What to Consider When Making a Lampshade
Have you ever considered making your own lampshade, or commissioning a bespoke one? It’s a fantastic way to inject personality and unique style into your home. The beauty of a custom lampshade lies in its ability to be truly unique to your interior style and taste. But where do you start? Let’s walk through some key considerations.
The journey to your ideal lampshade begins with a few foundational choices. Thinking about these elements upfront will ensure your finished lampshade not only looks stunning but also functions perfectly in its intended space.
1. What Shape?
The shape of your lampshade can dramatically alter the feel of a room:
- Contemporary vs. Softer Look: Are you aiming for a modern aesthetic or something more classic and soft?
- Drum Lampshades: These are versatile and lend themselves well to most interior styles, particularly modern spaces.
- Empire or Coolie Shaped Lampshades: These can soften the look and give a more classic feel.
2. What Size Shade?
Size matters when it comes to lampshades, there needs to be balance, but also impact:
- For a Lamp Base: When considering the size of your lampshade, it’s important to think about the base it will sit on. You don’t want a top-heavy lamp! As a guide, the height of your lampshade should be around the width of your base.
- For a Ceiling Rose: If your shade is for a ceiling rose, consider the size of the room to ensure it’s proportionate, something too small, may not make the impact you are after. Something too large, may just get in the way.
- Trial and Error: If you can, play around with shades you already have to get an idea of what size would look well-balanced.
3. But Which Fabric?
This is often the most exciting part – choosing your fabric!
- Pattern Placement: The most important thing to consider is how the pattern will sit on your finished shade.
- Large Prints: If it’s a large print, you may not be able to capture it all on your finished shade, so take into account your finished shade diameter and height.
If you’d like further help on this, I’ve written a useful blog post here ‘The Ulitmate Guide to Choosing Fabric for Lampshades’ which you mey find help.
4. Eye-Catching Linings…
While most lampshades have a white lining, don’t overlook the potential of the interior!
- Creative Options: It’s possible to line your lampshade with metallic PVC, fabric, or even wallpaper!
- Ceiling Shades: If your lampshade is for a ceiling rose, you’ll mainly view your shade from underneath. This is a fantastic opportunity to create extra interest with a complementary or contrasting lining.
5. FInishing Touches: Trims & Braids
The finishing touches can elevate your lampshade from beautiful to truly exceptional.
- Embellishment Options: There are so many trims available to embellish the bottom of your finished lampshade – from pom-poms to ric-rac, bias binding to tassels!
- Experimentation: Once you’ve decided on the type of trim, order some samples and play around with colours. You can use clothes pegs to temporarily hold them in place and take photos to help you make your final decision.
But Remember: There Are No Rules!
The beauty of making your own lampshade, or having one custom-made, is that you can get truly creative and craft something totally unique to your interior style and taste. If you like it, go for it!
If you’re ready to bring your unique lampshade vision to life, whether you have a specific fabric in mind, need help choosing the perfect style, or want to discuss restoring an old lampshade, get in touch!
I’m here to help you create lighting that truly reflects your home!
