As we all know, interior design is an art form. It creates an environment that is not only functional and comfortable for you to be in, but also reaches into the depths of your creativity and imagination. Lighting can truly make or break the ambience, but it is far more than just a lamp in a room: how can you choose the best lampshade, fitting, and light colour to complement your existing decor, or even breathe life into a fresh, new space?
Here are five expert tips to help guide you through the process of choosing the perfect lighting:
1. Consider the Room’s Style
The first step in choosing the right lighting is to consider the style of the room. Your lampshade and the fixture should fit in seamlessly with the overall design of the space, as well as complement the furniture and decor that are already in place.
For example, if you are picturing a minimalist modern space, then a sleek and simple lampshade with clean lines and neutral colours would be a good choice that allows the light fixture to blend in with the rest of the surrounding space.
If you are thinking of more traditional and classic spaces, then considering richer fabrics such as linen, silk, or velvet can help to maintain the room’s elegance.
If the space is calling for more of an industrial or even eclectic energy then exposed bulbs, bold metal shades, and even vintage-inspired styles may be more fitting.
Don’t be scared to stand out! Feel the room and the aesthetic that you are trying to create and match it, even in ways that may feel a bit unconventional.
2. Pick the Right Shape
This particular step may seem straightforward at first glance, but the shape of a lampshade can truly enhance the design and feel of a room - and with so many options to choose from the task can very quickly become daunting for those without a clear-cut idea in their mind already.
Our first tip is to consider the location of the lamp itself, as well as the shape of the base. Matching the lampshade shape to the base style can produce a cleaner, more cohesive look that is more pleasing to the eye.
For example, a square lampshade with a square-edged base, or following the curves of the base with a shade that is more cylindrical.
Smaller, tapered shade shapes will work best for a smaller lamp, such as a bedside table, whereas drum shades may be most efficient on bigger lamps that are intended to light up more of a room.
With so many factors to consider, here are some of our favourite shade shapes and how they can benefit your space:
- Empire: Empire shades are a classic style and one of the more commonly used shapes in interior design. They are easy to work with and very eclectic in the ways in which they can be used to enhance the space you are trying to make.
- Tall tapered: Long and thinner than other more commonly used shades, the tapered shade provides a feeling of sleek elegance. These shade shapes work best in areas where the space may be slightly more restricted or minimal, such as hallway or bedside table lamps.
- Drum: Drum shades are incredibly clean and symmetrical to look at, which is perfect for contemporary or modern interior design. Their even shape allows for plenty of light distribution, so anyone looking for lots of light in a space would benefit from a drum shade.
- Coolie: Those looking to create a stylish, contemporary space may benefit from a coolie shade shape. They produce a circular, softly diffused light source which is more atmospheric and inviting to the eye.
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Square: Square or rectangular shaped shades are angular, geometric, and aesthetically pleasing to look at. With a lot of the same benefits as the drum shade, the square shades also have the added bonus of being flat on the sides, which allows them to be more space-saving and fit into more compact or flush spaces.
These are just some of our favourites - there are plenty of styles and shapes to choose between, from more conventional and versatile, all the way to quirky and unique. Pick a shape that speaks not only to the room, but to you!
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3. Focus on Scale
Despite what they all say, size does matter - when it comes to lampshades, at least. Picking the correct proportions for your shade can ensure that it doesn’t overpower the room - or get lost in it. If you are working with a tall, dramatic fixture or lamp base, consider picking a larger shade to keep the proportions balanced.
In spaces that are smaller, or for small furniture pieces, opt for a more compact lampshade. A shade that is too large can overwhelm the room and perhaps block out light in unwanted areas.
In the same vein, a shade that is too small can make the lamp appear out of place. Light fixtures and lampshades that have had proportions taken into consideration work with the room that they are in, drawing the eye naturally and complementing the space around them.
4. Think of Material and Texture
The chosen material of your lampshade can truly add an extra layer of personality to your space.
For a softer, more natural vibe, consider a woven rattan, linen, or a cotton shade - these materials not only diffuse light beautifully but they also add texture and warmth to the space they are in, which make them a good choice for interiors that are wanting a relaxed, comfortable, or boho feel to them.
If you are looking for a polished or a sophisticated look then consider metallic shades, ceramic, or even glass. These choices can lend a modern, industrial feeling to your interior, and glass shades in particular are ideal for areas that are looking for bright, even lighting.
Fabrics with a rich texture such as velvet or silk can add a splash of luxury to a space, whereas smooth finishes like glass or metal can work to create a clean, sleek look.
Don’t overlook the texture of your shade - make sure to choose a material that resonates with the aesthetic and the energy that you want to bring to your interior design dream!
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5. Play Around with Colour
Lampshades come in a variety of colours and patterns, which gives you an excellent opportunity to tie your lighting in with the rest of your colour scheme, or perhaps as an opportunity to stand out as a focal or statement piece.
Neutral tones, such as white, beige, or grey, are extremely versatile and can seamlessly tie together most interiors. They allow light to be reflected more efficiently, which can offer a bright and welcoming glow to the room.
However, if you’re looking to add a pop of personality to your space, then you can consider choosing a lampshade colour that complements or offsets an accent colour that you have chosen. For example, if your bedroom features a handful of deep red throw cushions, then a similarly red lampshade could tie the design together.
Patterns and prints on lampshades can stand out as a statement piece. Stripes, animal print, or floral designs are a fun and unique way to express your creativity - just be sure to keep the rest of the room’s decor in mind to ensure that you avoid clashing with any other patterns or bold elements that may be present.
Lampshades can also be fitted with liners and diffusers in different colours and textures. These can influence the warmth and colour of the light that the shade produces, thus changing the vibe and the aesthetic entirely.
Overall, choosing the right lampshade and light style is a fantastic way to elevate the design of your chosen space whilst also adding a touch of personal flair and personality to it. After all, anyone can simply buy a cheap lampshade from the store and call it a day - but what does that truly add to the space that you are trying to create? Materials, texture, size, colour, light output - these are all minute yet incredibly effective ways to complement your aesthetic and enhance the beauty and comfort of the space that you are in.
For those wanting to curate their own unique creativity, those who want to take the rule book and the cut-and-paste shade designs and throw them out of the window, our bespoke lampshade selection is the right place for you. Take a browse through our catalogues, mix and match shapes and fabrics and styles until you’ve breathed life into your vision, and let us help you make it into a reality.
Happy decorating!
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