How to Choose: Lighting and Lampshades for the Home

Lighting is one of the easiest ways to change how a home feels but it is also one of the most overlooked. The right lampshade does not just soften or direct light; it can set the mood, highlights textures and pull your décor together. A poorly chosen one, on the other hand, can throw a whole room off balance.

In the living room styling example below JM Interiors have used a bespoke French Drum in linen to tie into the texture of the sofa and cushions. The neutral colour fits with the general room scheme. 

At Iberian Lighting, we have been making lampshades for over 60 years in our Hastings workshop and one thing we have learned is that the details matter. In this guide, we will share how to choose lighting and lampshades for your home, with room-by-room advice and practical tips you can put into practice right away.

We have also included six top tips from interior designer Jude Bowden of JM Interiors.

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Living Room Lighting: Balancing Lifestyle and Atmosphere

Your living room is where you unwind, entertain, and spend time with family so the lighting has to be flexible.

• Layer the light. Combine a central ceiling fixture with table and floor lamps to create depth.

• Use lampshades as features. A bold, oversized shade can become a design statement, but it must be in proportion. As a rule, the lampshade should be roughly two-thirds the height of its base.

• Highlight what matters. Directional shades can draw the eye to bookshelves, alcoves, or artwork, giving your living room character.

💡 Pro tip: In open-plan homes, lighting can act as a subtle divider. A pendant over the dining table and a different fabric shade by the sofa help define each zone without adding walls.

Image credit: JM Interiors

Bedroom Lighting: Encouraging Restful Rituals

Bedrooms are for winding down. Harsh light makes it harder to switch off, so choose lampshades that create a warm, diffused glow.

• Bedside lamps. A pair of matching shades gives balance, but bespoke options let you play with colour or fabric to complement your bedding or curtains.

• Fabric matters. Cotton and linen create softness, silk feels more indulgent. Pair with warm-tone bulbs for the best effect.

• Ceiling alternatives. Instead of a central pendant, you could try twin hanging shades above the bedside tables, a more modern look that saves space.

💡 Pro tip: Small bedroom? Wall-mounted lamps with custom shades free up surface space while still giving you that cosy bedside glow.

Dining Room Lighting: Designing for Connection

Meals should feel like an occasion and the right lampshade helps to set the scene.

• Pendant shades hung low over the table create intimacy. One large pendant feels communal, while a row of smaller shades adds rhythm and drama.

• Shape the light. Hard or lined shades focus light downward onto the table, creating pools of warmth. Soft shades spread light more evenly, ideal if the dining room doubles as a workspace.

• Add colour with confidence. A bold pendant shade can act as a visual anchor in the room, especially in otherwise neutral schemes.

👉 Curious about how different shade types change the mood? Read our post: Hard Shades vs Soft Shades – What’s the Difference?

Image Credit: Iberian Lighting

Kitchen and Hallway Lighting: Compact but Considered

It is easy to treat these “in-between” spaces as purely practical, but small details here make a big difference.

• In kitchens, slim or drum shades provide good light without cluttering the ceiling. Pick fabrics or colours that tie into your cabinets or tiles for cohesion.

• In hallways, bespoke shades in textured fabrics or bold colours can turn a pass-through space into something memorable.

• Mind the ceiling height. Low ceilings benefit from shallow shades, while tall period hallways can take dramatic drops.

💡 Pro tip: Repeating two or three matching shades down a hallway creates rhythm and makes the space feel considered rather than forgotten.

Image Credit: Iberian Lighting

Fresh Considerations: Sustainable Choices

Modern homeowners are increasingly eco-conscious and lampshades can play their part:

• Pair with LED bulbs for efficiency and longevity.

• Choose natural fabrics such as linen or cotton over synthetics.

• Invest in bespoke shades that can be recovered or resized if your décor changes, extending their life far beyond a mass-produced piece.

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Quick Tips for Choosing Lampshades for the Home

• Keep proportions in check: too big overwhelms, too small feels lost.

• Match fabric to function: linen is relaxed, silk is luxurious, cotton is versatile.

• Experiment with contrast: a bold shade can lift a neutral room.

• Think in layers: combine overhead, task and accent lights for flexibility.

• Start with purpose: are you reading, dining, or just creating ambience? Let that guide your choice.

👉 For more fast fixes, check our post: Five Tips for Choosing the Right Lampshade

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Why Bespoke Lampshades Elevate Your Home

Mass-produced shades fill shelves, but bespoke lampshades elevate homes. They give you:

• Perfect fit. Sizes tailored to your room, not the other way around.

• Creative freedom. Choose fabrics, colours and finishes that reflect your style.

• Craftsmanship. Hand-made construction lasts longer and looks sharper.

At Iberian Lighting, every shade is made to order in our Hastings workshop. Our artisans have spent decades perfecting their craft, which means when you order from us, you’re investing in lighting designed to last.

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Final Thoughts

Lighting should do more than illuminate. It should create mood, highlight design choices, and make every space more enjoyable to live in. Whether it is the soft glow of a bedroom lamp or a bold dining room pendant, the right lampshade transforms an everyday light into atmosphere.

You might also like:

• Five Tips for Choosing the Right Lampshade – quick fixes for size, proportion, and style.

• A Guide to Choosing Fabric for Lampshades – how fabric changes the mood in your home.

• Hard Shades vs Soft Shades – What’s the Difference? – choosing the right shade style for each room.

👉 Ready to find the perfect fit for your home? Contact us today or explore our Bespoke Order Guide to begin your design journey.

 

Unless otherwise stated images by JM Interiors