned linen, there’s a variety of stunning fabric lamp shades from shops on Etsy. The thickness and color of the lamp shade will affect the overall diffusion and tint of the light shining through.
    • Glass lamp shades: Glass is a beautiful material found handblown, etched, or tinted. Light the room aglow in colorful hues of a stained glass lamp shade, or add a touch of elegant ambiance with a frosted glass lamp shade.
    • Rattan lamp shades: Natural lamp shades made from woven fibers like rattan or wicker add a rustic or bohemian flair to a room and add a subtle diffusion of light.
    • Metal lamp shades: Shades made from metal like copper, brass, or steel add an industrial, modern, or rustic aesthetic depending on its design. The type of metal used affects the amount of light that passes through.
    • Paper lamp shades: These lightweight lamp shades are made from durable paper in various styles, patterns, textures, and colors to flatter many aesthetics.
    • Wood lamp shades: Wooden lamp shades are made from different types of wood like oak and bamboo that provide a natural feel and warmth in their light. You’ll find wood lamp shades that are carved, painted or stained, or left in their raw form.