Lamp Shades

Getting the right lamp shades and lamps for your room is important because lighting plays such a big role in the look and feel of a room. It affects the whole ambience. The right lamp shade can enhance the whole picture and feeling you are trying to create, whereas one which clashes in any way can quickly ruin your room scheme and undo any of the great design decisions you have made with window treatments, furniture and floor coverings.

No need for bare bulbs

Color

Many people automatically choose white or cream colored lamp shades as they believe that this is a “safe” choice (and sometimes because there is not much else available in their local store). However white and off-white can look a little stark and are only right in an all-pale or minimalist room. Most rooms look best with a little warmth and color in decoration and you need to continue this through to your shades by choosing an equally rich color tone. If you shop online you will find just the right color of lamp shade to suit your room.

Size

The interior design rule of thumb for selecting the size of lamp shades is that the shade should be no larger than a third of the size of the lamp base height and ideally should just cover the lighting elements or hardware of the lamp. You want the bulb to be covered but not the base. The lampshades that most people buy are too large for the base. Don’t buy all your lamp shades the same size thinking that they should match – unless you have matching bases!

When measuring you don’t need to include decorative elements such as tassels – just the solid part of the shade.

For a normal table lamp the diameter of the base of the lampshade should be within two inches of the height of the lamp measured from the bottom of the light bulb fitting to the base.

For safety reasons make sure that the fabric of the lamp shade will clear the bulb with plenty of space – the higher the wattage of the bulb the more clearance is required between the bulb and the shade. If you’re worried about a shade you’ve chosen check that the part of the shade nearest the bulb does not get hot within 5 minutes of switching on the light.

Shape and style

The shape of the shade should be in keeping with the lampbase. A plain simple base lends itself to a simple shape whereas a fancy antique fitting deserves a more elaborate shade and an Asian style lamp goes well with a hexagonal shaped shade.

If your decor has a particular theme such as a particular historical period or designer style then choose lamp shades which suit that. You can get help by looking at pictures of whole room schemes which are in a similar theme including the lighting and lamp shades used. You can find these easily online.

Also consider where you lamp is going to be in relation to its surroundings. Some lamp shades mean that the lamp could not sit close to the wall or surrounding furniture.

What if you can’t find the right shade?

There are thousands of lamp shades to buy online but if all else fails you can buy custom shades made up in the exact size, color, shape, style and fabric you require.

You can purchase a selection of lamp shades in local stores but buying lamp shades online is a great idea for many reasons.

1. You Get a Fantastic Selection of Lamp Shades to Choose From

You are unlikely to find exactly the right lampshades in your local store which is only able to carry a limited selection of colors, styles and sizes. Online you can find any amount of table, floor, ceiling and wall lamps and suitable shades of every style and design imaginable at the click of a button.

2. Great Convenience

You can browse many online stores and find exactly the lamp shade you are looking for in a few minutes without the inconvenience (and expense) of getting to a store miles from your home. No waiting and no lines! Secure Ordering and hassle-free returns make the whole process of buying lighting online quick and easy. And the online stores never close – you can shop whenever you feel like it!

3. Lower Prices

Online stores are able to offer lamp shades at lower prices because the do not have the high expenses and overheads associated with running a store. Also you can easily compare prices on similar lamp shades from the comfort of your own home and get the benefits of shopping around without the hassle. Bookmark any lampshade you like the look of as you browse and then go back and make your selection quickly and easily.

4. Plenty of Advice

Instead of getting a bored shop assistant you get sites (like this one ) which offer sound advice on how to choose the best lamp shades to suit your decor, your furniture and your lamps.

5. No Pressure

You can make up your mind without some sales person on commission breathing down your neck. Think about your purchase as long as you like and return to look at the items you choose as much as you want without having to make a hasty decision (or having to make yet another trip to the store). You can even order a catalog from some online stores so that you can browse at your leisure.

6. Free Shipping

Many stores offer free shipping if your order is a reasonable size. Get your lamp shades delivered to your door entirely free of charge!

Designer Lamp Shade

7. Unique Designs

You’ll find designer lamp shades online which you would never find in a million years in your local area. These unique items will lift your whole decor to a new level. Choose something a little different and be the envy of your friends!

8. Quickly Find What You are Looking For

Most sites have great search facilities so you can quickly locate the type of lamp shades you are interested in and focus in on the ones which meet your requirements.

9. Money Back Guarantees

Online stores offer these to take the risk out of your purchase (and sometimes because it is a legal requirement). Local stores may offer a credit voucher if they will take back the merchandise at all.

10. Extra Services

Some online stores will create custom lamp shades for you which exactly match your requirements. This is a great service when you can’t find exactly the lamp shades you are looking for.