Lamp shades protect our eyes from the bulb’s glare while also helping to diffuse the glow of light. But lamp shades aren’t all function and no form. They can also be beautiful, decorative items that brighten up a hidden corner or add the perfect finishing touch to a room.
Despite this, we often buy lamp bases and shades together as they come, without considering whether other lamp shade options might be more suitable for our space.
But what if you’re in the market for a new lamp shade? What kinds of factors should you consider? Let’s take a look!
1. Size It Right
Most shades will fit all types of lamps, but you need to make sure that your lamp base and shade are compatible in size. Getting a shade that’s too small for the base can look comical rather than chic so remember to take your base with you if you’re going shopping for a shade. And if you’re shopping online, make sure to check the measurements before you buy.
2. Choose Complementary Colors
As tempting as that fuchsia lamp shade might be, will it complement the colors of your living room? If you have other bright pink accents in there, then go for it. But if your home has more of a neutral color palette, a lamp shade in a complementary color might be a better choice.
3. Make a Statement
For homes that follow a minimal style, introducing more statement-making lamp options is a great way to add interest. Take this simple yet elegant black and gold table lamp, for example. Combining a black shade with a unique gold base, it’s the perfect piece to draw attention to a bare sideboard or sleek console table.
4. Say It With Symmetry
Playing with traditional lighting options and concepts is a great way to make your home feel unique. One such idea that can work well is to have two identical lamps at either side of a mantelpiece or shelf. Since a symmetrical look is often associated with classic homes, this can add balance to homes full of eclectic details or quirky styling choices.
5. Turn Home Lighting into Art
From hand-painted lamp shades to sculpted bases that look as though they belong in a museum, there are plenty of ways to showcase how artful and creative your home lighting choices can be. While there’s nothing wrong with the occasional plain shade, mixing things up with an eye-catching lamp shade or two can make a world of difference to the feel of your home.
How to Choose Lamp Shades for Your Home
You may have never given your home’s lamp shades much thought before.
But now that you know how much scope there is for adding style, color, and unique touches to your home through your lighting choices, we bet that you’ll never look at a lamp shade the same way again!
Want more tips and tricks? Check out our other posts for all the latest on everything from decluttering your computer to dining room design.
