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Lampshades 101

A shade can change the entire look and feel of a lamp. Lighting expert Stephanie Edgar Reeves gives us some guidelines for a match made in heaven.

Lampshade Lessons
Erica George Dines

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."

Urn Lamp
Erica George Dines

Urn Lamp

This shape goes back to the time of the Greeks. The glass base makes it versatile. It could work in a living room or library with a silk shade, on a porch with a card (paper) shade, or as a focal point in a kitchen. Because of its strong color, it could give punch to a room by itself or complement an overall design as a pair.

Oval knife-pleat shade in silk. The cream silk provides warm, beautiful light. If you want a little more pizzazz, put a trim on the shade.

For the Formal Setting

For the Formal Setting

Knife-pleat shade with cut corners in silk. This combination would be found in a formal room or in a spot where a really special lamp is needed.
Clean Lines
Erica George Dines

Clean Lines

Rectangular hard-back shade in silk. The straight lines of the shade complement the clean lines of the lamp. The combination looks sharp and chic.
Candlestick Lamp
Erica George Dines

Candlestick Lamp

Candlestick lamps are most effective in pairs. They can be used either on the same surface, such as a chest or tabletop, or separately on two surfaces that are smaller and somewhat close together.

Rectangular shade with cut corners in linen. Strong, clean lines present a traditional face. A contemporary fabric would make it look more current.
New Look, Antique Style
Erica George Dines

New Look, Antique Style

Square shade in sheer silk. The compact size with accentuated height balances well with the shape and gives an update to an antique style.
Feminine Details
Erica George Dines

Feminine Details

Knife-pleat shade in silk with collar. This feminine detailing goes well in a bedroom or dressing room. The round shape reflects the round base.
Vintage Tin Lamps
Erica George Dines

Vintage Tin Lamp

We find it more interesting to pair round and square than to put a square shade on a square base. Notice how the shade hits above the cap and does not rest on the top of the base.

Oval knife-pleat shade in cream silk. This makes the lamp look a little larger and gives it a slightly edgy look.
Simple Silhouette
Erica George Dines

Simple Silhouette

Knife-pleat drum shade in cream silk. We like the silhouette: straight lines that are well-proportioned.
Traditional Look
Erica George Dines

Traditional Look

Box-pleat shade in ecru silk. This shade is narrower than the first, giving the lamp a more traditional feel.
Chinese Bottle Vase
Erica George Dines

Chinese Bottle Vase

This form appeals to those looking for a spot of color or to those who appreciate the clean lines of Asian ceramics. The strong turquoise hue in this 1940s Asian ceramic vase makes a bold statement.

Bone shade overlaid with gauzy linen with bow. Also known as a skirted shade, it adds an air of whimsy to a classically shaped base.
Petite and Elegant
Erica George Dines

Petite and Elegant

Box-pleat bouillotte shade in sand-colored silk. This shade allows the lamp to work in a more compact space yet have an elegant silhouette.
Asian Pagoda
Asian Pagoda

Asian Pagoda

Pagoda shade in cream silk. The shade's elegant lines highlight the simplicity of the base. The pagoda shape continues the Asian theme.
Stacked Spheres Lamp
Erica George Dines

Stacked Spheres Lamp

Stacked spheres give the overall appearance of a column-shaped lamp. This one is made from wood, gesso, and silver gilt.

Hard-back drum shade in natural linen. This shade gives the lamp a cool, clean, sophisticated feel and could work in a variety of spaces.
Reading Light
Erica George Dines

Reading Light

Hard-back half-shade in kraft paper with black trim. This architectural shade is great for reading, with light thrown from the top, bottom, and back.
Style Sense
Erica George Dines

Style Sense

Shirred shade with flat cut corners in sheer silk. The room where this lamp lives has a great sense of style. Nothing has been left to chance.

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