Lampshades 101

Whether you are purchasing new lamps or just want to freshen the look of the ones you have, the right shade makes all the difference. "For some of us, nothing makes a greater impact in a room than a properly chosen lampshade," says Stephanie Reeves, owner of Edgar-Reeves Lighting & Antiques in Atlanta.

"Scale, shape, fabric, trim, and lining all need to be carefully considered. It is a subtle but important element of a well-put-together room--almost as important as the lamp itself. The entire mood of a room can be altered by the addition of the right lampshade, the right light, and the right amount of it."