French Drum Lampshade

Handmade French Drum Lampshades

The French Drum lampshade is a lightly tapered variation of the classic drum shade. Its subtle 5-degree slope gives it a softer profile than a straight-sided drum, while retaining the balanced proportions that make drum shades suitable for a wide range of lamps and interiors.

Each French Drum lampshade is handmade in our UK workshop and can be ordered from our standard range or developed as a bespoke French Drum lampshade for a specific project. We can make French Drum shades in a choice of sizes and colours from our premium man-made silk range by Prestigious Textiles.

What Is a French Drum Lampshade?

A French Drum lampshade has a slightly smaller top diameter than its base, creating a gentle taper rather than the parallel sides of a standard drum lampshade.

The difference is subtle, but it gives the shade a more traditional and slightly softer outline. It can work well where a full empire or cone profile would feel too pronounced, but a straight drum would appear too rigid.

Choosing a French Drum Lampshade

To design your French Drum lampshade, start by choosing the size required for your lamp or interior. You can then select a fabric colour from our Prestigious Textiles man-made silk range and choose the appropriate mounting type for a table lamp or pendant light.

French Drum shades can work well on table lamps, floor lamps and pendant fittings. The slight taper makes the form adaptable across both traditional and contemporary interiors, depending on the fabric, colour and scale selected.

Bespoke French Drum Lampshades for Interior Designers

For interior design studios, hospitality projects and private commissions, we can make bespoke French Drum lampshades to suit specific dimensions, materials and project requirements.

This can include non-standard sizes, customer’s own material, alternative linings, trims, frame finishes and production quantities.

For wider project requirements, our Manufacturing for Design Studios service covers lampshade development, frame fabrication, wiring and batch production.

French Drum Lampshade Sizes, Mountings and Fittings

Our standard French Drum lampshades can be configured for table lamp or pendant use and are fitted for an E27 lampholder. An adaptor for BC and E14 lampholders is included where applicable.

For further guidance, see our article on specifying lampshades for interior design projects.

For non-standard sizes, alternative fabrics or project quantities, please discuss a bespoke French Drum lampshade with our team.