Often the details can make a big difference. Something as simple as a new lamp shade can be just what you've been looking for to spruce up your living space. While lamp shades serve a functional purpose by shading bright lighting, they are also a wonderful way to personalize your home. Whether you decide to replace your lamp shade to match the changing seasons, achieve a different mood or complement some new decor, you have many options to choose from.
Lampshades can be categorized based on a number of factors, including shape, size and material. While the task of replacing a lamp shade may seem trivial, it's important to consider all of these factors in order to achieve the look and feel you want.
With that said, let's take a deeper look at some of the different onestypes of lampshadesavailable to refresh your space.
How lamp shades work
Although everyone has them, most of them do not think about how lamp shades work and what they are used for in the home.Lamp shades are responsible for blocking, filtering and directing the light coming from the lamp.Openings at the top and bottom of the shade allow light and heat to escape. While the shades themselves are attached to the lamp via a connector that connects to the shade frame.
Lamp Shade Considerations
When it comes to choosing the right lamp shade, there is a lot to consider.
- Size:The goal is to choose a lamp shade that is in proportion to the base of your lamp. Overall, the lamp shade must be approximately two-thirds the height of the lamp base. In terms of width, the shade should not be more than twice the width of the lamp base.
- Form:The shape of the lamp shade should also match the lamp base. For example, circular or hexagonal shades go well with round lamps, rectangular or square shades are ideal for square or angular bases, and you can use almost any shape of shade for lamps with sconce bases.
- Material:The specific material from which the shade is made will have a direct impact on the appearance, style, and especially on the lighting properties. You want to make sure the shade is transparent enough to let the desired amount of light through.
- Color:To create a focal point in the space, opt for a lamp shade with an unusual pattern or intense colors. For a more muted look, choose a shade in a soft, neutral color.
- Mounting accessory:The lamp shade is attached to the lamp using one of four types of fittings. Make sure you choose the fitting that matches your light fixture.
Types of lampshades according to shape
Lampshades are available in a range of intriguing and unusual shapes. Again, make sure you choose the lamp shade shape based on the lamp base. While there really isn't a one-size-fits-all eyeshadow, knowing the most popular eyeshadows can help you in your search for the perfect eyeshadow.
1. The Empire
Empire shades have a standard shape, consisting of a relatively small opening at the top, sloping sides and a wide opening at the bottom. Because of themclassic conical shape, emit light downwards through a wide rim. Because of this, empire shades are ideal for accent lighting and are commonly used for table lamps.
These types of lamp shades will complement almost any style and base, but are often seen with sconces or round bases.
2. Bell
As the name suggests, bell lampshades are bell-shaped, witha round opening at the top and sides that curve down to a wide opening at the bottom.A section at the bottom of the shade helps to emit light outwards, providing maximum coverage. Meanwhile, the top of the bell lamp shade distributes a softer, ambient light.
These shades are usually combined with a classic or traditional style of decoration. Like empire shades, bell shades work well with sconces and round lamp bases.
3. Drum
They have a drum, or round lampshadeswide cylindrical shape, high sides and wide edges of equal size at the top and bottom. This enables equal distribution of light upwards and downwards. These types of shades are ideal for tall floor lamps or placed above a table. Their clean, vertical sides work well with contemporary, modern and transitional decorating styles.
4. Bowl/ Dome
Bowl or dome lampshades are an adaptation of the empire shapea wide pool that distributes the light downwards.They are most often used for ceiling lighting fixtures or with large floor lamps for general lighting needs. As the name suggests, they have a hemispherical shape that looks lively with traditional or classic decor.
5. Rectangular and square
Rectangular and square lampshades are popular in modern and contemporary spaces. They are also ideal for pairing with square or angular lamp bases. Rectangular shades have two sides that are longer than the others, while square shades have all sides of the same length.
no matter,square and rectangular lampshades have straight edges instead of round edges, giving them a modern look.These types of lampshades emit enough light to be used for general or task lighting.
6. Novelty
The new lamp shades come in a wide variety of unique sizes, shapes and designs. These types of eyeshadows are unique in nature and are ideal for those who are looking for somethingparticularly conspicuous.
Types of lampshades according to material
Another way to categorize lamp shades is based on the material they are made of. Fortunately, there are a number of different lamp shade materials to choose from, and the ideal one for your home depends on the purpose of the particular lamp.
While transparent shades are great for ambient lighting and reading, opaque shades will direct light in a more defined way and are perfect for setting mood and accentuating objects in a room.
1. Glass lamp shade
Glass lampshades range from clear to opaque, and include art and Tiffany glass. Although very fragile, glass shades are easy to clean. They also come in a range of shapes, but are most commonly found in round shapes.
2. Metal lamp shade
Metal lampshades are usually round or dome-shaped and are usually used for task lighting or placed above tables on overhead pendant lights. The opacity of the metal directs the light downwards and, unless perforated, does not come out of the shadow.
3. Crystal lamp shade
Crystal lampshades are made of numerous prismatic crystals fused together into a shade. They usually have rounded bezels, with bands of silver metal that go well with sparkling crystals. These crystals cast reflections of light that can add a touch of glamor to any space.
4. Lampshade made of sackcloth
Lampshades made from natural burlap can add a warm, rustic charm to your living space. Their opacity makes them ideal for ambient lighting and accent lighting, as all light will be distributed through the top and bottom openings of the shade.
5. Paper lamp shade
Paper lampshades are a very cost-effective choice and are available in a range of colours, textures and opacities. To offer stability, they usually have a laminated base. Although in general paper lampshades are more fragile than many other alternatives.
6. Mica lamp shade
These lamp shades, very common in arts and crafts decorating styles, are made from mineral slag flakes and then combined with organic shellac. Each clay lamp shade is unique, with differences in mineral deposit patterns and color.
7. Silk lampshade
Lampshades made from silk fabric come in a range of colors and textures. Although they are relatively difficult to clean, silk lampshades give a beautiful effect of filtered lighting to a room and can complement almost any style.
8. Linen lampshade
Linen is a popular choice for lampshades, as the material is relatively inexpensive, strong, and comes in a variety of colors. The fabric itself is made from fibers that come from the flax plant. Depending on the color of the linen lampshade, they usually give a nice, soft light effect.
9. Rattan lamp shade
Rattan lamp shades can bring the natural look of the tropics from outdoors to indoors. Their vertical strips provide soft filtered light, resulting in a warm, rustic and cozy glow.
10. Bamboo lamp shade
Somewhat similar to rattan lamp shades, bamboo lamp shades provide a very natural, exotic appeal. However, with these types of lampshades, the slats are usually wider. As a result, less ambient light emerges from the shadow. Bamboo lamp shades are usually combined with table lamps to provide accent lighting.
11. Wooden lamp shade
Wooden lamp shades vary in style from rustic to modern. Thin layers of wood can be used to make lampshades that give an extraordinary, natural impression. These shades are usually round, square or rectangular in shape. Since the wood is opaque, light is emitted from the top and bottom openings.
Depending on the style of the wooden lamp shade, it can provide a bright, diffused light or a softer accent.